Explore I SYDNEY
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Sydney has seven islands dotting its harbour, but even some locals have no idea the Captain Cook Ferry heads to Shark Island from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay daily (except school holidays) for the princely sum of $20 return. Sitting smack bang in the middle of the city, Shark Island is known as one of Sydney’s most beautiful islands, with 360-degree, squillion-dollar views of the bridge, Opera House and skyline. Pack a picnic and explore the grottos, coves and tiny sand beaches, then enjoy the world’s most scenic ferry back to the mainland. By the way: Head to the end of Wharf Road in Vaucluse and look for the very narrow stairs leading to Sydney’s best private beach, Kutti Beach. A sheltered spot of about 100 metres of golden sand, rustic boathouses and palm trees, it’s rarely crowded (Bondi is nearby), so you might have it all to yourself.
Unexpected museums Described by CNN as one of the world’s weirdest museums, the Museum of Human Disease has plenty to boast about. For $11 you’ll be able to view the unique scientific collection of over 3000 diseased human organs, the oldest of which dates back to 1898. This is the only such display
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open to the public in Australia, and includes hearts, lungs, kidneys, brains and even the odd limb, and though there are some squeamish bits (look out for the ovary growing teeth and hair!) you’d be surprised at how fascinating it is. By the way: If you like unusual museums, you’ll love the partnership between Sydney Living Museums and Sydney Water. On a very irregular basis, the two companies pair up to offer access to the heritage-listed Tank Stream tunnel, a littleknown convict-built passage directly under the CBD. Tickets are so highly coveted they’re allocated by ballot. Keep an eye on sydneylivingmuseums. com.au for 2017 dates.
Visitors will be rewarded with an unusually intimate perspective of the bridge
PHOTOGRAPHY GETTY, YVONNE KAISER-GLASS, SYDNEY WATER, ANDREW GREGORY, DESTINATION NSW
Private shores
Secret sounds In the centre of the CBD’s hustle and bustle sits one of Sydney’s coolest and most underused spaces: the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Back in 1790, the first
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