#2. SYDNEY HARBOUR IN FULL SAIL

You have all seen Australia’s icon image – the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Like Brad and Angelina they are an eye-catching pair. But how are they up close? Even better. I can only vouch for the Opera and Bridge which are stunningly beautiful, especially from one of the waterside cafés of the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

The best way to get a feeling for the Sydney’s harbour district is to tune into a local artist who paints the place as brilliantly as Van Gogh painted Provence. Ken Done’s paintings capture the fun of living by the ocean, in a warm climate. “I love the patterns of the boats, the little hidden bays and the amazing spectacle of Sydney Harbour dressed in full sail”.

The best views of Opera & Bridge are from the Rocks. This characterful, heritage district is right under the bridge – and home to the Ken Done Gallery, of course. And the Museum of Modern Art, which has a patio café overlooking said attractions. And I counted at least twenty taverns on George and Argyle Streets, with more hidden in the alleyways. The Rocks is also home to Circular Quay – the tram and ferry hub that gets you to all the wonderful ‘city villages’ that make Sydney such a desirable place to live. I’d have a hell of a time deciding if I should be in Potts Point, Kings Cross, Paddington or maybe over in Manly – so my daily commute would be by ferry. After my evening ride I’d stop off at the 4 Pines Brewing Company tavern which has a second floor patio overlooking Manly Cove. Life would be perfect. But it might be even more perfect if I lived in the next place I’ll tell you about. Bondi Beach.