Few cities can match the good life of the 'HarbourCity', a city with more than a hundred beaches, brimming with youthfulvitality. Sydney, the capital of NewSouth Wales, has more than four million inhabitants and is one of themost cosmopolitan cities in the world. As a relatively young city it has acontagious optimism and its tanned residents feel equally at home on theirsurfboard as in ballet.
From the golden sands and sparkling waters of BondiBeach to the unmistakable curves of the Sydney Opera House, the cityis a dream location for photographers. Start your exploration of the city witha Skywalk at Sydney Tower with its incredible views then explore the nearbyRoyal Botanic Gardens and the majestic sails of the SydneyOpera House. A short walk away you will find the Circular Quay, theequivalent of Grand Central Station in New York, but only outside (it isSydney, after all). Go to this bustling transport hub and board one of thefamous ferries from the city to one of the many surfy suburbs. In nearbyDarling Harbour you'll find the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the AustralianNational Maritime Museum.
Walk the quayside are filled with restaurants andparks to The Rocks, where you can almost feel the ghosts of the criminal andmaritime history of the city. For thrill seekers there is the Wild Mouse rollercoaster at Luna Park. Say "G'day" to the kangaroos, koalas andplatypuses in the Taronga Zoo and make sure you visit the bird show, with theport as a spectacular backdrop.
A short walk from the centre and you’ll find neighbourhoodslike Paddington, Surry Hills and Newtown. These charming neighbourhoods aredotted with quaint cafes, boutiques and galleries. Foodies will appreciate Darlinghurstand Potts Point. Those looking for a little retail festival will Bondi Junctionand the large Westfield shopping centre in the heart of downtown.
Sydney is a paradisefor nature lovers, who are never far from the bush and beaches. Admire therugged shoreline of the harbour during the half-hour ferry ride to ManlyBeach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the city.
Thanks to an excellent network of trains, buses andferries, you can easily get around Sydney. Sydneydelights visitor with warm summers and cool, pleasant winters. The ‘HarbourCity’ is an ideal year-round Australian destination.
