About Sydney

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and is the largest city in Australia. People who reside in this beautiful city are called Sydneysiders, and the place they call home ranks among the top ten most livable cities in the world. Sydney is a diverse and cosmopolitan city, and is an international centre for fashion, culture, arts, music, education, commerce, entertainment and tourism. The 2000 Summer Olympics showcased how stunning this city is and put it on the world map in terms of tourism and being known as a world class city. Sydney is home to many natural areas and open spaces, even in the city centre, and this metropolitan area showcases several national park, including the second oldest national park in the world, the Royal National Park. Sydney has the largest skyline in Australia, and the style is eclectic with both contemporary and heritage buildings interspersed and no dominant architectural style characterizes Sydney as a whole. Soak up the great natural beauty of this iconic Australian city.

Sydney History

Originally inhabited by between 4000-8000 indigenous people in Sydney Cove, Australia was discovered by Captain Lieutenant James Cook of the British navy in 1770 and was soon established as a British penal colony. This convict settlement was named Sydney after Thomas Townsend, Lord Sydney, because of his role in authorizing the establishment of the colony. In 1789, an epidemic of smallpox or chicken pox killed thousands of aboriginal people. By the 19th century, wharves, public buildings, bridges and roads were being constructed by the Irish and British convicts sent to Australia and by the last quarter of that century rapid development began with the introduction of railways. Sydney and Melbourne have have a rivalry for hundreds of years, with Sydney overtaking Melbourne's population in the early 20th century, and remaining the largest city in Australia ever since. Sydney's growth has continued with it's large number of European and Asian immigrants.

Practical Information

Major Airport: Sydney Airport – http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/Sacl/

Local train services:
To get the best out of local transport it is most economical to buy a weekly TravelPass.
Cityrail is Sydney’s suburban train network.

Bus services:
There are many areas in Sydney which are not accessible by train and you must make use of the bus system. ( www.sydneybuses.info )

Ferry services:
Most of Sydney’s ferries depart from Circular Quay and offer affordable trips to various suburbs. This is a much cheaper option than taking a tourist targeted harbour cruise. ( www.sydneyferries.info )

Information Centres:

Sydney Visitor Information Centre
106 George Street, The Rocks
(02) 8255 1788 or 1 800 067 676
www.sydneyaustralia
Open 8am-6pm daily

Darling Harbour Visitor Information Centre
Palm Grove, Darling Harbour
(02) 9281 0788
www.sydneyaustralia.com
Open 10am-6pm daily

Embassies and Consulates:

Canadian Consulate
5th Floor, 111 Harrington Street, The Rocks
(02) 9364 3000
Open Mon-Fri 9am-noon

USA Consulate
59th Floor, MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Place, Sydney
(02) 9373 9200
Open Mon-Fri 8am-12.30pm

British Consulate
16th Floor, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney
(02) 9247 7521
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Sydney News

Keep informed of what is going on in this beautiful harbour city and what will be happening during your stay.

Sydney Herald
The Daily Telegraph

Sydney Classifieds and Coupons

http://sydney.craigslist.com.au/
http://www.bondiclassifieds.com.au/
http://www.sydneyclassifieds.net/
http://www.sydney-coupon.com.au
http://www.groupon.com.au/missed-deals/sydney

Events in Sydney Around the Year

January:
Sydney International – first class men’s and women’s tennis
Darling Harbour Celebrations on Australia Day
Australia Day Regatta
Sydney Festival – arts and culture festival
Big Day Out - music festival

February:
Sydney Mardi Gras Festival
Tropfest Film Festival
Good Vibrations – music festival

March:
Sydney Mardi Gras Festival
Greek Festival of Sydney

April:
National Trust Heritage Festival
Darling Harbour Hoopla
Sydney Royal Easter Show

May:
Mercedes Australian Fashion Week
Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon
Sydney Writers’ Festival

June:
A Taste of Manly – food and wine festival
Darling Harbour Jazz Festival
Sydney Film Festival
Australian International Music Festival

July:
Sydney Good Food and Wine Show

August:
Sydney International Boat Show

September:
Sydney Marathon
Manly Arts Festival

October:
NRL Grand Final
Manly International Jazz Festival
LIVID Festival – music festival

December:
Bondi to Bronte Ocean Swim
Homebake – music festival
Christmas with the Symphony
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Darling Harbour

Australia Tourist Attractions