One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Veggie Bake

Healthy, easy and delicious! One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Veggie Bake is quick to prep and in the oven for less than 30 minutes. The perfect weeknight or meal prep recipe!

One pan, a cutting board, and a knife is all you need.

I love healthy meals that are quick and easy! This One-Pan Balsamic Chicken Veggie Bake is proof that eating healthy can be easy AND delicious! Best of all, clean-up is quick with this recipe because all you need aside from the ingredients and an oven, is a pan, a cutting board, and a knife to prepare this meal. It’s truly one of my FAVORITE one-pan meals.

For an even easier weeknight meal, you can prep the ingredients up to the point of cooking by pre-chopping the veggies and making the marinade. This can be done 2-3 days in advance.

Big on flavor but short on ingredients.

We’re committed to sticking to our word by sharing recipes that are big on flavor and short on ingredients so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing the things you love. This one-pan recipe is made with just 10 ingredients (not including the oil, salt and pepper) –  ingredients that can easily be found at grocery stores year round.

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

A perfectly balanced meal containing a healthy source of proteins, fats and carbs! 

This recipe is Whole30-friendly, grain-free, gluten-free and dairy-free.

In addition to it being a perfect weeknight meal, it’s also great for weekend meal preps. I like to pre-portion out this recipe into five glass containers. This makes for an incredibly easy, reheat-and-eat meal throughout the week. Note: I typically try to eat these kinds of prepped meals within four days of cooking. Sometimes, I’ll stretch it to five but I make sure I reheat it to an appropriate temperature.

Looking for guidance with meal planning? Check out Real Plans, a highly customizable online meal planning service that includes over 300 of our very own recipes.

A bit about the recipe.

First step of the recipe is to marinate the chicken.

For more flavorful chicken, first make the balsamic sauce for marinating the chicken. While the chicken is marinating, you can then prep and chop the veggies. You can even marinate the chicken longer if you wish – a few hours or overnight.

The key to one-pan recipes is to find a combination of ingredients that not only taste good together, but also have similar cooking times. You want all of contents of the pan to come out of the oven at the same time, cooked to perfection. Below are a few pointers on to make that happen with this recipe.

• For more tender carrots, cut into skinny sticks. The carrots will take the longest to cook. So if you prefer cooked carrots to be very tender with little crunch, cut them into skinny sticks. If you prefer cooked carrots to have a slight crunch, cut them into the size of sticks as shown in the photos.
• Add the tomatoes 10 minutes into the baking time. Grape tomatoes have a quick cook time. So adding the tomatoes well into the baking time will help to avoid overcooked, mushy tomatoes.

Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!

And if you love this recipe, you can try more of our favorite one-dish recipes here.

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4 Strategies for Staying Healthy in a Quarantined World

As many look for ways to stay calm in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis, a Michigan Medicine dietitian shares some helpful strategies for sheltering in place.

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Editor’s note: Information on the COVID-19 crisis is constantly changing. For the latest numbers and updates, keep checking the CDC’s website. For the most up-to-date information from Michigan Medicine, visit the hospital's Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage. 

For the full list of COVID-19 related articles from the blogs, visit our COVID-19 coverage page.

Every day, we’re waking up to a world that has become like a stranger to us. The stress of sheltering in place and fear of the unknown has left many of us stressed, socially isolated or just plain bored.

There’s no denying it: Our lives have been turned upside down.

But there are things we can all do to help make these days better and to stay healthy, says Michigan Medicine dietitian Sue Ryskamp, who sees patients at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. “Keeping yourself healthy includes heightened hygiene, exercise and eating right.”

Ryskamp offers four tips to help get through these unprecedented times, no matter what your age.

1. Establish routines

Establishing daily routines is especially helpful with kids at home, but also for those who are now relegated to work from home or retirees who can’t get out.

“The kitchen is a great place to get your day started with a routine,” says Ryskamp.

“If you have kids, get them engaged in planning meals together each day. Have them create a plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the goal of introducing healthy choices,” says Ryskamp. Kids are more likely to gobble up the meals they’ve had a hand in creating, she says, like this favorite recipe of hers — Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes — which is simple and makes use of some of the items you might have in your pantry.

“Be sure to keep a running grocery list so you can get the things you need with one trip or one delivery,” Ryskamp says.

