Hyde Park Barracks.....

At the northern end of Hyde Park, in Macquarie Street, is Hyde Park Barracks, dating from 1819. Here, convict workers slept and ate, between their labours. Visitors will experience those cruel times recreated, through seeing the hammocks and crude furnishings and hearing an emotional soundtrack which creates an uncanny feeling. They can also enjoy lunch at the attractive courtyard restaurant.

Conservatorium of Music.....

Free lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays and Fridays during terms. Built in 1819 as the stables for Government House. Macquarie Street, Tel: 9230 1222.

El Alamein Fountain.....

El Alamein Fountain was emplaced to commemorate the men of the Australian 9th Division who fought in North Africa during World War II. Macleay Street, Kings Cross.

Vaucluse House.....

Located on Sydney Harbour, Vaucluse House is nestled in a 19th Century estate. Stroll through the glorious gardens and the home of William Charles Wentworth. Vaucluse House depicts the social aspirations and lifestyles of the Wentworths and of the servants who lived and worked there. There is also the famous Vaucluse House Tearooms renowned for their tantalising cuisine. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse. Phone 9388 7922.

Rose Seidler House.....

Rose Seidler House is one of Australia's first modernist houses, with mid twentieth century International Style furniture. Open Sunday only, 10am-4pm. Tel: 9989 8020

State Parliament House.....

Also in Macquarie Street is the seat of the State Government of NSW. This historic 1810 building is open for guided tours whenever Parliament is not sitting. Or visit the Public Gallery when it is in session. Open Mon-Fri 9am-1pm, 2pm-4pm. Tel: 9230 2111 for more information.

Elizabeth Bay House.....

Not far from Macleay Street, which was named after its original owner, is this elegant Georgian mansion. Built in 1835, it features a domed salon and magnificent curving stairway - even curved doors. It was designed by John Verge for the Colonial Secretary, Alexander Macleay. Only 4 km to the city, by either the Red Explorer bus or the 311 bus from Circular Quay. Open Tues-Sun 10am-4.30pm. 7 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay. Tel: 9358 2344 for further information.

Victoria Barracks.....

The Georgian-style barracks, 1841-1848, is a living history of Australia's Military Forces. Open to the public each Thursday between 10.00am and 12.30pm. Military ceremonial activity; guided tours; and visit the Army Museum. Oxford Street, next to Town Hall. Tel: 9339 3000.

Quarantine Station.....

Once Sydney's main defence against infectious disease from overseas, the Quarantine Station is now a fascinating historical site. It's a big museum complex with historic buildings surrounded with fantastic views around the harbour.

Bookings are essential. Daily tours at 1.00 pm. Ghost tours run Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun nights at 7.30 pm. North Head, Manly. Ph: 9977 6229.

Susannah Place.....

Miraculously preserved in the back streets of the historic precinct of The Rocks in Sydney is this 1844 workman's terrace house. It includes a turn-of-the-century corner shop selling fascinating merchandise from yesteryear. Open Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm (open daily in January.) 58-64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks. Ph: 9241 1893.

Cadman's Cottage.....

This is Sydney's very oldest existing dwelling and was built in 1816. This tiny cottage is named after a convict, who, after his release, became Superintendent of Government Boats. At 110 George Street, The Rocks. Open Mon 10am-3pm, Tues-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm.

Elizabeth Farm.....

West of Sydney, at Parramatta, can be found Australia's oldest existing European building. While some things change, others stay the same and Elizabeth Farm set the style for the classic Australian country homestead for decades to come after its construction. Open Tues-Sun 10 am to 4.30 pm. 70 Alice Street, Parramatta. Ph: 9635 9488

ANZAC Memorial.....

Built in art deco style of the 1930s, the ANZAC Memorial is the State's main war memorial. It is dedicated to all those who have served Australia in war and conflict, and includes a Hall of Remembrance and a small exhibition area with moving memorabilia and photographs.

Located at the southern end of Hyde Park, open daily 9am - 5pm September to May, 9am - 4pm June to August. Admission free. Tours 11.30am and 1.30pm. Recorded act of remembrance at 11am daily. Tel: 9267 7668.

City Statues.....

Scattered throughout its streets and parks, Sydney features several interesting statues. A bronze figure of England's discoverer of Australia, Captain James Cook stands facing the Australian Museum through the trees of Hyde Park, near the Park and College Streets corner.

There are two statues of Queen Victoria, the Queen of England from 1837 to 1901. One stands on Macquarie Street, at the corner of St James Road, opposite the northern end of Hyde Park. A second bronze of Her Majesty is situated appropriately in the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Town Hall.