The ‘Harbour City’ of Australia is an overwhelming pot pourri of culture, entertainment and history. When visiting this scenic city ensure that your camera is fully loaded with film or memory to make the most of your experience. Stay at top tier Sydney accommodation with a view of the famous Opera House or enjoy the backpacker experience and take advantage of cheap Sydney accommodation . However you decide to visit the city, having a basic plan is essential. These top 5 sights should be a must on every Sydney tour plan.

Sydney Opera House

Built in 1973 and made a UNESCO world heritage site in 2007, the Sydney Opera House houses the world’s largest organ with over 10,000 pipes, and is the homeground for the Sydney Symphony, Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet. Concerts, opera, plays and other events are staged throughout its many sections. The Opera house is just a few minutes walk from the circular quay that is accessible by train, ferry, bus or taxi. For the official website visit: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Port Jackson

Sydney Harbour is a natural port and home to several attractions, particularly the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the harbour cruises that are facilitated by ferries and gondolas. Dubbed “Coathanger” for its Steel-arch design, the Bridge connects the Business District of Sydney with its North Shore, channeling rail, road and pedestrian traffic. Those with an interest in engineering and with strength of body can enjoy a climbing tour over the less traveled vestiges of the bridge. Visit http://www.bridgeclimb.com and www.sydneyharbourcruises.com.au for more information.

Sydney Tower

The tower offers an all-round panoramic bird’s eye view of Sydney city and if you are visiting around the time of the ‘Tour Run Up’, you may be interested in watching or even competing in the event that sends runners hurtling up the 1304 steps to the top of the tower. Visit the Tower Restaurant with its magnificent panorama or brave the unnerving experience of the Skywalk by stepping out onto a glass-floored platform for a more comprehensive view of Sydney.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Step into the largest botanical garden in Sydney for a showcase of exotic flowers & plants, wildlife and waterways, open all week. The Royal Botanic Gardens are the home of the New South Wales’ Centre for Plant Conservation & Research and regularly plays host to art classes and cultural events. The gardens are an excellent place to spend a day of relaxation.

Beaches

Sydney beaches are plentiful and every visitor to this shore-side city should include an excursion to one of its beaches. Bondi, Balmoral and Cronulla are some of the most popular sandy destinations and the surf of Manly Beach makes it a favourite for surfers.

If you’re interested in viewing a great selection of clips from around Sydney click here .

Cape Town, fondly known as the “mother city”, remains one of the main attractions in South Africa. The countryside offers breathtaking scenery; its coastal waters are home to an abundant variety of marine wildlife and modern city entertainment offers a rewarding experience that catering to all tastes of life. From cheap Cape Town Accommodation to the height of luxury accommodation, the “mother city” caters to everyone who visits her shores. The following places remain integral to the real Cape Town experience:

• WaterFront

The Victoria and Albert waterfront offers live entertainment and a great variety for the shopping enthusiast. Enjoy a diverse choice in cuisine while watching seals basking in the sun. You can even momentarily escape the heat by visiting the Ice bar that is kept at a chilly -10 degrees to protect its furniture and decoration, made entirely of ice. Other attractions are the world-class aquarium, the museum, as well as the Clock Tower and the Robben Island Embarkation building, an important landmark of local history.

• Wildlife

Take a day trip to see the harsh beauty of the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point and stop to visit the penguin colony in Simonstown or the Ostrich farm along the way. Take the ferry to Seal Island, where seals roam in abundance. Brave the outer ocean with some whale sightings and confront nature in its raw power by cage diving with Great White sharks.

• Robben Island

Visit the island and the prison that was made infamous by Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected President of South Africa, who was incarcerated here for most of his life. The Penguin colony on the island is another popular attraction.

• City

A visitor should not forgo a tour of the city. The famous Heritage Square offers a taste of Dutch history with some boutique Cape Town accommodation bordered by Georgian architecture. The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa and the Company Gardens are well worth a visit. The beautifully coloured houses of Bo-Kaap or Malay quarter and its history are always of interest. Once the subject of public outrage for their non-conformity with the other houses in the area, they are now a heritage site for the city of Cape Town.

• Table Mountain

The symbol and backdrop of Cape Town is Table Mountain. This remnant of an ancient plateau offers an unbeatable view of the city and its surrounding coastal area. The mountain and its surroundings are a National Park that harbours many of the endangered Fynbos species. It is open to the public and a cable car service offers access to the summit. Making your way to the top by braving a strenuous climb is a possibility, but should only be attempted in clear weather.

To see a great selection of photos from Cape Town, click here.