This might also be the time to designate one night a week to order out. “Many restaurants offer delivery services or curbside pickup as a safety precaution,” says Ryskamp. “And remember, your local restaurant owners need you now more than ever.”

Connecting with the outside world is a good routine to establish, especially for those who live alone. Whether via computer or telephone, make it a point to reach out to others each day.

“A lack of socialization can be harmful to your mental and physical health and can have an impact on your immune system,” says Ryskamp. “Stay connected with family and friends on a regular basis by scheduling online chats, happy hour (mocktails are acceptable!) or birthday celebrations.”

And don’t forget the importance of keeping a relatively consistent sleep routine, she says. “Now that we’re homebound, it’s ok to be a bit more flexible by sleeping an extra hour or so in the morning, but aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.”

2.Think twice about what you’re putting in your mouth – and why

While many of us are stressed beyond our limits, overeating can have a temporary calming effect. But temporary is the key word, says Ryskamp. “Without managing your eating habits during times of stress, you’re more likely to put on unwanted weight.”

Most important, she says, is the impact nutritious foods can have on your sleep, mood, energy level and immune system. “Incorporate whole foods and colorful fruits and vegetables and avoid sugary foods as much as possible.”  

Before opening that refrigerator door again, consider what you might do instead: Take the dog for a walk, work on a puzzle or call a loved one. For those who are on restricted diets for health issues such as heart disease or diabetes, these tactics can prevent you from swaying during these stressful times.

“Being mindful of why you’re eating is a good way to combat the urge to eat out of boredom,” says Ryskamp.

When you do go looking for a snack, make sure to have plenty of healthy options available. “A quarter cup of nuts, a piece of dark chocolate, air-popped popcorn, fruits and whole grain crackers with cheese are good choices,” Ryskamp says.

While baking is a great way to keep yourself occupied, make sure you’re not eating all those cookies or muffins at once. Freezing some of your goodies means you’ll be able to enjoy them in the days or weeks ahead.

3. Ramp up your fluid intake

Now more than ever, Ryskamp advises drinking plenty of fluids to help keep your body hydrated and to flush out toxins.

“Some of the best choices are water, green tea with ginger or turmeric, clear soups and broths.”

To boost your immune system, Ryskamp says immune support drinks can be beneficial. “Many of these provide vitamins A, C, D and Zinc, which are important to a healthy immune system.”     

If you experience a fever, water enhanced with electrolytes, like low-sugar sports drinks or Pedialyte, are recommended.

4. Move your body.

Getting plenty of exercise during these shelter-in-place days is vitally important — no matter what your age.

“Exercise can help boost physical, mental and emotional health and can help reduce stress, which can take a toll on our immune systems,” says Ryskamp. She recommends checking out online exercise and yoga classes geared toward kids and adults. “Shoot for 30 to 40 minutes a day or longer, if possible.”  

For those unable to engage in rigorous workouts, try online chair classes. “One of my favorites,” says Ryskamp, “is on YouTube and features Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Fight the Feeling.”

To energize your day and help you de-stress at night, Ryskamp recommends online videos such as “7 Minutes of Magic.”

She also recommends taking stock in your yard and getting it ready for the upcoming spring and summer planting season. “It’s something positive to look forward to and you can even begin inside by ordering online garden kits and various seeds to get a jump start on the season.”  

With the weather warming up, now is a great time to get outside for some fresh air. “Take a hike with the kids or a friend — keeping in mind that social distancing needs to be practiced outside, too,” says Ryskamp.

Those with health conditions such as heart issues or diabetes need to keep moving, too, says Ryskamp. “It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise. Take a walk to the mailbox or walk the dog. Just remember, it’s important to stay active to enhance your wellbeing and your immune system. By staying active, you’ll be able to do many of the things that bring enjoyment to your life.”

Michigan Medicine healthcare professionals are available to our patients via telephone consultations by calling 888-287-1082.

Look No Further: Here’s the Best Vitamin C Serum for Your Skin!

ranges! This is the first thing that crosses your mind when you hear about vitamin C, am I right? They smell great and are refreshing, what’s not to love? Eating or drinking them is a delight, and your skin feels just the same way when you apply your juicy vitamin C skincare products. Whether you use a daily treatment with lower concentrations or a full-on ampoule, the radiance of your skin will speak for itself! Besides the undeniable luminous result, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from external aggressions, preventing free radicals from damaging your skin. And here we are today, to celebrate Vitamin C Day!

