Insider's Guide: Getting the best of Australian capital Sydney

As Sydney's Opera House celebrates its 50th anniversary, Sarah Rodrigues suggests looking beyond the well-known attractions to discover a city replete with local life, ancient history and natural wonders.

Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge illuminated at dusk.

If Australia is ‘Oz’ then Sydney is undoubtedly its Emerald City — the glittering jewel in the crown of a country that’s as lush and as colourful as it is, in its extremes, harsh and unforgiving.

It’s astonishing to think that this gloriously beautiful ‘bucket list’ destination started life as a penal colony.