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The Entertainment Quarter
Formerly named after neighbouring Fox Studios (where Moulin Rouge, and two Star War prequels were made), this very-LA entertainment complex spreads along a palm-lined avenue. It boasts cinemas, shops, restaurants, pubs and performance venues and is home to two popular markets. There's a monster car park and disabled access is very good.
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The Mint
The main building (1816) in the Mint complex was originally the southern wing of the infamous Rum Hospital, built by two Sydney merchants in return for a monopoly on the rum trade (Sydney's real form of currency in those days). It became a branch of the Royal Mint in 1854, the first to be established outside England. It's now head office for the Historic Houses Trust, with a small historical collection on the premises and a lovely café.
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The Toaster
Once, there were some nasty buildings along this stretch, then in the 1990s they were pulled down, opening up the views to and from the Royal Botanic Gardens and creating a warm, fuzzy glow. Then some even uglier buildings were erected, despite sustained protests. Sydneysiders are still waiting for a proper answer as to how this was allowed to happen.
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The Yellow House
Once a sunflower-yellow symbol of all things bohemian, this former artists' residence housed cultural heroes such as Martin Sharp, Peter Weir, Brett Whiteley and George Gittoes. It fell into disrepair in the 1970s but has recently been renovated into a slick commercial gallery showcasing contemporary Australian and New Zealand art and a café/providore known for its heavenly chocolate cake.
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Town Hall
The High Victorian sandstone wedding-cake exterior of the Town Hall (built 1869-1889) is matched by the elaborate chamber room and wood-lined concert hall inside. The stupendous concert hall houses an impressive 8000-pipe organ and is a venue for free, monthly lunchtime concerts. Functions sometimes see Town Hall closed to the casual visitor, but otherwise feel free to poke around the first few halls off the entrance.
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Tumbalong Park
This friendly grassy area at Darling Harbour's south end has fountains with timed, acrobatic water jets, a delightful sculpture of sheep leaping into another dimension and an amphitheatre that often hosts free entertainment. Nearby there's an excellent children's playground and a lake with pricey paddle-boats (around A$12 for 15 minutes, max three people).
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University Of Sydney
Australia's oldest tertiary institution (1850), the University of Sydney has over 45,000 students and even boasts its own postcode. You don't need to be an academic to grab a free campus map and wander around at your leisure. The Gothic Revival design of the Quadrangle tips its mortar board towards the stately colleges of Oxford.
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Vaucluse House
Vaucluse was a desirable address even in the colony's early days, so it's interesting to note that one of its finest mansions was built by William Wentworth, a prominent explorer, patriot and barrister who, as a result of his free thinking and vocal advocacy of self-government, suffered a sort of social ostracism.
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Victoria Barracks
There are free tours of these stately Georgian barracks (built 1841-1848) that include a performance by the military band (weather permitting). It's a large complex, brought alive by the old soldiers of the Corps of Guides; expect a good yarn. The museum is jam-packed with military paraphernalia. Disabled access is good.
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Victoria Park
The green gateway to the Inner West and the University of Sydney, Victoria Park is a pleasant 9-hectare grassy space set around pond-like Lake Northam and Victoria Park Pool. Every February 75,000 people descend on the park for Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras' Fair Day - a fun family day which includes dog shows, live performances and the Miss Fair Day drag competition.
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Wagner Art Gallery
Think Boyd, Lindsay, Nolan and Friend. Think top dollar. Think champagne, turtlenecked, lah-de-dah openings ( to one Tuesday per month). Wagner is one of the oldest galleries in Paddington, its maturity reflected in its composed atmosphere and high-brow decency.
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Walsh Bay
This waterfront between Millers Point and Dawes Point was Sydney's busiest before container shipping and the construction of new port facilities at Botany Bay. No longer the preserve of crusty seadogs, the last decade has seen these attractive Federation-era wharves gentrified beyond belief into luxury hotels, apartments and restaurants. The self-guided Walsh Bay Walk starts at Pier 2 and leads you through 11 well-labelled stops, with fascinating plaques and clear directions to point you on your way. Pier 4 houses the Wharf Theatre, home to the renowned Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Theatre.
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Watters Gallery
Since 1964 this funky institution in the seamy lower reaches of Riley St has been pumping out quality. James Gleeson, Ken Whisson, Tony Tuckson and reformed rock-star Reg Mombassa are just a handful of the iconic Australian artists it holds up to the light.
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Waverley Cemetery
Many Sydneysiders would die for these views, and that's the only way they're going to get them. Perched on the cliffs between Bronte and Coogee the white marble gravestones are dazzling in the sunlight. 80,000 people have been interred here since 1877, including writer and poet Henry Lawson. It's a fascinating place to potter about and a good spot for whale-watching in the winter months.
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Writers' Walk
A series of plaques set into the promenade alongside the wharves hold ruminations from prominent Australian writers (and the odd visitor). The likes of Robert Hughes, Germaine Greer, Peter Carey, James Michener and Clive James wax lyrical on subjects ranging from indigenous rights to the paradoxical nature of glass. Genres vary from eloquent poems addressing the human condition to an irreverent ditty about a meat pie by Barry Humphries.
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Yurulbin Point
At the northern tip of the Balmain peninsula, this narrow point stretches to within 300m of the North Shore. Once called Long Nose Point, it was changed back to its original name (meaning 'swift running water') in 1994. It was originally inhabited by the Wangal clan, of which Bennelong is thought to have been a member . There are great views up the harbour towards the bridge, making this a popular firework-watching spot.
