SYDNEY AHOY! Sydney, Australia, fun city, friendly people, the beach, kangaroos, crocs, cool gear. Here’s what you can do in Sydney. Whether you are with your parents, friends or alone, you will love Sydney. My 11-year-old son sure did and so did I. Our trips usually started from North Ryde, where we lived. But centrally-located Darling Harbour is a good place to start your Sydney adventure. Spend the day at the harbour watching the world pass by and get to watch excellent street performances. We saw an interesting one by a bunch of children, all below 16. From here, you can go to the Australian National Maritime Museum (entry is free). Other interesting places nearby are the Chinese Garden of Friendship and the Powerhouse Museum. Round it off with dinner at Cockle bay Wharf. We decided to visit the LG IMAX theatre first, thanks to a large poster of Sharks that my companion found terribly inviting. Film screenings start at 10 am and are an hour long. We chose Sharks 3D and experienced the excitement of lifelike sharks moving dangerously close. Your next stop can be the Aquarium, which has more than 11,000 aquatic animals – huge grey nurse sharks, platypus, native fish and coral from the Great Barrier Reef, seals and tropical fish. You can see an amazing variety in the see-through tunnels running inside. The next day, we visited the Opera House. Just walking along the waterfront is an experience, but hold on to your hats – I lost one! Don’t forget to see the plaques on the Writers’ Walk. These have interesting observations about Australia and Australian history. From the Opera House, you can walk down to the Royal Botanic Gardens, which is like a walk in the woods. Australia’s oldest scientific institution has 7,500 species of plants. One of the attractions is the Tropical Garden with hundreds of bats. It’s eerie, but you’ll love it. The same day we walked to the Rocks, which has galleries and shops with aboriginal art and also hosts a variety of programmes, such as live music or the annual Art on the Rocks. This fun event has special sections for children – from sculture to origami. And there is a new activity every 30 minutes! Keep a full day for the rambling Taronga Zoo.It features the finest gathering of native animals and many exotic species too. It has its own jetty – step right off the boat into Taronga. Another place we visited the same way (just off the boat) was Luna Park, which has loads of rides including the carousel and dodgem rides. You pay by buying Luna, the currency of the park, and you are eligible for rides depending on your height. Next stop, Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you are afraid of heights, don’t dare it. The three-and-a half hour climb has to be done with a harness, under the supervision of climb leaders. After you have scaled the Bridge, take a stroll to the Sydney Tower, where deck lifts take you up 304 metres. The tour includes OzTrek, a virtual adventure ride across Australia with 3D holograms, 180-degree cinema screens, surround sound and real-motion seating. Forty telescopes let you see up to 85 km around Sydney. One destination you should not miss is the Reptile Park. Established in 1948 by Eric Worrel, Australia’s first naturalist, the sanctuary is committed to saving human lives with venom-milking programme. But the highlight is feeding time for Eric the crocodile – an elaborate 30 minute ritual during which Eric’s keeper keeps you riveted with his witty narration. Also, try the food at the Hard Croc Café in the Park. It’s great. Just like Sydney is. I’m sure you will agree.