Knowing all the benefits that vitamin C can offer to your skin, it is nothing but predictable that you can find an endless list of options to choose from. Whether you are looking for a facial cream or a serum, there are multiple answers for you. But… let’s focus. First things first: let’s talk about serums. By now, we’re pretty sure you are already using one. They are concentrated boosters that accelerate the results you are looking for, hence essential for all the skincare enthusiasts.

Which vitamin C Serum is the best for my skin type?

Whether you have the oiliest of skins or a very dry skin type, there is a perfect solution out there to suit your needs. Looking forward to answering all possible requests, we created a guide that helps you to navigate the vitamin C Serum world.

Best for Oily Skin

SVR Ampoule [C] Anti-Ox Radiance Concentrate 30ml

Oily skin can be challenging. When choosing a serum, your main concern is the texture: it must be lightweight. Having this in mind, this new product delivers an impressive concentration of 20% of Vitamin C and, at the same time, comes in a liquid and refreshing texture.

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Best for Dry Skin

Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal x60

Dry skin is demanding and requires more than just a powerful active ingredient: it needs comfort. Having this in mind, we have selected a vitamin C serum that also features ceramides to protect the skin from moisture loss, and nourishing emollient oils that condition the skin.

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Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum 30ml

If you have sensitive skin, you can’t afford to play that much when it comes to skincare. You need straightforward products, reliable brands and formulas that deliver precisely what you need. This serum offers not only an anti-wrinkle and radiant result but also antioxidant protection to effectively shield your skin.

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Best Affordable Serum

Vichy Liftactiv Antioxidant & Anti-Fatigue Fresh Shot 10ml

If you’re looking to get more bang for your buck, here is our recommendation. This serum combines 15% of pure vitamin C with vitamin E to reduce all signs of fatigue. In addition, fragmented hyaluronic acid contributes to hydrated and plumped skin.

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Best Brightening Serum

Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate 15ml

You want an even complexion, we get you! If you want to minimize the appearance of dark spots, discoloration and achieve a brightening result, this is our suggestion. This new vitamin C serum combines the precious vitamin C with a high concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids to achieve a peeling-like effect with a comfortable sensation.

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Best Flash Result

Sesderma C-Vit Intensive Serum Ampoules 10×1.5ml

If you have no time to lose and you need to see the results as you apply the serum, this one is perfect for you! With pure Vitamin C, this intensive serum instantly invigorates dull skin for a radiant complexion.

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Best Overall

SkinCeuticals Prevent C E Ferulic 30ml

We have multiple winners on this list. If you are still not convinced, this one is for you. With 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, this complete and powerful cocktail provides multiple benefits to the skin. At the same time, it boosts collagen synthesis, attenuates wrinkles and fades hyperpigmentation to reveal a perfected complexion.

Make Your Honeymoon In Australia 2020 A Dreamy Affair With This Detailed Guide

25 Best Things To Do In Sydney (Australia)

Sydney is Australia’s answer to New York: a cosmopolitan a hive of activity, which never sleeps, but also boasts gorgeous beaches, fantastic weather and mild winters. Sydney has over 4 million residents, making it Australia’s largest city, and is also the most touristed destination in the country, attracting over 32 million visitors per year.

Tip – Get the Ultimate Sydney Pass for a combination of top attractions (including the Sydney Tower Skywalk)

The city is very multicultural, so the food on offer is delicious, and it’s also a fantastic shopping destination. The various suburbs have very different atmospheres, so you’ll find something for everyone in this tourist paradise.

Lets explore the best things to do in Sydney:

1. See a show at the Opera House

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the Opera House

The Opera House may be the first thing to come to mind when you think about Sydney, or indeed Australia.

The world-heritage listed building is stunning in person, and it is illuminated beautifully at night.

There’s always plenty of events and shows going on in the Opera House and the surrounding area, and you can also tour the opera house or enjoy a tasty meal inside the premises.

