On your next holiday head to Sydney, Australia, the most exciting city Down Under  by Andrew Regan

Tourists have been flocking to Sydney ever since Australia's capital showed itself off to the world when hosting the 2000 Olympics and the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

As Australia's largest city, Sydney has a great deal to offer any holiday-maker. From countless cultural attractions and a rich artistic tradition, to various natural splendours right in the city, Sydney is sure to deliver an experience to remember.

Sydney has a wide array of cultural attractions to offer any visitor; it's famous Opera House, for instance, holds five theatres and is home to Opera Australia - the third busiest opera company in the world. Sydney is also renowned for its theatre and dance scene; the Sydney Dance Company, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Griffin Theatre Company draw countless visitors each year to experience an array of phenomenal productions. Culture vultures will also have much to explore in Sydney's various museums and galleries, the most prominent being the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Australian Museum, which focuses on natural history and anthropology.

Sydney also hosts various markets throughout the city: from the local goods at Paddington Markets to the crafts at Bundeena Markets, every visitor is sure to take delight in these open air gatherings. The Opera House Market has a particularly stunning backdrop, as it sits on the edge of the Circular Quay and has an uninterrupted view of Sydney's most famous landmarks - the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  Sydney is also host to various festivals and celebrations; the Big Day Out, the Sydney Film Festival and the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras are just a few of the many exciting events that take place in the city every year.

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While Sydney is a large, bustling city, one will find more than enough opportunity to retreat into more peaceful areas. The Chinese Garden of Friendship, which is located in Sydney's Chinatown, holds several acres of immense beauty; serene waterfalls, lagoons and willow trees make this an ideal spot for relaxation in the city. Hyde Park, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Royal National Park - which is the second oldest national Park in the world - offer even more opportunities to hike, bike, swim or have a picnic in tranquil surroundings. Sydney is also well-known for its beautiful beaches and natural preserves: Bondi Beach is only a few minutes drive from the centre of Sydney, and offers sun, surf and sand at its best.

If you've brought the kids along on your holiday to Sydney, a visit to the Taronga Zoo is a must. It's the nation's leading zoological park, with an amazing collection of Australia's native animals, as well as exotic animals from all over the world. What's more, Taronga Zoo sits elevated above Sydney Harbour, offering spectacular views of Sydney Cove, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

If you're thinking about making Sydney your next holiday destination, rest assured that you have countless options to consider in terms of travel arrangements. Many flights to Sydney are particularly well discounted during the UK's summer and travel agents have deals on offer at any given time of year, so you can always count on a dependable - and affordable - way to get to the amazing city of Sydney.