welcome to sydney australia's oldest and largest city you're watching world travel
guide this time we will visit down under and show you the most fascinating sights of sydney
sydney is the largest and most populous city in australia and the state capital of new south wales
sydney is located on australia's southeast coast of the tasman sea the city is built around a huge
harbor and hosts many tourist attractions as well as a number of beaches bays and a couple
of national parks sydney is divided into north and south by the sydney harbour with both sydney
harbour bridge and tunnel connecting them most of the tourist attractions are in the south part
of the city with a large business and residential area in the north sydney and its surrounds contain
around 20 percent of the entire population of australia at about 4.6 million people
the modern history of sydney began with the arrival of a first fleet of british ships
in 1788 and the foundation of a penal colony by great britain the city is named after lord sydney
who was british home secretary when captain arthur phillip and the first fleet arrived in the harbor
the colony's early years were harsh after four governors in a military revolt
known as the rum rebellion governor lachlan macquarie was put in charge he restored order
and charted a new course for new south wales australia's first state as a free society
macquarie was a great builder and visionary rivers and lakes a bank a university even a dictionary
are named after him by the 1830s sydney was a busy commercial seaport exporting wool to europe
transportation of convicts from britain ended in 1840 and the gold fever struck in the 1850s
by 1911 sydney had become australia's largest city and after world war ii it benefited from
a shift in australia's trade toward north america and asia and away from britain
in the late 20th century sydney has become the most international and most sophisticated of
australian cities the most striking example of this was its role as host of the 2000 summer
olympics immigration has transformed sydney into one of the world's most ethnically diverse cities
more than 180 nationalities call it home you'll discover more of sydney's past at museums and
on heritage and cultural tours and at the state library of new south wales on macquarie street
the sydney harbour bridge is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks
not only is it the largest steel arch bridge on the planet but it also spans one of the globe's
finest natural harbors affectionately named the coat hanger by locals it's an intrinsic
part of sydney you can walk or cycle across it and even climb to its peak for incredible views
the iconic bridge took eight years to build and opened in 1932
it's made of fifty three thousand tons of steel and six million hand-driven rivets
the sydney opera house was opened in 1973 it is more than just an architectural marvel set on
beautiful sydney harbor it's also a world-class working opera house it hosts everything from
classical ballet performances innovative theater and symphony music to contemporary dance and
stunning opera productions this unesco world heritage listed building offers daily guided tours
available in all major world languages you can enjoy a behind-the-scenes peak as you lift the
curtains and uncover the fascinating stories of australia's most celebrated performing arts center
the rocks is the birthplace of modern sydney with the arrival of european settlers in 1788
it was here that the convicts first set up house and shop
you can discover the area's rich colonial history as well as its contemporary position as a thriving
entertainment precinct right by the spectacular sydney harbour the best way to discover the rocks
is on foot as you amble along cobbled streets and follow little laneways that house everything from
markets to museums and galleries you can also hire bicycles and pedal around the harbor foreshore
named after hyde park in london sydney's hyde park is australia's oldest park
it's a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city and a lovely spot for a picnic sprawling
lawns shady picnic spots flowers fountains and fig trees provide a welcome escape and the park offers
prime people watching especially at lunch when city workers come here to kick off their shoes
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facing hyde park the saint mary's cathedral is a symbol of the spiritual beginnings of
the catholic church in australia this striking landmark in neo-gothic style is
the seat of the archbishop of sydney topped by twin spires the building was modeled on
lincoln cathedral and its imposing facade reflects the design of notre dame in paris
inside the cathedral intricate stained glass windows cast beautiful patterns of light
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sydney isn't the only global city with a chinatown but this one is bigger better
and boasts more than most thanks to the chinese immigrants that started arriving in the 1800s
you can find everything here from small specialist stores and sprawling asian grocers to noodle bars
in hidden food halls and tucked away fine dining restaurants not to mention lively markets and late
night karaoke the pedestrian thoroughfare of dixon street is the beating heart of
chinatown and it really comes alive during the spectacular lunar new year celebrations for the
traditional chinese calendar celebrations go on for weeks and everyone is welcome
bondi beach is an iconic stretch of fine sand and curling waves and one of the world's most
famous beach destinations the beach is flanked by sandstone headlands which are popular for walking
golfing and whale watching you can enjoy bondi at any time of the year bondi beach is 30 minutes
from town hall station by train and bus and offers visitors insights into australia's easy-going
beach culture even complete novices can learn to surf here at one of the accredited surf schools
the months of october november late february and march are the best time to visit sydney as they
generally offer sunny weather while avoiding the heat of mid-summer and the school holiday crowds
the weather is ideal for sightseeing outdoor activities in water sports
and hotel rates are also lower december to early february is the high season
during this time the weather is always hot and many tourists head to the beaches and
various sporting events at this time rates for hotels are always higher even more so
around christmas and new year when schools are shut and many offices and businesses also close
what is your favorite place in sydney let us know in the comments
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