Sydney is the most popular city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.34 million.It is the state capital of New South Wales, and was the site of the first British colony in Australia. It was established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, admiral of the First Fleet from Britain.[4] A resident of the city is referred to as a Sydneysider.
Sydney is situated on Australia's south-east coast. The city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city's nickname, "the Harbour City". It is noted for the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets. It is listed as a beta world city by the Loughborough University group's 1999 inventory[5] and ranked 16th among global cities by Foreign Policy's 2008 Global Cities Index.[6] The city has hosted international sporting events, including the 1938 British Empire Games, 2000 Summer Olympics and the final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. The main airport serving Sydney is Sydney Airport.
Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, which reflects its role as a major destination for immigrants to Australia.[7] According to the Mercer cost of living survey, Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city, and the 15th most expensive in the world.[8] Sydney also ranks among the top 10 most liveable cities in the world according to Mercer Human Resource Consulting and The Economist.[9][10]
SYDNEY SIGHTS
THE CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP
THE CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP
The Chinese Garden of Friendship is nestled at the south end of Darling harbour and a short walk from Chinatown. Entering the gardens is like walking backwards in time into the quiet solitude of ancient Chinese architecture and it's relationship with nature. The garden combines the elements of water, plants, stone and architecture.
Running water, towering willow trees, cool lagoons with lotus plants and large colorful fish all make this an idyllic spot to read a book or recharge your batteries. It really is something special. The gardens occupy several acres combining waterfalls, lakes, pavilions, sculpture and animals; the fish and the ibis.
The key features to look out for are the Courtyard of Welcoming Fragrance, Dragon Wall, Water Pavilion of Lotus Fragrance, Twin Pavilion, Gurr, Rock Forest, and the Penjing.
To enjoy the quiet serenity and overlook the gardens take time for a jasmine tea in the traditional Chinese Teahouse. Share crumbs from your plate with the confident sparrows that will almost feed from your hand.
Location:
South End, Darling Harbour, near to the Sydney Entertainment Centre and adjacent to Chinatown.
How to Get There:
A 10-minute walk from Town Hall or Central StationsBy Light Rail get off at Haymarket Station.
Telephone:
+61 2 9281 6863
Opening Hours:
Daily 09:30 to 17:00 (closed from noon of 24 December and all day 25 December)
Services:
Because of the stairs and rocky pathways access by wheelchair is difficult.
Website:
Chinese Garden of Friendship
How to Get There:
A 10-minute walk from Town Hall or Central StationsBy Light Rail get off at Haymarket Station.
Telephone:
+61 2 9281 6863
Opening Hours:
Daily 09:30 to 17:00 (closed from noon of 24 December and all day 25 December)
Services:
Because of the stairs and rocky pathways access by wheelchair is difficult.
Website:
Chinese Garden of Friendship
THE ROCKS
The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. It is not hard to see why. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical signifiance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum".
The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and has recently undergone an amazing metamorphosis, the old district being transformed into a vibrant pocket of cafes and restaurants and interesting tourist shops and stalls. This has been achieved without destroying the area's Old World charm and historic buildings. Sydney's town planners have put in place a sensitive conservation program that has preserved the heritage and character of The Rocks and brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting.
Most activities centre around walking, looking and eating. The Rocks is Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district so the main emphasis is on the historical importance of the area. The Sydney Visitor Centre, Corner, Argyle and Playfair Streets, The Rocks (Open daily 9.30am to 5.30pm [Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day]), is a logical and excellent starting point. This centre has a wealth of information on points of interest around The Rocks and provides free information and literature, as well as having souvenirs and momentos that can be purchased.
Eating Out
While wandering around the Rocks take the time out to enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at the Italian Villiage restaurant.
Entertainment
Enjoy the diverse selection of historic pubs offering everything from a quiet drink and a meal through to live bands and DJ's.
On weekends and at festival times, there is usually free entertainment, with outdoor concerts and street theatre. Many of The Rocks' pubs offer live music - jazz, folk and pop. The Rocks Market operates every weekend, from 10am to 5pm each day, and until 6pm in summer months. Some 100 stalls are set up under a series of sail-like canopies, filling the lower end of George Street . The stalls are filled with a wide range of Australian gift ideas, homewares and collectibles.
Of special interest to children is the Puppet Cottage, in Kendall Lane, while grown-ups may be more interested in taking a look at the colony's first windmill, up on Observatory Hill, or dropping in to Sydney's oldest remaining pub, the Lord Nelson, built in 1844.
Galleries and Museums
Within The Rocks district the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Merchants House, Susannahs Place, Discovery Museum and Cadman's Cottage (at 110 George Street), which was built in 1816 as barracks for the crew of the governor's boats and is Sydney's oldest surviving dwelling.
How To Get There
Take a train to Circular Quay and walk along George Street towards the Bridge.
The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. It is not hard to see why. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical signifiance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum".
The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and has recently undergone an amazing metamorphosis, the old district being transformed into a vibrant pocket of cafes and restaurants and interesting tourist shops and stalls. This has been achieved without destroying the area's Old World charm and historic buildings. Sydney's town planners have put in place a sensitive conservation program that has preserved the heritage and character of The Rocks and brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting.
