The Rocks Markets

Markets... most of them are free to visit, they are always in cool places/venues/ Always have good food and you're out and about walking getting exercise. Markets = Winning.

Set in Sydney's historic 'The Rocks' location, the equally named 'The Rocks Markets' takes place every weekend.

With a wide variety of homewares, trinkets, Australian souvenirs and food, you'll be sure to find something that you like... or just walk around and have a stickybeak.

Its a great FREE way to see a small bit of Sydney's history and shop at the same time.

If you're driving - Leave the car at home and catch the train. Get off at the Circular Quay stop and walk towards the bridge - you'll soon find the markets. Parking will cost you... A LOT! best go with the public transport for this one!

www.therocks.com

Art Gallery of NSW

After a bit of culture? A bit of inspiration through art? WE either love art galleries or hate them. I am a lover of art galleries, I've been to some of the most famous ones in Europe, the UK, Singapore and China. Dont be too quick to dismiss how awesome our art galleries are in Australia. I think going to art galleries in AUstralia in an experience in its entirety. That is, the grounds of our art galleries are always stunning, and most them are situation with a far bit of land around them, allowing for a lovely stroll to take in the surrounds.

The Art Gallery of NSW is just beautiful. Set amongst the outskirts of the city centre, it gently falls onto the botanical gardens.

Most Sydney siders don't visit as frequently as they should, or, haven't visited at all.

You don't need a full day to visit, but I would save a good half day - Walk to the gallery from Hyde Park in Sydney - Its a lovely walk.

What's even better - if you're on a budget - It's free to enter!However, if there is a specific exhibition on, there is normally a charge to view.

My favourite thing is the Auslan guided tours. Check the galleries website for dates and times.

www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Goat Island Heritage Tour

I worked in North Sydney and lived at McMahons Point for about 4 years... I was very lucky to have views or Sydney Harbour and the opera house, as well as all the little islands that dotted the harbour. I never once stop to think - What is on those islands...

10 years later, I finally decided to check out what had been in my back yard all those many years ago. I always was blind to Sydney's historical side. distracted by the fast pace life of the city.

I took my Mum and my Aunt with me on this walking tour of Goat Island. It was used. Like most things historic in Sydney, this island has a lot of history tie up in Convicts and military. The island was never overly inhabited, but a few houses are built here (Absolutely beautiful).

A hell of a lot of explosives were kept here on this island, that was its main use.

Its most famous use in recent history was its icon place in the Australia police drama 'Water Rats'.

It is now a part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and a protected space.

Ripples on the water

Milsons Point, holds a soft place in my heart. I use to live in the neighboring suburb, McMahons Point and spent every afternoon running around Milsons Point and every morning in the Olympic Pool. There is an atmosphere here that is hard to explain, but its a nice place to be.

I don't think Milsons Point gets enough attention. It has one of the best views of the Harbour and the famous Sydney icons. It is the home of Sydney's Luna Park. You have amazing views of Balmain to the west, and the harbour to the east. Really, what more could you ask for?

There aren't lot of restaurants, but the few that are here are top quality. Ripples Cafe in particular is great. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or in my case I met with my friend Peter for a mid morning brunch session.

Luna Park is now as iconic as the Harbour Bridge for most Sydney-siders. The big smiling face watches over the harbour and welcomes you in to an art deco world (it opened in the 1930's) of childhood fun and excitement. Not into rides? Not a problem, you can enter Luna Park for free! Yep - pop your walking shoes on, take a stroll through the amusement park and people watch, its a lot of fun!

If you do want to go on the rides and have some fun at Coney Island then this is what you will be looking at - price wise

How do you get to Milsons Point? Coming from the city there are 4 ways.

1. Ferry - You can catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point, this is fun because you get to be out on the harbour and its not that expensive
2. Train/bus - Its kind of cool, you get a good view as you go over the bridge... but its a train.
3. WALK - always my favourite! Its free, its fun and you get to walk across the bridge! You need to start at The Rocks and it will take you right over to Milsons Point. Great to do at dusk.
4. Drive - There is parking it's all metered

Places to stay? I can only advise on one place - as this is the only place I have stayed at to vouch for. The Vibe Hotel at Milsons Point is easy to get to, nice rooms, good price (but not super cheap) and great service.

The icons

Some beautiful icons of Sydney...