Travel: Sydney

Saturday, 11am Check into the Hotel Altamont (207 Darlinghurst Road, www.altamont.com.au) for luxury on a budget, with its gorgeous selection of rooms (from £60 for a double). Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

2pm

Taking 14 years and millions of dollars to build, the Sydney Opera House (www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au) is your first stop. Examine the stunning architecture and sip a refreshing drink in the outdoor Opera Bar.

4pm

Take a peaceful walk to Woolloomooloo Bay via The Royal Botanic Gardens (www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au).

5pm

Stop off at Caf Hernandez (60 Kings Cross Road, Potts Point, www.cafehernandez.com.au) for a sweet treat.

8pm

Take in the sunset on Bondi Beach (left) over dinner at the stylish Icebergs Dining Room and Bar (1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach, www.idrb.com)

Sunday, 8am

Return to your previous evening's haunt, but this time you'll be in the water. A refreshing swim at Bondi is a perfect way to start the day.

10am

Visit the Paddington area, for a shopping trip on fashionable Oxford Street.

1pm

Fish Face (132 Darlinghurst Road) is a must for lunch. The seafood is delicious.

3pm

See the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour (www.sydneyaquarium.com.au) and be wowed by its floating oceanarium dedicated to the Great Barrier Reef.

9pm

For an unpretentious and buzzy dinner, sample the tasty French cuisine at Onde (346 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, www.onderestaurant.com).

11pm

Relax into a lounger at The Loft (13 Lyme Street, Sydney, www.theloftsydney.com) and gaze across Darling Harbour while sipping a Cosmopolitan.

The facts

Edinburgh to Sydney from 599 return with www.crystaltravel.co.uk See www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au