No matter the time of year or season, Sydney is one glorious city. The inner-city attractions are always a drawcard – hello Darling Harbour, the Opera House and The Rocks – while the eclectic festival and events scene offers up a smorgasbord of entertainment annually, with Sydney Festival and Vivid Sydney (26 May - 17 June) showcasing the arts through local and international talent.

A veritable playground for foodies and shoppers, the harbourside city has an enviable line-up of inner-city restaurants that invite you to soak up water views in Circular Quay (Bennelong and Quay Restaurant), find late-night revelry in The Rocks and rub shoulders with fashionistas at the exquisite QVB and Pitt Street Mall. Adding to the allure are the spectacular parks of Barangaroo Reserve, a nod to Australia’s indigenous culture, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Hop on a ferry at Circular Quay to discover the laidback vibes of Manly and head northeast to encounter the leafy laneways of Chatswood or venture a little further up the coast to lay down on the white sands of Palm Beach, hidden at the end of Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

To the east, the enticing waters of Bondi’s iconic beachfront are simply unmissable, while, down south, Surry Hills’ labyrinthine laneways, surrounded by the gourmet delights of Haymarket, Newtown, Paddington Markets and Carriageworks, offer up a bounty of culinary delights. For secluded beachfront relaxation, you only need to venture 40 minutes by car to spread out on the golden shores of Malabar and Cronulla.

Further to the west, multi-layered and diverse Parramatta beckons with UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites and gourmet delights. From the immerse arts scene – Riverside Theatre is host to over 1,000 events a year – to the Old Government House and high tea at Gatehouse Tea Rooms, the city’s second CBD has a lengthy list of things to keep you busy. When you’re ready for adventure, you’ll find it at the very edge of the Blue Mountains National Park in Penrith – skydive without a plane, hit the mark with axe throwing and channel your inner-Olympian on the water.

Whether you’re an inner-city lover or looking to branch out to discover the sprinkling of suburbs just beyond the glittering CBD borders, Greater Sydney is ready for you.