Sydney’s attractions may be too many to count, but with eight hours and a local insider, you’ll easily squeeze in 20 of them. After a quick coffee in upmarket Paddington, cut through historic Hyde Park on your way to the sun-drenched streets and fizzing fountains of Darling Harbor, home to the tranquil Chinese Garden of Friendship.

You could take the ferry across sparkling waters to Circular Quay and the iconic Sydney Opera House and stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, an oasis in the city's heart. Even better, you’ll discover your host’s hidden gems that don’t feature in your guidebook – like the affluent suburb of Kirribilli, where a secret fish and chip shop at the base of Harbor Bridge offers unrivaled views across the bay.

From crystal clear beaches and sprawling parks to the odd jewel-toned parrot flapping overhead, nature takes center stage in Sydney. In the sunny CBD, amble up Australia’s oldest street, George Street, past historic buildings like St Andrew’s Cathedral and the Queen Victoria Building, and burst out the other side at The Rocks, where cobbled alleyways in the shadow of the Sydney Harbor Bridge lead to some of the city’s oldest pubs.

Just five minutes away, hop on a quick ferry west to Cockatoo Island, where you’ll discover fascinating landmarks harking back to Sydney’s convict and maritime history, then head east across the water to the golden sands of laidback Manly Beach for a cocktail and a couple of bar snacks with your new best mate (AKA your local host).