This enjoyable walk combines a harbour foreshore stroll with visits to an art gallery and some historic buildings.

Start at Circular Quay.

Lively Circular Quay is the focus of the city's ferry system. There are many cafés in the area, which is famous for its offbeat entertainers.

Follow the Circular Quay East walkway towards the Opera House.

Inspect the exterior of Australia's most famous building, then take a guided tour of the performance halls.

Enter the Botanic Gardens via the gate near the Opera House.

Sydney's waterfront Royal Botanic Gardens contain an outstanding collection of native and imported flora. The lush Sydney Tropical Centre is one of the highlights here.

After exploring the gardens, continue around the foreshore to the eastern side of the cove.

From the headland known as Mrs Macquaries Point there are classic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Head south along Mrs Macquaries Road until you reach the Art Gallery.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is the state's premier gallery, with superb examples of Australian, Aboriginal, European and Asian art. By the gallery is The Domain, a large parkland area.

Follow Art Gallery Road until you reach College Street, then turn right.

Gracious Macquarie Street contains many historic buildings, including the 1819 Hyde Park Barracks, once a home for convicts but now a fascinating museum, and State Parliament House, dating from 1816.

Continue along Macquarie Street, then turn left into Albert Street to return to Circular Quay.