Sydney
Australia’s best known and largest city is Sydney, on the southeast coast. The 4.5 million city residents are known as “Sydneysiders” and for obvious reasons Sydney is often nicknamed “Harbour City”.
The impressive harbour is the largest natural harbour in the world and is home to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic structure of Sydney Opera House. The city’s beauty is enhanced by the many parks overlooking the water, including Hyde Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Sydney was founded in 1788 by Arthur Phillip, commodore of the British First Fleet. It became a major destination for immigrants during the 19th and early 20th centuries and is now a vibrant cosmopolitan city.
Sydney ranks in the Top 10 most liveable cities in the world and although it is Australia’s most expensive city to live in, by comparison with other alpha-rated cities, the cost of living is comparatively modest.
The urban area has 70 beautiful beaches including Bondi Beach, famous for its talented surfers at the southern end where the rip current is known as the “Backpackers’ Express”. An underwater shark net keeps out unwanted predators while dolphins and fairy penguins are often sighted. Along the Campbell Parade there are many cafés, restaurants and hotels including the well known landmark, Hotel Bondi. Views from the 2 mile (3km) clifftop walk to Bronte Beach give great views of the crashing surf.
Getting around Sydney is very easy on local transport as more then 60% of Sydney residents do not own a car. Public trains and buses are cheap and efficient, and the city is also very easy to explore on foot. Take a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly, where the beautiful beach is backed by giant pines which are home to a flock of colorful lorikeets.
Popular activities besides the beach include whale watching, diving, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a guide or taking a helicopter tour to the nearby Blue Mountains National Park. There is also a scenic railway to the Three Sisters Peaks and the breathtaking Wentworth Falls to see.
Image: Sydney
