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Lindesay
It's rarely open but aside from Nicole Kidman inviting you in for tea, this is probably your best chance to look inside an actual Darling Point mansion. Built in 1834, it's still got its Georgian interiors, servant's quarters and long lawn overlooking the Harbour.
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Luna Park
A colourful landmark, this old-fashioned amusement park opened in 1935 and soon attracted thousands of people who flocked across the harbour on the new bridge. The park closed in the 1970s after a fatal fire on the Ghost Train and it has opened and closed a couple of times since. In 2004 it opened its toothy gates to the public once again. During school and public holidays Luna Park opens daily, with extended hours.
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Macquarie Lighthouse
When the original Francis Greenway-designed lighthouse (1818) fell into disrepair, the current lighthouse (1883) was built in front of it as an exact replica and the original dismantled. It's a pleasant spot to visit, with large surrounding grassy lawns and heavenly ocean views - best enjoyed while ambling along the Coastal Cliff Walk. Before the lighthouse was built a series of fires were lit along Sydney's headland to alert ships to the treacherous cliffs below.
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Macquarie Place
Under shady Moreton Bay figs is this historic little area. Look for the cannon and anchor from the First Fleet flagship ( HMS Sirius ), an ornate drinking fountain (1857), a National Trust-classified gentlemen's convenience (not open), and an inscribed obelisk erected in 1818.
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Macquarie Street
Sydney's early public buildings grace Macquarie St, which runs along the eastern edge of the city. The street is named after Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the first governor to have a vision of the city extending beyond a convict colony. Macquarie commissioned convicted forger Francis Greenway to design this street in the early 19th century.
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Manly Art Gallery & Museum
Next to Oceanworld on the Manly Cove foreshore, this tiny gallery has a small local history section with old photos and newspapers, an exhibition space and a ceramics collection. Admission free on Wednesdays.
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Manly Scenic Walkway
This four-hour walk wanders through pricey residential areas and undulating native bushland with breathtaking harbour views. Starting from the Spit Bridge it winds its way along the edge of secluded bays before reaching Clontarf Beach and its grassy picnic grounds. It goes on to isolated Castle Rock Beach, within Sydney Harbour National Park. A little later it turns towards Grotto Point, which has great views beside a whitewashed old lighthouse.
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Martin Place
As iconic as the Opera House in its time, this beautiful colonnaded Victorian building (1874) was formerly the General Post Office and has now been gutted, stabbed with tower blocks and transformed into swanky shops, restaurants, offices and the Westin Sydney hotel. Inspired by Italian renaissance palaces, architect James Barnet caused a minor scandal by basing the faces carved on the sandstone façade on local identities.
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Martin Place Bank Buildings
These cathedrals of commerce were designed to awe in much the same way as their spiritual siblings. The 12-storey Commonwealth Bank building (5 Martin Place) was Australia's first steel-framed 'skyscraper' when it was built in 1916. Its interiors are largely intact and clock-watching tellers can still muse over the inscription - 'The Noiseless Foot Of Time Steals Swiftly By' - on the wall.
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Mary Mackillop Place
This museum tells the life story of Australia's first hope for a saint, a dedicated and outspoken educator and pioneer who prevailed over conservative Catholic hierarchical ideals despite being excommunicated for six months. The building was blessed by Pope John Paul II on the day of MacKillop's beatification (19 January 1995). You'll find her tomb inside the chapel.
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McElhone Stairs
These wonderful old stone stairs (1870) were built to connect smart Potts Point with the Woolloomooloo slums below. The downhill trip is infinitely easier on the legs and lungs than the 120 steps up from Woolloomooloo.
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McIvers Baths
Perched against the cliffs at the southern end of Coogee is the womens only McIvers Baths. Well screened from passers-by, this spot has been popular for women's bathing since before 1876. Its strictly women-only policy has made it popular with an unlikely mixture of nuns, Muslim women and lesbians. Entry is via the honesty/donation system and small children are permitted.
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Minus 5
On a hot summer's day this winter wonderland is a surreal experience. Everything's made of ice, from the furniture to the intricate sculptures. Adults get a complementary first vodka cocktail (value around A$15 ) served in an ice glass. Even wearing the big coat and gloves provided, you won't be sorry to be booted out after 30 minutes. Children can only enter before . It's wheelchair accessible but the lounge itself isn't guide-dog-friendly.
