Viewed from afar it's a lazy assumption that Australia is a cultural desert plagued by flies.  Sydney in particular is an artistic centre, a world city that crackles with the creative energy of the New World.  Here's a few sights and sounds to take in while you're in town.

Aborginal Heritage Museum: The most awkward element of Australia's past is the treatment of indigenous people.  Along with countless lives lost, native Australian culture as a whole was effectively negated by European settlement.  Take the Manly ferry to this small, understated and poignant museum which catalogues pre-colonial times, European arrival, the first of many conflicts, and finally 2008's government apology to indigenous Australians - 'The Stolen Generation'.

Belvoir Theatre: One of Australia's most innovative and acclaimed theatre companies is based in Sydney's Surry Hills, five-minutes' walk from Central Station.  On stage till the end of April Elektra / Orestes is a darkly funny Greek tragedy retold in the context of a modern family.  Audiences are warned to expect violence, blood and swearing - this is of course Australia…

Food and Drink: To stay in the Sydney for any length of time is to realise its wealth is a direct result of external influences.  Nowhere is this more apparent than in the range of top quality Australian, Asian, European and even South American eating opportunities.  If the choice is baffling get an orientation courtesy of an expertly-guided foodie tour.

Glebe Markets: 20-minutes' walk from Central Station around 200 stalls occupy the lawns of Glebe Public School each Saturday from 10am till 4pm.  The array of goods offered includes designer and vintage clothes, books, records, jewellery, and of course intriguing piles of junk.  Tasty ethnic and Aussie street food is part of the package and there's usually a band or two - failing that, expect stall holders to break out the bongos.

Hanada Opera on Sydney Harbour - Aida: Until late April the biggest production ever, a cast of 96 and crew of 700, sees Giuseppe Verdi's operatic behemoth chart a tale of war, rebellion, politics, power and love, all in the open air on Sydney Harbour stage.  A wide range of tickets is on offer, including several fine-dining options.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA): At the edge of the harbour, just off Circular Quay, a striking Art Deco former maritime services building is now Australia's leading repository of contemporary art.  April's exhibitions include 'Luminous' - an exploration of light in architectural spaces, and 'Light Show' - featuring over 20 sculptures and installations from the 1960s to the present day.

Paddington: Ask anyone where to find Sydney's trendiest threads and it'll be Paddington.  At the corner of Oxford Street and Glenmore Road a self-styled 'edgy' collection of Paddington's boutique stores make up The Intersection.  Here fashion newcomers are showcased and long-standing labels established.  Look out for Ksubi, Ellery, Sass & Bide, Josh Goot and Fleur Wood.

Sleep on Cockatoo Island: A night spent on a UNESCO world-heritage island in the middle of Sydney Harbour may sound more Boy Scout adventure than cultural immersion.  However, guided and self-guided tours describe the island's 19th century convict past, its maritime importance, and even include contemporary film locations used in Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.

Sydney Opera House: It may be an obvious suggestion but this instantly recognisable concert hall is for many synonymous with Sydney.  This April catch the Sydney Ballet's Giselle, or the Sydney Theatre Company's on-stage deconstruction of mid-life crises - Jumpy.  If you're too late for tickets, tours behind-the-scenes reveal what goes on at a world class venue.

The Basement: At the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) the city's oldest licensed music venue is a shrine to soul, blues, jazz and roots.  Across timbered walls signed band posters chart musical history.  Artists perform most nights and April's line up features Scots muso's muse, KT Tunstall, jazz guitar great, Martin Taylor and the remarkable Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro.

This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com