Recommended tour: The Sydney Opera House Tour

2. Stroll Darling Harbour

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Darling Harbour

The Darling Harbour is a popular recreational complex adjacent to Sydney’s city centre, with breathtaking river views and plenty to keep you well-fed and entertained.

There’s a massive variety of attractions in the Harbour, but some favorites include the serene Chinese Garden of Friendship and its lovely teahouse, the Carousel, the National Maritime Museum, and the beautiful Dockside Pavilion.

There’s also a vibrant nightlife scene in the harbour, the excellent Harbourside Shopping Centre (including laser tag), an aquarium, a Madam Tussauds and much more.

It’s best to dedicate at least a day to the Harbour to see as much as possible of this Sydney icon.

3. Get a local perspective with a free walking tour

Source: imfree

Free Walking Tour

The “I’m Free” walking tours are a great way to get to know Sydney.

Guided by passionate volunteering locals who want to share their love of the city with you, they’re a wonderful way to get a deeper understanding of the sights that you’re seeing and the history and meaning behind them.

There’s 3 tours per day, and what you’ll learn on the tour makes for a great starting point from which to explore the city.

4. Visit the iconic Paddy’s Markets

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Paddy’s Markets

These markets have been a Sydney institution for over 150 years.

Paddy’s is the biggest market in Sydney, with over 1,000 stalls between the Haymarket and Flemington locations.

You’ll find very reasonably priced souvenirs, bric-a-brac and general fun items, as well as a great atmosphere and tasty food.

5. Bondi Beach

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Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most famous beaches, and a popular hangout for Sydney’s beautiful people, as well as local and international celebrities.

It’s always busy here, but usually not too busy, and the atmosphere is exciting.

The surrounding suburb has some great retail and dining options.

Bondi Beach is on the Australian Heritage List, and is also noteworthy for holding the Guinness World Record for the largest swimsuit photo shoot, with 1010 bikini-clad women taking part.

6. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

This iconic bridge is another of the most well-known symbols of Sydney, and is one of the world’s few climbable bridges.

You’ll be prepared with health and safety essentials, and any weather-appropriate gear that you’ll need for the climb, and venture out on your climbing adventure with a group of other climbers and an experienced Climb Leader.

The view during the climb is exceptional, and it’s a truly different way of experiencing the bridge! You’ll find more information here.

7. Have dinner at Circular Quay

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Circular Quay

Circular Quay is known for its excellent gourmet dining options, and the views of the crystal-blue Sydney Harbour waters are truly stunning.

Some particularly delicious options include ARIA, the Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, Yayoi Garden and Tapavino; there’s also budget options such as Banh You Vietnamese Street Food, burgers at City Extra or the weekly meal deals at the Ship Inn.

8. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

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Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens were established in 1816, making them the oldest botanic gardens in Australia, as well as the oldest scientific institution.

They recently celebrated their 200th birthday with a series of popular commemorative events throughout the year.

Various guided and self-guided tours are available, and the Choo Choo express offers a quick, scenic way to get around the gardens.

You’ll learn many interesting facts about Australian botanical history, as well as being able to enjoy plenty of gorgeous plant-life! The Royal Botanic Gardens are only a few minutes’ walk from the Sydney CBD and the Opera House, and are one of Sydney’s most touristed attractions with over 5 million visitors per year.

9. Enjoy a touch of Australiana with a Home and Away tour

Source: backtothebay

Home and Away tour

One of Australia’s most best-loved exports, Home and Away is a TV soap opera that has been running since 1988, making it the second-longest drama series in Australian TV history; you can catch it on Channel 7 at 7pm from Monday to Thursday, for 45 weeks of the year.

The show is sold to 80 countries worldwide, and is particularly loved in the United Kingdom.

Home and Away is set in the fictional Summer Bay, and filmed largely in Palm Beach; fans of the show will recognize many of the sights of Summer Bay, and you may even be there while filming is being done! Palm Beach boasts stunning scenery – clear-blue waters and pristine white beaches – so it’s also a lovely spot to relax and rejuvenate.

Recommended tour: Official Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay

10. Get an adrenaline rush at Luna Park

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Luna Park

Luna Park is worth visiting for the so-kitsch-it’s-cool entrance alone; it makes a hilarious photo backdrop.

If you’re into amusement park rides, you’ll have a great time here: the Wild Mouse is perfect for that terrifying-yet-awesome rollercoaster thrill.

