History is also preserved along Macquarie Street, which features colonial sandstone buildings. At New South Wales State Parliament House, visitors can join a free guided tour. Sydney Opera House is a showcase for film, ballet, theater, music and opera. The Royal Botanic Gardens nearby has free guided walks, a kiosk and a restaurant. Take the monorail from the city center to Darling Harbour for free entertainment, shopping and restaurants, and attractions such as Sydney Aquarium, Chinese Gardens, Powerhouse Museum, National Maritime Museum and nearby Chinatown.
Beautiful beaches are minutes away from the city by bus, ferry or taxi.
Picnic and swimming spots can be found within the harbor at Balmoral, Parsley Bay and Nielsen Park. For surfing beaches, there's famous Bondi, or Manly, a seaside village. There are guided tours of Olympic Park in Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Summer Games. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.