Spectacular city views from the water

Talk of the town: Every year or so, a humpback whale strays into Sydney Harbour to splash around with her new calf en route to their Antarctic feeding ground.

Ask any respecting Sydneysider for their must-do in Sydney, and chances are it'll be this excursion. Leaving roughly every half hour from Circular Quay, the Manly ferry chugs past some of Sydney's most interesting sites during the 30-minute trip, from the 19th century Fort Denison prison to secluded harbour coves, the iconic Sydney Heads (harbour entrance) and an unbeatable view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Dolphins routinely glide in the ferry's wake as greedy seagulls hover expectantly, and keep your eyes peeled for migrating humpback whales breaching between the Heads from October-December. If you don't have time for a dip at Manly beach, break up the return journey by tucking into an artisan pizza at Hugo's Manly or a casual drink at Manly Wharf Hotel, both located on the pier.