Sydney: Water under the bridge

It's hard to imagine Sydney without thinking of its harbour. This sprawling, sparkling waterway twists and curves its way across the city like a seductive temptress.
The eastern harbour suburbs boast some of the city's most expensive real estate. Rose Bay, Point Piper, Watsons Bay, Rushcutters Bay ... these evocatively named suburbs are the playground of Sydney's glitterati.
But the most exclusive bay of all is Double Bay, which is still considered the ultimate postal address for the rich and famous. "Double Bay, double pay" - the old adage still rings true about real estate prices, although many of the area's celebrated designer boutiques have become a happy hunting ground for bargain-buyers.
Double Bay is not immune to the credit crunch, and when visiting the area last month, I noticed that virtually all fashion boutiques had slashed their prices by more than 50 per cent.
The ritzy harbourside village is also replete with sublime cafes and restaurants. Dee Bees Cafe is a Sydney icon; its walls studded with a gallery of famous faces who have wined and dined at the al-fresco eatery. Amongst the roll-call of stars and statesmen: Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, the Indian cricket team, Heath Ledger, Tom Cruise, Kylie Minogue and David Beckham. The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable.
An outstanding way to access the eastern suburbs is by jumping on board the Bondi Explorer. The hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus departs from Circular Quay and threads its way through the eastern hot-spots, with 19 stops, including Double Bay and Bondi.
The ferry to Neutral Bay is another recommended quick harbour hop, which gets you up close and personal with two of Sydney's most important residences - Kirribilli House, home to Australia's Prime Minister, and Admiralty House, the Governor General's residence. Both can be easily photographed via this ferry route.
Have you ever fancied camping on the edge of Sydney Harbour? Cockatoo Island is the largest island in the harbour, and is the only place where you can legally pitch a tent. Camping fees are just $55 a night.
Cockatoo Island also features some interesting heritage buildings, including the convicts' prison and colonial shipbuilding yards.
Taronga Zoo has launched an innovative attraction whereby you can camp overnight at the wildlife wonderland. "Roar and Snore" sees visitors spending a night in the safari-style zoo tents, located on cliff-tops with panoramic vistas across the harbour to the opera house and bridge. The attraction also features-behind-the-scenes zoo tours.
TOP TIPS
If you're looking to save big dollars on your transport bill, purchase a Sydney Pass. The integrated pass allows you unlimited travel on Sydney's ferries, buses (including the Bondi explorer) and trains. It also allows you to catch an airport link train to the CBD, which is the fastest way to get your holiday under way.
www.sydneypass.info