Most activities centre around walking, looking and eating. The Rocks is Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district so the main emphasis is on the historical importance of the area. The Sydney Visitor Centre, Corner, Argyle and Playfair Streets, The Rocks (Open daily 9.30am to 5.30pm [Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day]), is a logical and excellent starting point. This centre has a wealth of information on points of interest around The Rocks and provides free information and literature, as well as having souvenirs and momentos that can be purchased.
Eating Out
While wandering around the Rocks take the time out to enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at the Italian Villiage restaurant.
Entertainment
Enjoy the diverse selection of historic pubs offering everything from a quiet drink and a meal through to live bands and DJ's.
On weekends and at festival times, there is usually free entertainment, with outdoor concerts and street theatre. Many of The Rocks' pubs offer live music - jazz, folk and pop. The Rocks Market operates every weekend, from 10am to 5pm each day, and until 6pm in summer months. Some 100 stalls are set up under a series of sail-like canopies, filling the lower end of George Street . The stalls are filled with a wide range of Australian gift ideas, homewares and collectibles.
Of special interest to children is the Puppet Cottage, in Kendall Lane, while grown-ups may be more interested in taking a look at the colony's first windmill, up on Observatory Hill, or dropping in to Sydney's oldest remaining pub, the Lord Nelson, built in 1844.
Galleries and Museums
Within The Rocks district the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Merchants House, Susannahs Place, Discovery Museum and Cadman's Cottage (at 110 George Street), which was built in 1816 as barracks for the crew of the governor's boats and is Sydney's oldest surviving dwelling.
How To Get There
Take a train to Circular Quay and walk along George Street towards the Bridge.
THE SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE
Circular Quay© Sydney Online Pty Ltd 1997
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Sydney's most famous landmarks. Completed in 1932, the construction of the bridge was an economic feat as well as an engineering triumph. Prior to the bridge being built, the only links between the city centre in the south and the residential north were by ferry or by a 20 kilometre (12� mile) road route that involved five bridge crossings.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is known locally as the "Coat Hanger", took eight years to build, including the railway line. The bridge was manufactured in sections on a site that is now occupied by Luna Park funfair.
Circular Quay© Sydney Online Pty Ltd 1997
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Sydney's most famous landmarks. Completed in 1932, the construction of the bridge was an economic feat as well as an engineering triumph. Prior to the bridge being built, the only links between the city centre in the south and the residential north were by ferry or by a 20 kilometre (12� mile) road route that involved five bridge crossings.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is known locally as the "Coat Hanger", took eight years to build, including the railway line. The bridge was manufactured in sections on a site that is now occupied by Luna Park funfair.
Construction on the bridge began in December, 1926. The foundations, which are 12 metres (39 feet) deep, are set in sandstone. Anchoring tunnels are 36 metres (118 feet) long and dug into rock at each end. Construction on the arch began in November, 1929. It was built in halves with steel cable restraints initially supporting each side. The arch spans 503 metres (1650 feet) and supports the weight of the bridge deck, with hinges at either end bearing the bridge's full weight and spreading the load to the foundations. The hinges allow the structure to move as the steel expands and contracts in response to wind and changes in temperatures.
By October, 1930, the two arch halves had met and work then began on the deck. The deck is 59 metres (194 feet) above sea level and was built from the center out.
The Harbour Bridge was officially opened on 19 March 1932. The total cost of the Bridge was approximately 6.25 million Australian pounds ($A13.5 million), and was eventually paid off in 1988. The initial toll for a car was 6 pence (5 cents) and a horse and rider was 3 pence (2 cents). Today the toll costs $3.00. The toll is now used for bridge maintenance and to pay for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. The annual maintenance costs are approximately $5 million. More than 150,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day.
The bridge was built by 1400 workers, 16 of whom were killed in accidents during construction. Painting the bridge has become an endless task. Approximately 80,000 litres (21,000 gallons) of paint are required for each coat, enough to cover an area equivalent to 60 soccer fields. Before Paul Hogan (from the movie Crocodile Dundee) became famous, he worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a painter.
Recommended for all visitors to Sydney is the Pylon Lookout. Inside the Lookout is a fascinating display on how this bridge was built. Entry to the Pylon is from the pedestrian walkway on the Harbour Bridge. You can get to the walkway via the stairs in Cumberland Street, The Rocks, or from near Milsons Point Station on the north side. The Pylon Lookout is open every day except Christmas Day.
THE OPERA HOUSE
Sydney Opera House© Sydney Online Pty Ltd 2005
The Sydney Opera House, situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point, is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world.
Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed under some controversy, it was opened in October 1973.
The Opera House is one of Sydney's most popular icons with tourists and travellers from the world over visiting, photographing and standing in awe of the cultural centre of Sydney.
The Opera House is the home to the:
Ballet at the Opera House
The Sydney Opera House, situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point, is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world.
Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed under some controversy, it was opened in October 1973.
The Opera House is one of Sydney's most popular icons with tourists and travellers from the world over visiting, photographing and standing in awe of the cultural centre of Sydney.
