Best things to do in Greater Sydney

Surrounded by stunning scenery, the popular Bondi to Coogee Walk follows a clifftop trail for 6 km (3.7 mi). You'll encounter wide golden-sand beaches, green parks, tide pools, and vistas of blue ocean waves dramatically crashing into craggy rock faces. The medium-grade walk passes Tamarama, Bronte, Coogee, and Maroubra beaches, all of which have free electric barbecues. Tamarama is a trendy beach, and Bronte suits families. Mackenzie's Point serves up superb waves for surfing. Along the way, you can stop to relax on the beach, snorkel Clovelly Beach, or admire the view from one of the world's most beautiful final resting places, Waverley Cemetery.

Home of kangaroos, koalas, and native snakes, Taronga Zoo also shelters animals from Africa, Asia, and South America. Wildlife is kept in excellent conditions, with realistic enclosures and large habitats providing suitable homes for many majestic creatures. Take the kids to the wild ropes play zone, where they can enjoy an adrenalin-packed adventure through the treetops.

Located on 3 hectares (7 acres) of what was once a poultry farm, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park offers visitors a rare hands-on wildlife experience just 45 minutes from Sydney. At this park, situated en route to the Blue Mountains National Park, you can encounter koalas, hand-feed a variety of kangaroos and wallabies, and learn about Australia's variety of bird species, reptiles, dingoes, wombats, and crocs. Walk along the zoo's gravel pathways. Bring your own snacks or grab a quick bite at the park's cafe, which also provides free parking. The popular souvenir center sells a wide range of inexpensive Aussie mementos.

Shelly Beach is the only west-facing beach on Australia's eastern coast. These waters, part of a protected marine reserve, are filled with a variety of sea life, including species of the eastern blue groper, weedy sea dragon, gloomy octopus, and little penguin. Clear shallow waters lapping this beach make it a popular spot for scuba divers and snorkelers. A haven for sun seekers, this coastline is sheltered from the ocean swell by a reef that faces west. For refreshments, drop by Le Kiosk, a small beach restaurant selling light seafood meals, cold drinks, ice cream, and coffee.

Only 40 km (25 mi) from Sydney, Palm Beach is regarded as one of the premier surfing spots in the region. The beach features a strip of sand 3 km (1.9 mi) long and a 50 m (164 ft) ocean swimming pool that's popular with local families. Rock climbers are also frequent visitors, attracted by two sandstone boulders with high vertical and overhanging features considered ideal for bouldering (rock climbing without ropes or harnesses). At its northernmost point, the beach is bounded by Barrenjoey Headland, which rises sharply from the sand and features a functioning lighthouse.