Aussie locals love checking out our natural habitats and off-road holidays are more popular than ever (make sure to cover your risks of off-road travel!)

Let’s grab your walking shoes and your car keys, head north over the Harbour Bridge and check out some of the natural landscapes close to home:

Chowder Bay

Named by the whalers after the seafood that was abundant in the bay in the late 1800s, according to HarbourTrust.gov.au. Located along a well-marked track between Taronga Zoo and Balmoral Beach, Chowder Bay and Headland Park are steeped in history as a maritime village, the Sydney Institute of Maritime Science research area, ship building and of course restaurants serving today’s catch.

Balmoral Beach

This is a safe family beach offering an enclosed shark proof swimming area, a wide boardwalk, toilets, showers, takeaway shops, restaurants and a Bathers Pavilion. Many walkers plan a 3-km, 5-km or 10-km walk around the headland with the backdrop of multimillion dollar homes and yachts.

Quarantine Station

Heading north from Balmoral Beach, over the Spit Bridge and heading towards Manly, is the Quarantine Station on the headland — approximately a 20 to 30 minute drive. According to QStation.com.au, the Station evolved over 150 years and closed in 1984. Its use increased during periods of infectious diseases when international travellers arriving in Australia by migrant ships with suspected contagious diseases in the early to mid 1900’s. They were offloaded in Sydney Harbour and taken to North Head Quarantine Station to protect local residents from infection.

After a number of weeks of incubation they were released into the general public. The buildings remain as a testament to this period in Sydney’s history. Some of the buildings have been converted into accommodation. Ghost tours are available as well as Manly Murders walking tours, arranged by a local crime writer, according to ManlyMurders.com.

North Head Lookout

North Head Lookout, according to SydneyForAll.com is found at the end of a 1-km long paved pathway, not far from the Quarantine Station. The views south to South Head and across to Sydney Harbour are spectacular. Between May and November, this is a brilliant location to view the humpback whales on their migration from the Antarctic to Hervey Bay in far north Qld. You can explore the National Artillery Museum, as this site was used to protect Sydney during the first and second world wars. No toilet facilities are available at this location. Take a jacket when you visit as the southern winds can be intense at times as you near the cliff face.

All of these locations are surrounded by natural easy-to-access fauna and flora. Remember your block out in the summer months, your camera and your map.

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Harbour Bridge Climb

The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is sight that you definitely not miss when in Sydney with it’s amazing architecture over the harbour and it’s heights overlooking Sydney itself. Over 3 million people have climbed the bridge with unbeatable views over the entire city. The staff here will guide you on an unforgettable trip and one that will give you a sense of accomplishment once you reach the end.

TIP: If you’re on a budget then the “Bridge Pylon Climb” will give you great views of the harbour and you can take your own camera with you too!

Prices start at around $200 for the Harbour Bridge Climb & $10 for the Pylon Lookout. Visit the website for more http://www.bridgeclimb.com/

Opera @ the Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is another icon that is renowned across the world. It’s design was to mimic the look of large sails on Sydney Harbour, using many “shells” in the design concept.

If opera isn’t your foray then there are plenty of different types of performances that can be seen here of all different genres. The venue is home to four key companies:  Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

As one of the world’s most famous performing art centres and an icon of Australia, it is a must see.

TIP: Pack a lunch and sit ledges near the waterside for a nice meal with a view.

Prices are varied. Please visit http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Darling Harbour

This harbour side entertainment area is a vibrant part of Sydney with many restaurants, shops and entertainment events. It’s very easily accessible and a great way to pass the day with many activities at your avail. There’s something here for everybody!

TIP: Catch the Monorail from here before this iconic Sydney structure is removed within the next few months.

Price is FREE! Find out what’s happening at http://www.darlingharbour.com/

Sydney Harbour Ferries

Operating since 1875, the Sydney Ferries are the best way to experience the harbour and sights of Sydney. These ferries provide a unique public transport system to tourists, visitors and residents to enjoy the magnificent harbour as well as easy access to many destinations around Sydney.

The ferries are well priced for sightseeing so make sure to get outside and enjoy the ocean spray. These ferries give you a great cruise around the harbour for a fraction of the price… you might even end up on one of Fantasea’s ferries!

TIP: The Sydney Harbour Ferrython is the best way to see Sydney’s ferries out in force!

Prices are varied. Please visit http://www.sydneyferries.info

Taronga Zoo

Animals, views and amazing enclosures. Taronga Zoo offers so much to see in so little time! Ferries are the only great way to get here and it certainly does live up to its hype being known to be so open, free and well maintained.

The staff here are friendly and helpful so make sure to ask them any questions you may have as they will be more than happy to help. No matter how old you are there is something special to enjoy here.

TIP: Make sure to take the Sky Safari gondola for a ride high over the zoo grounds!

Prices: Prices are around $44 per adult and $22 for children 4+. Children under 4 years go free! Visit http://taronga.org.au/

The post What to do in Sydney… Five attractions you must see! appeared first on Fantasea - Sydney Harbour, Palm Beach, Magnetic Island | Australia.

Fantasea Cruising Sydney Harbour is excited to be expanding into new and innovative experiences for visitors to the harbour with plans underway for 2013.

Stay tuned for more details!

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