The Opera House is the home to the:
Ballet at the Opera House
· The Australian Ballet· Australian Chamber Orchestra
· The Bell Shakespeare Company
· Ensemble Theatre
· Musica Viva Australia
· Musica Viva Australia
· Opera Australia
· Sydney Dance Company
· Sydney Festival
· Sydney Symphony
· Sydney Theatre Company
Performances by the various companies are being conducted all the time at the Opera House. To book performances of the Opera, Ballet and/or Symphony Orchestra.
Choose from a one or two hour tour that take in the extraordinary history, breathtaking architecture and the unseen workings of the Opera House and its daily life or take you behind-the-scenes to stand on stage in the world-famous Concert Hall or Opera Theatre among other exclusive opportunities and to enjoy a light breakfast in the Green Room. For details on the tours and to book click here.
For information on upcoming performances and to book online.
To fit our relaxed and laid back lifestyle, minimum dress standards are neat casual.
How to get there
Getting to the Sydney Opera is easy as it's located right on the water and surrounded by many of the main attractions of Sydney.
For detail on public transport to use to get there, opening and closing times and admission prices.
Access to the Opera House is included in the purchase of a See Sydney and Beyond Smartvisit Card
To visit the official Sydney Opera House site.
THE WATSONS BAY
Watsons Bay is located on the southern head of the entrance to Sydney Harbour. To the east is the Tasman Sea and to the west is the Harbour with a glorious view of the city of Sydney in the distance.
Watsons Bay is where Governor Phillip first landed in Australia. It's also recognised as Australia's oldest fishing village, having been established in 1788.
The Bay is famous for being the home of the first Doyles Restaurant. The site on which the restaurant now stands is where Doyle originally sold his daily fish catch in 1845. It's well worth the trip to Watsons Bay to eat at the restaurant or, alternatively, for a more informal meal, buy a take-away lunch from Doyles' fish and chip outlet, located on the wharf, and eat it in the park and feed the seagulls.
There are two walking paths from the wharf, both require around one hour for the round trip. From the wharf you can walk north past Lady Bay (see their nude beach) and on to South Head and see the Hornsby Lighthouse. Alternatively, you can walk south past The Gap and take in Signal Station and Macquarie Lighthouse. See the site of the wreck of the Dunbar.
You get to Watsons Bay by car along Oxford Street (it changes to Enfield Drive) out of the City. Follow the road left into Old South Head Road and continue along this road to Watsons Bay. If you're going by bus then catch the 324 from Circular Quay. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry from the Quay.
Considering dining at Watsons Bay, then select from a range of restaurants and cafes to suit any culinary fancy.
Allow yourself a good half a day to see all that Watsons Bay has to offer.
When leaving Watsons Bay, travel south by car along Old South Head Road and turn left into Military Road (changes to Campbell Parade) to take you to Bondi Beach
Watsons Bay is located on the southern head of the entrance to Sydney Harbour. To the east is the Tasman Sea and to the west is the Harbour with a glorious view of the city of Sydney in the distance.
Watsons Bay is where Governor Phillip first landed in Australia. It's also recognised as Australia's oldest fishing village, having been established in 1788.
The Bay is famous for being the home of the first Doyles Restaurant. The site on which the restaurant now stands is where Doyle originally sold his daily fish catch in 1845. It's well worth the trip to Watsons Bay to eat at the restaurant or, alternatively, for a more informal meal, buy a take-away lunch from Doyles' fish and chip outlet, located on the wharf, and eat it in the park and feed the seagulls.
There are two walking paths from the wharf, both require around one hour for the round trip. From the wharf you can walk north past Lady Bay (see their nude beach) and on to South Head and see the Hornsby Lighthouse. Alternatively, you can walk south past The Gap and take in Signal Station and Macquarie Lighthouse. See the site of the wreck of the Dunbar.
You get to Watsons Bay by car along Oxford Street (it changes to Enfield Drive) out of the City. Follow the road left into Old South Head Road and continue along this road to Watsons Bay. If you're going by bus then catch the 324 from Circular Quay. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry from the Quay.
Considering dining at Watsons Bay, then select from a range of restaurants and cafes to suit any culinary fancy.
Allow yourself a good half a day to see all that Watsons Bay has to offer.
When leaving Watsons Bay, travel south by car along Old South Head Road and turn left into Military Road (changes to Campbell Parade) to take you to Bondi Beach
THE HYDE PARK BARRACKS
Hyde Park Barracks© Sydney Online Pty Ltd
Designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, the Hyde Park Barracks was home to convict men and a place of punishment between 1819 and 1848. Later it became an Immigration Depot for young girls and a Government Asylum for women. The Greenway Gallery, housed in the barracks, presents a lively program of temporary exhibitions about Australian history, ideas and culture.
Located at Queens Square, Macquarie Street, the Hyde Park Barracks is open 9:30am-5:00pm daily except for Good Friday and Christmas Day.
For further information, telephone +61 2 8239 2311.
Web: Hyde Park Barracks
Getting There
5-minute walk from St James, Martin Place and Circular Quay Railway Stations.
.jpg)