Sydney information
Sydney is the most populous and economically important city of Australia. Sydney has over 4 million habitants and it is the capital of the state New South Wales. Sydney is also one of the oldest, most lively and most exciting cities in Australia. The city is home to the spectacular Sydney Harbor. Sydney is an important port for intercontinental trade to all regions of Asia Pacific. The town is a multicultural city with many festivals and outdoor concerts.
Sydney location
Sydney’s location is on the eastern coast of Australia and the geographical coordinates are Latitude 33.2° South and Longitude 151.2° East. The Pacific Ocean beaches are to be found east of Sydney and the Blue Mountains are situated to the west of Sydney.Sydney weather
The weather in Sydney is particularly mild, with fair weather. The sunny city of Sydney is comfortable to visit at any time of the year. Sydney's summer months (December, January and February) are particularly hot, with consistent fine weather. There may be an occasional downpour at this time of the year. The autumn months of March, April and May are delightful and one of the most popular times of the year to visit Sydney. Spring in Sydney is between September to November and although there is more chance of rainy weather at this time of the year, it its mostly for a short period of time.
Sydney history
The region of Sydney has been inhabited for at least 50,000 years. Only recently old grindstones have been found in the area, predating any previous finds worldwide. Sydney was founded in 1788 when the first fleet arrived in Australia from England. On board were 759 convicts, most of them men with sailors and marines to guard the prisoners. With them they took seeds, farm implements, livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses and chickens and 2 years supply of food. The first colonists came ashore at Port Jackson. Some of the finest buildings of the early convict period were built during the reign of Lachlan Macquarie (1810 - 1821). Sydney became a city, free settlers arrived and convicts began to be free.The transportation of convicts ended in 1840, at that time about 30,000 people lived in Sydney. In 1842 the City of Sydney was established, with elections, offices and a free society was born. Gold was discovered in 1851 and a lot of people came to the city, not only from Europe and California, but also from China.
By the end of the 19th century Sydney was one of the largest cities in the Western world, with a population of about half a million people. In the twentieth century Sydney did not maintain that position, but the people from Sydney appreciate quality, not quantity. Twentieth century additions to the view of the city are the 1930s Sydney Harbor Bridge and the 1960s Opera House. Nature and culture together created and continue to create a city of great charm and attraction.
Sydney tourist attractions
There are quite a number of tourist attractions in Sydney. For a long time, this Australian harbor city is acquiring international fame for its great natural and cultural wonders. Darling Harbor, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower, the Sydney Olympic Park, Parramatta, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Wildlife world, several Museums and the famous beaches are some of the many Tourist Destinations.
Sydney Opera House stands on the waterfront and has become known to the world for its dramatic roof, which was designed to resemble the sails of a ship. In July 2007 Sydney Opera House was declared a World Heritage Site as a masterpiece of Twentieth Century architecture.
The Museum of Sydney lies within the Central Business District, where it has become one of the most popular and dynamic cultural attractions in the city. The museum explores the city's early history and culture, including the indigenous Eora civilization and convict life.
In an Art Deco building at the front of the Circular Quay West, nearby Dawes Point is the important Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), the museum has a fine collection of modern art from Sydney, Australia and the rest of the world. Exhibitions at the MCA include paintings, sculptures, moving images and installation art work.
The Australian National Maritime Museum, in the Central Business District stands at the western end of Pyrmont Bridge. The roof looks rather like the famous Sydney Opera House. The museum tells the story of the city's relationship with the sea. You will find Aboriginal canoes, displays about the arrival of the First Fleet and information on the city's surf culture. This popular attraction is set near to the monorail.
The 1930s Sydney Harbor Bridge spans the water from The Rocks to Milsons Point. You can walk across in 20 minutes and climb the 200 steps to the lookout for views and informative exhibits.
The Sydney Tower has views all the way to the Blue Mountains and harbor heads. Admission includes a virtual-reality show exploring Australian culture.
Darling Harbor lies in the Central Business District, with wonderful views of the waterfront. There is a large conference center, numerous shops, restaurants and cafés. The Darling Harbor has become a trendy area of the city and is always busy.
Taronga Zoo is a classic ferry-trip destination and is stunningly located on the North Shore. The emphasis is on conservation and education. Especially popular are the giraffes and koalas.
Sydney Town Hall is an example of Sydney's Victorian landmarks and its first stone was actually laid in 1868 by Prince Alfred, son of Queen Victoria. The Town Hall, in central Sydney, has an elaborate interior with Victorian decoration, crystal chandeliers and stained-glass ceiling panels.
Bondi Beach is Australia's most famous beach and has a long curved stretch of sand and impressive waves. Lifeguards patrol the shark-netted beach daily and there are pools for calmer swimming. You can walk to the neighboring Tamarama and Bronte beaches via the Cliff-Tops.
The Parramatta Heritage Center features many interesting displays about the city's extensive historic past.