Few cities can match the good life of the 'Harbour City', a city with more than a hundred beaches, brimming with youthful vitality. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, has more than four million inhabitants and is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. As a relatively young city it has a contagious optimism and its tanned residents feel equally at home on their surfboard as in ballet.
From the golden sands and sparkling waters of Bondi BeachOpens in a new window to the unmistakable curves of the Sydney Opera House, the city is a dream location for photographers. Start your exploration of the city with a Skywalk at Sydney Tower with its incredible views then explore the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens and the majestic sails of the Sydney Opera HouseOpens in a new window. A short walk away you will find the Circular Quay, the equivalent of Grand Central Station in New York, but only outside (it is Sydney, after all). Go to this bustling transport hub and board one of the famous ferries from the city to one of the many surfy suburbs. In nearby Darling Harbour you'll find the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum. You can get a great view over all these amazing attractions with a Sydney Bridge Climb.
Walk the quayside are filled with restaurants and parks to The Rocks, where you can almost feel the ghosts of the criminal and maritime history of the city. For thrill seekers there is the Wild Mouse roller coaster at Luna Park. Say "G'day" to the kangaroos, koalas and platypuses in the Taronga Zoo and make sure you visit the bird show, with the port as a spectacular backdrop.
A short walk from the centre and you’ll find neighbourhoods like Paddington, Surry Hills and Newtown. These charming neighbourhoods are dotted with quaint cafes, boutiques and galleries. Foodies will appreciate DarlinghurstOpens in a new window and Potts Point. Those looking for a little retail festival will Bondi Junction and the large Westfield shopping centre in the heart of downtown.
Sydney is a paradise for nature lovers, who are never far from the bush and beaches. Admire the rugged shoreline of the harbour during the half-hour ferry ride to Manly BeachOpens in a new window, one of the most beautiful beaches in the city.
Thanks to an excellent network of trains, buses and ferries, you can easily get around Sydney. Sydney delights visitor with warm summers and cool, pleasant winters. The ‘Harbour City’ is an ideal year-round Australian destination.
