Sydney: harbour walks, neighbourhoods and getting around

From Circular Quay you can walk towards the Opera House and the waterfront beside the Royal Botanic Garden, or head the other way into The Rocks. Sandstone buildings, views of the bridge and the working harbour give this part of Sydney its character. Add separate time for an indoor visit or performance rather than treating every landmark as a quick stop on one long walk.

Darling Harbour is another waterfront area, with promenades and the Australian National Maritime Museum. A museum visit and a relaxed harbour walk work well together; a ferry journey can form the centre of another outing. Sydney's former Monorail ceased operating on 30 June 2013.

Metro, trains, buses, light rail and ferries serve different parts of the city. On the Opal network, suitable contactless credit or debit cards and linked devices offer a way to pay as you travel. Tap on and off with the same card or device. A physical card and the version stored on your phone are separate payment methods, even if they use the same bank account.

For Sydney Ferries, use the Opal readers at the wharf. A public ferry can combine the journey to another neighbourhood with views across the water. Private ferry operators have their own fares and payment arrangements, so distinguish a sightseeing cruise from a public transport trip when choosing your outing.

Bondi and Manly suit plans with time at the beach, while the central harbour area gives a different starting point for city walks and cultural visits. When choosing accommodation in Sydney, think about the trips you expect to make each day. A waterfront room and a beach-side base can involve very different journeys to the same attraction.

Give Sydney its own block of time before continuing through the state. Match the city stay to your season and wider Australian route, allowing longer road stages to sit outside the sightseeing days. That leaves room for the harbour, a neighbourhood walk and the coast without changing accommodation every morning.