If it's sun, sand and beautiful people you're after, you'll find it all in Sydney. But while most visitors flock to world-famous Bondi Beach to stake their summer turf between the bronzed lifeguards, sunburned backpackers and territorial surfers, it's worth exploring the surrounding Eastern Suburbs beaches like Bronte, Tamarama, Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra, which exude more of a relaxed, local vibe - on weekdays,

The Royal Botanical Gardens and the Centennial parklands are vast swathes of green in the heart of the city and present ideal mid-day refuges. You can even get a surf lesson.