Sydney is an eager host for just about anything that puts it on the world stage - from the heralded 2000 Summer Olympics to the 2003 Rugby World Cup. This is a city that thrives on the opportunity to show the world what it has grown into: a vibrant, cosmopolitan city renowned for its international cuisine, stellar architecture and spectacular scenery.

Sydney is the cultural and financial heart of the continent and home to nearly one-quarter of Australia’s residents. This is a city with a bustling vibe, and its residents always seem to be on the go. It’s perhaps more casual than many similarly sized European cities, but Sydney is by no means tame.

Sydneysiders worship their waterfront and put the harbor to good use. They sail, surf, swim and ferry across it - or simply gaze at the bay from one of the many waterfront cafes.

Sydney Opera House

No visit to Sydney would be complete without enjoying a fine opera performance at the Sydney Opera House. Your evening will include drinks and canapés upon arrival, the performance, a program and a one-course supper with wine and coffee in the Bennelong Restaurant.

Kosciusko National Park

The centerpiece of this scenic park in New South Wales is 7,310-ft/2,270-m Mount Kosciusko, Australia’s highest peak. One of the country’s primary ski destinations, the park is open year-round. Chairlifts take you to the summit for spectacular views of the Snowy River, the setting for Banjo Patterson’s most famous poem, “The Man from Snowy River” (from which a film of the same name was made). You can also hike to the top - it will take four to six hours. The country’s highest glacial lake, Cootapatamba, is also visible from Mount Kosciusko. Along the Snowy Mountain range are gum trees and mountain ash, full of highly vocal cockatoos and crows.

The Yarrangobilly Caves and a nearby thermal pool are a few hours’ drive down a winding road (often blocked by sheep) from Thredbo Village, a resort town at the south end of the park that offers luxurious accommodations. Scattered throughout the park are old summer huts available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Kosciusko Huts Association - the most desirable huts in the north end of the park must be reserved months in advance through the Tumut park station. About 150 mi/110 km southwest of Canberra.

Lightning Ridge

The only place in the world where the black opal is found, this town in New South Wales also is the best place to buy this rare gem. (Prices often are half those charged on the east coast.) But don’t spend all your time shopping. As interesting as the opals are, we found that the real attraction is talking with the unexpected mix of people in this mining town - you’ll meet more than a few who went there to make a fortune. The city is best seen as a flying day trip from Sydney. If time permits, extend your stay to swim in the artesian baths, try prospecting and tour the Walk-In Mine. 350 mi/565 km northwest of Sydney.

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe and neighboring Norfolk Island were both former penal colonies. Located east of Sydney, the islands are part of New South Wales. Lord Howe, 490 mi/790 km northeast of Sydney, boasts the world’s most southerly coral reefs and was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Attractions include the ruins of the penal colony; pristine beaches; rare collections of plants, birds and marine life; and very friendly people. No cars are permitted on the island, which is a magnet for nature lovers and those who truly want to get away from it all. Norfolk is even more remote - 1,045 mi/1,680 km from Sydney. It once held some of the Bounty mutineers. Rocky, jagged cliffs and beaches run along its coast, with a covering of Norfolk Island pines in the interior. Norfolk’s a great place to go deep-sea fishing or to just hang out and meet some of the island’s 2,000 hardy residents. It is particularly popular with the mature traveler. There are quite a few small- and medium-sized places to stay, but few of them are near the beaches. Both islands can be reached by air from major Australian cities and Auckland, New Zealand.

Canberra

Drive through the Southern Highlands and sheep district to Canberra, Australia’s Capital. Highlights include guided tours of the National Gallery, New Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffen and panoramic views from Mt. Ainslie.In 1908, the government of Australia picked a spot, named it Canberra and declared that it would be the nation’s capital. Chicago architect Walter Burley was chosen to design the city, and after a few decades of fits and starts, Canberra came into being. Today, the city (pop. 307,000) is filled with lakes, gardens and, of course, government buildings. Don’t miss the dramatic Parliament House (built partly underground), the lakeside Australian National Gallery, Australian War Memorial and National Botanical Gardens. Canberra is best seen as a fly-in day trip (it is easily reached by air from Sydney and Melbourne) or during a long layover on a Sydney-to-Melbourne connection. For a change of pace, visit a sheep station in the hills beyond town and enjoy an Australian bush barbecue. 155 mi/250 km southwest of Sydney.

Broken Hill

This small city on the edge of the Outback was once known as Silver City. Today, it’s visited for its flourishing arts colony. It is in the western portion of New South Wales (near the South Australia border) and is well worth a two-night visit. We recommend a tour of the silver mines, which are in town, and the extravagant buildings that the metal financed. Nearby is the Silverton ghost town. You’ll need another day or two to travel the lonesome roads east of Broken Hill to see the White Cliffs opal fields, rugged scenery, lakes and Outback towns. Also nearby is the Lake Mungo area, where some of Australia’s oldest archaeological treasures have been found (some animal bones date back more than 40,000 years). 265 mi/425 km northeast of Adelaide.

Hunter Valley Wineries

The oldest wine producing district in Australia. The hunter offers green fields, early townships and more than 50 wineries. Cross the Hawkesbury River to visit historic Wollombi and the Old Tavern, then onto Wyndham Estate, the oldest winery in Pokolbin for wine tasting.

Blue Mountain Tour

An air-conditioned 4WD takes you to the Koala Park Wildlife Reserve for a visit with native animals. Continue into the heart of the Blue Mountains for “bush tea”, have lunch in Mt. Victoria, see “Three Sisters” in Katoomba, listen to aboriginal legends, and more.

Australian Wildlife Park

See over 500 animals and birds in their natural surroundings and discover many different species of kangaroo and wallabies. In the kangaroo “walkabout” you can feed and touch them. Wander through the rainforest or enjoy a fascinating walk amongst treetops on the elevated Koala.