Sydney Buses has various day passes that give you unlimited travel. City Rail trains can take you further afield. A day tripper ticket - adults AUS$15, under 16s AUS$7.50 - gives unlimited travel on buses, trains and Sydney Ferries.

For general information about the city and attractions, see: www.visitnsw.com.au.

Here are 10 ways to spend an active afternoon in Sydney:

1. Orientate yourself on an Historical Walking Tour. The City of Sydney website www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au has several routes that can be downloaded free-of-charge as PDF files.
   
   
2. Take in a matinee at the Sydney Opera House or learn about its history and architecture on a guided tour. The tour costs: Adults AUS$23, under 16s AUS$16.
   
   
3. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge and take in the view. The 3.5 hour climb plus certificate costs from AUS$165 for adults and AUS$100 for 10-15s. Read the Points to Consider section of www.bridgeclimb.com.au.
   
   
4. Walk above the city on the Sydney Tower Skywalk. Walkers are harnessed to safety rails by sliding cables and escorted along purpose-built steel walkways for 1.5 hours. Adults from AUS$109, 10-15s from AUS$85. Or simply take in the view from the tower's observation deck and get your adrenalin rush from the OzTrek simulated ride. Adults AUS$23.50, under 15s AUS$14.
   
   
5. Ride the Monorail. An unlimited day pass costs AUS$9.
   
   
6. Hop on and off Sydney Ferries across the bay. A day tripper ticket - adults AUS$15, under 16s AUS$7.50 - allows unlimited travel until 4am.
   
   
7. Visit the Sydney Olympic Park. Take a self-guided audio tour, a walking tour or one of several other guided tours.
   
   
8. Surf the waves of Bondi Beach. For details see: sydney.citysearch.com.
   
   
9. Explore the Royal Botanic Garden on a free-of-charge daily guided walk or visit one of New South Wales' national parks.
   
   
10. Enjoy the rides at the Luna Park fairground at the northern end of Sydney Harbour Bridge.