If you've seen most of the USA and are tired of the Caribbean and doing the cruise thing, you might want to spread your wings and fly to The Wonder Down Under, The Land of Oz - Australia . We'll visit Sydney today, the teeming metropolis and ultimate Party City of Australia.

You'll also want to break into the family piggy bank because this trip is not cheap but if you want the most bang for the buck in the Pacific, you can't beat Sydney.

One look out of the plane window as you're approaching Sydney, will cause you to draw in your breath as you lay eyes on all the homes with the ubiquitous red tiled roofs, not to mention the sight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the famous Sydney Opera House.

Once you've landed and cleared customs and been met with a cheery G'day, you should waste no time taking in all the sights. Five must-sees are:

POINTS OF INTEREST

The Sydney harbor Bridge (affectionately known as the “coat hanger” to Aussies) - You can even pay to climb this bridge to view one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, Darling harbor. This is not a trip for the faint-hearted, with the top of the bridge at 450 feet. Nor is it a trip for the tipsy. Though you might want to fortify yourself for this dangerous ascent, don't even think about it. If the authorities have the slightest suspicion that you might have imbibed any alcohol at all you will be breathalyzed! And that is fair dinkum (the truth).

You will be outfitted with a special suit without pockets so that you can't drop anything, either inadvertently or intentionally. No cameras, no bracelets or hairclips, not even pen and paper. Everything, down to your issued handkerchief, has to be tied to you securely. It took 10 years to make the bridge climb a reality with the organizers having to overcome a multitude of objections and obstacles. The first tours started in 1998 and have become an ever increasing popular attraction. The tour lasts a couple of hours so you will be given a last call to go to the “loo,” and then you'll be strapped into a climbing harness with all climbers attached to a guide rail.

Once you reach the top you will be afforded the most magnificent vista, a 360 degree view from the mouth of the Darling River to as far away as the beautiful Blue Mountains.

The Sydney Opera House - Ridiculed by many in its early stages of development and amassing great cost overruns and adding years to the time from start to finish, it is now regarded as one of the great architectural achievements and wonders of the modern world. The area surrounding the Opera House is awash with people from every nation, from the very old to visiting schoolchildren in their mandatory school uniforms.

The opera house is home to the Australian Ballet, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Opera Australia, the Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, the Sydney Symphony and the Sydney Theatre Company and much more. The acoustics inside the opera house are said to be some of the best in the world. It is truly a breathtaking sight.

The Rocks and Circular Quay - About a five minute walk from Circular Quay where all the grand ships dock, is an area known as The Rocks. This area has a colorful history dating back to the convict days. A proud Aussie today is one who can lay claim to convicts in their ancestry. It is a badge of honor. The Rocks is a maze of sandstone lanes, cul-de-sacs and courtyards, filled with shops, restaurants and pubs which serve some of the best (and most potent) beer in the world. When in Sydney make sure you have a tinny or two of Tooey's Old. It makes Foster's look like sarsaparilla! In one of the courtyards you may find yourself being serenaded with some good, old-fashioned Australian folk songs. And yes, the unofficial Aussie national anthem, Waltzing Matilda, will be one of the songs you'll hear.

Kings Cross, Sydney - “The” place to be for the nightlife. The main thorofare running through Kings Cross commonly referred to as The Strip, has more exotic bars (around 60 of them) than any place else in Australia. If you're in the area on a Tuesday night, you are in luck. Tuesday night is opening night at the area's galleries where you will be able to see many artists' shows. The streets are lined with beautiful trees dotted with thousands of fairy lights twinkling their magic all night long. You'll want to take a tour on a double decker bus.

Sydney Harbour cruise and Sydney Tower - Sydney Harbour is arguably the most beautiful natural harbor in the world. Besides the many beautiful exclusive homes along the water's edge, there are large tracts of parklands, reserves and gardens. It is possible to walk around much of the harbor edge and picnic in many spots. But a wonderful way to view the harbor is to take one of the government run Sydney Ferries. These ferries provide an inexpensive way of seeing this most beautiful harbor in the world.

There are private cruises that range anywhere from a short trip around the harbour to an evening cabaret/dinner cruise with a four-piece band with a dance floor. You can dance the night away under the southern sky with the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as your backdrop. Another way of seeing the harbor, and gaining some perspective on its size and beauty, is to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and go to the top of the Pylon Tower. For a fee you will have a magnificent view of the harbor, the city skyline, the Opera House, The Rocks and Darling Harbour.

A lovely way to see the harbor from an even loftier position is to take the lift to the top of the Sydney Tower, Australia's highest man-made structure. The Tower has a revolving restaurant just perfect for lunch or dinner and to watch the city go by beneath you. There is also an observation tower for general viewing.

SAVE YOUR MONEY - THIS IS NOT A CHEAP TRIP

And I didn't even mention the kangaroos and koalas! One side note: Don't call them koala bears. Koalas are not bears, they are marsupials.