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner, then Luna Park is perfect too – you can actually enjoy first-class dining inside a ferris wheel carriage on Sundays.

There’s also a Coney Island area, inspired by the actual Coney Island in the US: it’s an old-school funhouse with sideshow games, a mirror maze, and traditional retro fun.

Skip-the-Line ticket available: Luna Park Sydney: Unlimited Rides Pass

11. Visit the picturesque seaside town of Manly

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Manly

Manly is a relaxed beachside suburb, a short (and gorgeous!) ferry ride away from Sydney’s city centre.

It’s extremely popular with locals and tourists alike – a whopping 8 million visitors per year! – and it’s ideal for beach and water activities such as beach volleyball, running, kayaking, scuba and surfing.

Manly also boasts excellent al fresco dining options, a lovely museum, a sea life sanctuary, and even a shark-diving experience! Various guided walking tours by knowledgeable locals are also available.

Available tour: Snorkel Tour at Manly, North Sydney

12. Take a cruise or ferry around the lovely Circular Quay and Darling Harbour

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Ferry

Cruising past the opera house and enjoying the stunning views of the water is a wonderful way to relax after a long day of pounding the pavement.

There’s various sightseeing cruises available, many of which are catered, but if you’re on a budget, you can enjoy the same views at a much cheaper price via public transport: a trip from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour is under $4.

13. Go museum-hopping

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The Hyde Park Barracks Museum

As you’d expect from Australia’s largest city, Sydney is home to some world-class museums that offer a fascinating insight into the city’s past, present and future, as well as interesting collections from all over the world.

The Australian Museum has a great natural history collection – get up close with all of Australia’s scariest nasties, but without the whole risk-of-death thing.

The Powerhouse Museum has a focus on science, design, innovation and technology, and the fun exhibits range from steam-engines, to life in the 80s, to an awesome dancing robot that will fight for its right to party.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum are a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site that provide an oft-depressing step back into history, having previously been first a convict barracks and then an asylum for women.

It’s a reminder of a cruel way of life that would be considered terrible by today’s standards; but it’s also wonderfully refreshing and full of hope when you consider how far we’ve come.

14.  Check out Sydney’s famous nightlife

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Oxford Street

Sydney is known as one of the southern hemisphere’s best destinations for nightlife, and for good reason.

In particular, Oxford Street (the centre of Sydney’s gay area) has many popular venues that cater for gay, straight and mixed crowds; some popular venues elsewhere include Chinese Laundry and Home. (There’s also plenty of bars and clubs in Kings Cross, but the area can be very seedy at night, so it may be best avoided.)

15.  Go sports-mad at the SCG

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SCG

Sydney loves its sports, and you’ll notice how passionate the locals are about their favorite teams.

The SCG is the place to catch a game with your new Sydney-sider friends: there’s something going on most weekends, and the venue plays host to a wide variety of sports including cricket, rugby and AFL. Even if you’re not into sports, it’s fun to breathe in the palpable excitement at a game, and you may even want to buy some souvenirs for your sporty friends back home.

16. Get in touch with nature at Garigal National Park

Source: mapio

Garigal National Park

Garigal is a protected national park in the North Shore region of Sydney.

Only 20km from the CBD, it’s a gorgeous oasis just a short trip away from the hustle and bustle, and it’s a popular weekend getaway for locals.

The national park is huge, at 2202 hectares, and the park trails are very popular with walkers, hikers and cyclists; the Cascades are particularly lovely.

You’ll find exquisite scenery here, as well as interesting local flora and fauna; there’s also 100 ancient Aboriginal sites recorded within the park, including cave art and rock engravings.

17. Combine bar-hopping with history on the Sydney Historic Pub Crawl

Source: expedia

the Sydney Historic Pub Crawl

Pubs have played an important part in Sydney’s culture since the early days of European settlement. The 4-hour historic pub crawl will take you to four of the oldest pubs in the city, as you learn about the sometimes-seedy, always fascinating history of the area: gang life, brothels, unsolved murders and more.

Sydney is a city that is rich in stories, and the pub crawl is a great way to get familiar with some of the stories from the underbelly of society.