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Moore Park
This large utilitarian park is a mecca for sporting activities. It has a sports playing field, a walking, cycling and skating track, horse trails, a golf-driving range and grass skiing. The historic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is also here. There are one-and-a-half-hour, behind-the-scenes guided tours of the facilities at Aussie Stadium and the SCG.
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Museum of Contemporary Art
A slice of Gotham City on West Circular Quay, the stately Art Deco MCA has a fine collection of modern art from Australia and around the world (sculpture, painting, installation and moving image) and temporary exhibitions (prices vary) from the art world's superheroes. You'll often find Aboriginal art featured prominently. It's also home to the excellent MCA Store and a classy café.
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Museum of Sydney
Built on the site of the first government house (the foundations are still visible), this excellent and dynamic museum uses installation and multiple-perspective art to explore Sydney's early history - including the natural environment, the culture of the indigenous Eora people and convict life. Sydney's early days come to life in whisper, argument, gossip and artefacts, and it's a brilliant spot to get acquainted with the city.
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National Art School
From 1841 to 1912 this set of sandstone buildings was Darlinghurst Gaol. Writer Henry Lawson was incarcerated here several times for debt, calling the place 'Starvinghurst'. It crammed 732 prisoners within its walls, and 76 were hanged here. A tiny morgue near the Burton St exit has creepy skull and crossbone carvings. There's an excellent gallery onsite showcasing students' work.
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Neild Avenue Maze
This tiny maze of impeccably trimmed, thigh-high hedges hides behind a gargantuan plane tree on a Paddington back street, squished into a cranny between a gallery and someone's back fence. It mightn't take you forever to find your way through, but it'll add a smile to your day.
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Nicholson Museum
Located near the University of Sydney's quad, this museum is a must-see for ancient history buffs. It houses an impressive display of Greek, Roman, Cypriot, Egyptian, and Near Eastern antiquities, including the mummified remains of a cat. It was founded in 1860 by Sir Charles Nicholson, who was an important figure in the founding of both the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum.
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Nielsen Park
Nielsen Park is a beautiful bush area and part of Sydney Harbour National Park. Attractions include a decent netted beach, some gentle walking tracks and Greycliffe House (1851), a beautiful Rustic Gothic sandstone pile (not open to visitors). The best time to come is on a weekday, when it's not too busy and the other layabouts are just mums, kids, oldies and people throwing sickies from work.
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North Fort
North Head Scenic Drive, heading south from Manly, provides stunning ocean, harbour and city views. Along the way is the Royal Australian Artillery National Museum at North Fort - tunnels, guns and history for the military-minded.
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North Head
Spectacular North Head, about 3km south of Manly, offers grand views of the ocean, harbour and city skyline. The area is believed to have been used as a ceremonial site by the native Camaraigal people. The peninsula boasts dramatic cliffs, lookouts and it's great to explore on bike. Most of the headland is in the Sydney Harbour National Park contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service office (9977 6522) near the Quarantine Station for info.
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Nutcote
Nutcote (1925) is the former home of well-known and much-loved Australian children's author May Gibbs (author of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie ). It's now a museum, restored to its 1930s style, and has exhibits on her life and work. Volunteer guides can show you around and there are beautiful gardens, a tearoom and a gift shop. It's a five-minute walk from the wharf.
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Object Gallery
Also known as the Australian Centre for Craft and Design, Object Gallery focuses on contemporary Australian design in a variety of materials, encompassing everything from furniture to fashion to kitchen utensils. It occupies the delicious chapel of the former St Margaret's Hospital, an intriguing design in itself - round with panels of coloured glass.
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Oceanworld
Manly's shabby aquarium isn't a patch on its big sister in Darling Harbour, but if you're staying locally and you're stuck with grumpy kids on a wet day, it starts to justify the admission charge. There are plenty of aquariums and an underwater tunnel for viewing the sharks and stingrays. Snakes and reptiles also make an appearance. There's reasonable access for wheelchairs and prams. After the admission price drops 15%.
