Going down under may seem daunting, but I can assure you that it isn’t. With so many direct flights offered nowadays, it won’t be long until you find yourself on the other side of the world.

Chances are, you will hit the ground running. There is so much to see and do in this amazing city, that you will want to maximize every minute. Start by taking in the harbor by foot, walking through the Circular Quay and making your way out to the point for a walk around the opera house to take in the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

From here, you can follow the winding paths through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Be sure to stop at The Calyx and take in the current special exhibit before heading out in search of the perfect meat pie for lunch.

Downtown Sydney is an eclectic mix of old and new. Some of the best shopping to be had is housed in the late nineteenth-century Queen Victoria Building, with its leaded stain glass store fronts and mosaic tiled corridors. By now, you’re probably going to be hungry and in search of a snack. It’s time for a bite of the world’s most instagrammed cake! Head over to the Galeries (500 George St.) and ride the escalator up to the second level. Get in the cue at Black Star Pastry for a slice of their strawberry & watermelon or raspberry & lychee cake, then spend the afternoon perusing the thousands of books next door at Books Kinokuniya.