Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognisable buildings of the 20th century. Its sail-like shells sit on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, and it hosts more than 1,500 performances a year. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Opened in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world's largest steel arch bridge, nicknamed "the Coathanger" by locals. It carries road, rail and foot traffic between the CBD and the North Shore. Visitors can walk across for free or join the BridgeClimb to the summit 134 metres above the harbour for sweeping views.

The Rocks is the historic heart of Sydney, where the First Fleet established the colony in 1788. Its narrow laneways and sandstone buildings now house pubs, galleries, restaurants and weekend markets. Sitting between Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge, it offers some of the best harbour views in the city.

Founded in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is Australia's oldest scientific institution. Its 30 hectares wrap around Farm Cove beside the Opera House, with themed gardens, glasshouses and native plant collections. Mrs Macquarie's Chair at the garden's edge is a classic spot for photos of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Bondi Beach is Australia's most famous stretch of sand, a kilometre-long golden crescent just 7 km from central Sydney. It is known for surf culture, the iconic Bondi Icebergs ocean pool and lifeguards. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk starts here, winding past cliffs, rock pools and smaller beaches.

Manly Beach is a relaxed surf beach on Sydney's northern peninsula, reached by a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. Lined with Norfolk Island pines, its long promenade connects to Shelly Beach and the North Head lookouts. The Corso, a pedestrian street, links the harbour wharf with the ocean side.

Darling Harbour is a lively waterfront precinct on the western edge of Sydney's CBD. Once a busy industrial port, it was redeveloped for Australia's bicentenary in 1988. Today it is home to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum, restaurants and frequent fireworks displays over the water.

The Three Sisters is a famous sandstone rock formation in the Blue Mountains near Katoomba. The three weathered pillars, named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo in Aboriginal legend, rise above the Jamison Valley. Echo Point lookout offers the classic view, and the Giant Stairway leads down past the formation into the valley.

Blue Mountains National Park covers over 260,000 hectares west of Sydney and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area. The blue haze comes from oils released by eucalyptus trees. Visitors explore dramatic cliffs, waterfalls such as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba Falls, and bushwalking trails through deep valleys.

Parliament House in Canberra opened in 1988 and is the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia. Built into Capital Hill and topped by an 81-metre flagpole, it features grass-covered roof walkways offering views over the city. Visitors can tour the building, see its art collection and watch parliament in session.

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra commemorates Australians who died in wars and conflicts. It combines a shrine, a world-class museum and an extensive archive. The Roll of Honour lists over 100,000 names, and the daily Last Post Ceremony honours individual stories. It overlooks Anzac Parade toward Parliament House.