ADRIAN NEYLAN, taxi driver and blogger, cablog.com.au
I'd start the evening souvenir-hunting in the historic Rocks area beside the Harbour Bridge, before stopping for a drink at the Argyle, tel: (61-2) 9247 5500, a pub in a sandstone-walled 19th century warehouse. Then I'd stroll along Circular Quay, where the ferries dock, to the Opera House. The brightly lit water traffic against the backdrop of the city lights is a mesmerizing sight. For pre-dinner drinks, my pick would be the waterside Opera Bar, tel: (61-2) 9247 1666, tucked below the white sails of the Opera House. A short walk away and with equally stunning views is Aria, tel: (61-2) 9252 2555, offering contemporary Australian cuisine. Then I'd take in a concert or play at the Opera House, tel: (61-2) 9250 7777, or listen to live rock or blues at the Basement, tel: (61-2) 9251 2797, and end the evening at the chic Bligh Bar, tel: (61-2) 9223 0037.
JUSTINE LEE, antiques restorer
The northern side of the harbor is often overlooked by travelers, which is a pity because it has some of the nicest views and walks in Sydney. I would start in the mid-afternoon at Taronga Zoo, tel: (61-2) 9969 2777, where koalas, kangaroos and other Australian wildlife enjoy an excellent view of the harbor and the city skyline. Then I'd walk along the foreshore through Sydney Harbour National Park to Chowder Bay for alfresco coffee and cake at Ripples Italian restaurant, tel: (61-2) 9960 3000, in a renovated naval wharf complex. Not far away is Balmoral Beach — a tranquil, tree-lined strand where I'd get my feet wet, if not have a refreshing swim, before dinner right beside the beach at the Bathers Pavilion, tel: (61-2) 9969 5050, or the modern Australian Watermark, tel: (61-2) 9968 3433. To finish off the night I'd take a taxi to beachside Manly, take in the surf, sand and tall pine trees, and have a gelato at Gelatissimo, on Manly Wharf, tel: (61-2) 9976 6199. From there, I'd hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay and the city hotel precinct.
SASKIA HAVEKES, florist
I'd stroll along Bourke Street in Surry Hills to Danks Street, Waterloo, visiting the precinct's many galleries. Then, in Danks Street I'd call in to the Fratelli Fresh Italian produce warehouse, tel: (61-2) 9699 3161, collect a light picnic, and head to Beare Park in Elizabeth Bay. It has a beautiful pond, the gardens always have something lovely in flower, and there are delightful harbor views. Just across the park is Elizabeth Bay House, tel: (61-2) 9356 3022, a restored 19th century mansion that often has quirky exhibitions dealing with Sydney's history. Finally, I'd head out to Bronte Beach and walk along the cliffs past Tamarama Beach to Bondi. Having worked up an appetite, I'd end the evening with a late dinner at Sean's Panaroma, tel: (61-2) 9365 4924. Sean always has the freshest produce, sometimes from his own garden. It's like walking into a friend's home — special but unpretentious.