From the moment the first fleet arrived, artists have been trying to capture Australia's remarkable light, fauna and emptiness. The full span of that enterprise is brilliantly captured at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, just a five-minute walk from Sydney's city centre. The permanent collection includes all of Australia's great colonial artists and later impressionists, as well as more recent works by Fred Williams, Sir Sidney Nolan and Brett Whiteley. The temporary exhibitions are also well worth a visit.

The Australian Museum in College Street is worthwhile for its fine Australian wildlife and Aboriginal collections. Established in 1827, it is known as Australia's first museum and has a good reputation in the fields of natural history and indigenous studies.

Hyde Park Barracks, like St James' Church designed by Australia's leading colonial architect, Thomas Greenway, focuses on early colonial history and convict life. The museum has a delightful restaurant in its courtyard.