Book online: Sydney Historic Pub Crawl Walking Tour

18. Get close to koalas, giraffes, penguins and owls at Taronga Zoo

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Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is a short ferry away from Sydney’s city centre, but it feels like a different world.

This well-kept zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, and is passionate about conservation, sustainability and public education.

There’s also a sky-high ropes adventure course, offering gorgeous views of Sydney Harbour.

It’s quite a large zoo, but the zoo train and the Sky Safari will help you get around in comfort.

It’s also possible to sleep the night at the zoo in safari-style tents.

Book online: Taronga Zoo Tickets

19.  Go on a spooky ghost tour

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Quarantine Station Ghost Tour

Another side of Sydney that people don’t often come into contact with (literally or figuratively!), a ghost tour is a great way to learn about the spooky bits of Sydney, which was originally founded as a convict colony.

Several different companies offer ghost tours, where you’ll hear true stories of murders, suicides, hangings and more.

One of these tours is of Quarantine Station, a location which was used to isolate people believed to be carrying contagious diseases.

It is believed to be one of Australia’s most haunted sites, and tour options include an “extreme ghost tour” working with real paranormal investigators.

Recommended tour: Haunted Sydney Ghost Tour

20.  Get nostalgic at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace

Source: groupon

Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace

The Hayden Orpheum is a gorgeous little piece of cinema history, and a window into the picture theatres of your grandparents’ era.

This cinema has been operating since 1935, and you can catch the latest flicks in plush 30s luxury.

The retro neon signs out the front are also a blast from the past, and a cute photo backdrop to boot.

Some movie sessions even start with a theatre organ being played; while these were very commonplace in the era of silent film, very few are still playing in cinemas today, so it’s quite a unique, enchanting experience.

The Picture Palace sometimes hosts themed movie nights, so it’s worth taking a look at their website to see if there’s something special on.

21. Step back in time at Elizabeth Farm

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Elizabeth Farm

Elizabeth Farm is Australia’s oldest homestead, set in the grounds of a re-created 1830s garden.

It is an ‘access all areas’ living museum, with no barriers or locked doors: it truly feels like walking around a home in the early 19th century.

Elizabeth Farm is an interesting insight into the lives of early European settlers through the story of the MacArthur family which inhabited the home.

Various tours are available, including a tour by candlelight, and a family tour.

There is also a tearoom on site, where you can enjoy Devonshire tea.

22. Enjoy a beautiful panoramic view from the top of Sydney Tower

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Sydney Tower

The Sydney Tower Eye is the highest point in Sydney, from which you can see 360-degree panoramic views.

It’s lovely both during the day and in the evening; it’s particularly worth coming shortly before sunset so that you can enjoy the daytime and the night-time views, but there’s never really a time when it’s not a wonderful sight.

The Tower is open every day of the year, and you can also sign up for a SKYWALK tour of the outer perimeter.

Tip: this is included in the Ultimate Sydney Pass

23. Taste the freshest catch of the day at Sydney Fish Market

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Sydney Fish Market

Australia is known for its delicious seafood, and the Sydney Fish Market is a great place to find exceptional quality.

As well as a delight for your tastebuds, it’s also got a great atmosphere, and behind-the-scenes tours are available.

There are several cafes and restaurants onsite, as well as a sushi bar and a Chinese seafood restaurant specializing in yum cha.

24. Visit The Rocks

Source: familypedia

The Rocks

The Rocks is the first site of European settlement in Australia, and is rich in history; it was particularly important first as a convict site and then as a working-class part of town.

It’s also home to Cadman’s Cottage, the oldest residential house in Sydney.

The Rocks is also well-known for its markets, cobblestoned laneways, and the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

You’ll find several excellent art galleries in this area, and great dining options.

25. Check out Cockatoo Island

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Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island is an island located in the middle of Sydney Harbour, easily accessible by ferry.

Parts of the island have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as one of 11 historical sites that form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.

The Australian Convict Sites are the best surviving evidence of the convict transportation and forced labour used to build Australia as a European colony.

The convict precinct of Cockatoo Island is a sometimes shocking testament to the appalling cruelties of convict life.

The island also has a fascinating maritime history, which continued until 1979, and was used as a reform school.

As well as being historically fascinating, the island is also gorgeous, and a popular camping spot.

There’s also a giant chess board outside the Visitor’s Centre.