Sydney Harbour is a glistening jewel in the city's crown

• Sydney Harbour - a jewel in the city's crown.

A weekend in Sydney featuring a journey on the Manly Ferry brought home, once again, the beauty of this natural harbour that city offers its visitors and residents alike. If the number of yachts on the water on the Saturday afternoon was anything to go by, this would have to be Australia's leading aquatic playground. In fact, on the return journey we noticed another Manly Ferry travelling in the opposite direction blowing its horn continuously to carve a safe pathway through the other smaller watercraft. On the mainland, Manly's famed Corso pedestrian/shopping mall has been spruced up nicely and its ocean beach is still as beautiful as ever. An ideal spot for peopl,e watching over a cappucinoi along with fish and chips! Our central Sydney base for the weekend was the Capitol Square Hotel, ideally positioned next to the Capitol Theatre which is currently presenting the Australaian production of 'Wicked'. We didn't see the show (despite it being on next door), but from other hotel guests' reviews, it was well worth the $120 admission cost. The hotel lives up to its three star rating - a good clean room and single elevator access directly from the reception desk to the upper floors (the building only boasts four floors). A discounted buffet breakfast was offered at just $12 per person upon check-in. Capitol Square Hotel is managed by Rydges and offers economical stays. We paid just $90 per night through HotelClub.com.au