"Sydney - One of the greatest cities on earth" Sydney by MikeAtSea
Sydney Travel Guide: 5,783 reviews and 13,449 photos
Sydney is the heart of New South Wales and the state’s capital. A bustling centre for industry and business and a major world port, it boasts 3.5 million inhabitants. Spreading over some 670 square miles, the city seems to stretch as far as the eye can see to the west, north and south. Where the metropolitan area ends, the wide-open bush of New South Wales begins.
Sydney is located roughly the same distance from the equator as San Diego, California and enjoys an equally superb sunny climate. Its beautiful harbour is studded with bays and inlets and crowned by the billowing sails of the incomparable Opera House.
In 1770, Captain James Cook sailed his ship Endeavour into Botany Bay, claiming the east coast of the island continent for England and naming it New South Wales. The timing was perfect as England was seeking a suitable venue for a penal colony. On May 13, 1787, Captain Arthur Phillip was dispatched to this new destination with some 1,000 convicts.
Today this international metropolis has long outgrown the stigma of its convict origins. The harbour is undoubtedly the key to Sydney’s splendour, giving it a pronounced maritime character and immense vitality. The city is divided into Sydney proper on one side of the harbour and North Sydney on the other. The famous Harbour Bridge spans the bay linking these two metropolitan areas.
Like many of the world’s major cities, Sydney is a contrast of old and new. Soaring glass and steel skyscrapers and the dramatic Opera House are offset by interesting historical buildings. Where Captain Arthur Phillip and his convicts set foot on the shores of Sydney Cove in 1788 there is now a beautifully restored area, called The Rocks.
- Pros:I could move here tomorrow - there are only pros!!!
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Sydney Harbour
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(35)
Sydney Harbour is commonly referred to as the most beautiful natural harbour in the world. Those who come to see it will... more travel advice
You may never want to leave!!!!
Warnings and Dangers
(3)
Australia was one of the most remarkable travel experiences I have ever made. Its people, the landscapes, the... more travel advice
Sydney City Rail
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(5)
Another convenient form or transport in Sydney is the City Rail with links to almost all of the city. The web page link... more travel advice
Oysters galore!
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This was my grand finale before I left for the first time - the Sydney Cove Oyster Bar - endulge in some of the best... more travel advice
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Comments (14)
Incredible Sydney Bridge climb. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, SL :)
You're the Number 1 man of the Sydney VT pages! Gr8 effort! Nice main photo looking towards Point Piper, etc! Glad you loved my home town. Cheerio, Joe. ;)
Fantastic page. I will have a short trip to Sydney this weekend, and this page is the best I found with full of tips.
Beautiful page here Micheal!! Fantastic pics and tips!! I'll be in Sydney for the first time next week, so looking forward to exploring this wonderful city!! Thanx again for the great info!!
Fantastic page of a wonderful city Mike! There are a lot of interesting museums and places to visit in Sydney.
You are not lying. It is hard to find a pic of Sydney without the opera house, as if all people do there is goto the opera
fantastic page! hope my plans work out and i'll be in aus next year :)
I agree with you that Sydney is one of the greatest cities! Wonderful job on your Sydney page! I just returned from another fantastic few days in Sydney and am trying to get my pages updated and more tips built.
Hi, I like what you said about Warnings and Dangers - You may never want to leave! Over the last few months, I had grown to like Sydney enough to decide to change my work visa from temp to permanent. Cheers from a part time Oz tourist.
It has been a plesure reading your pages. Professionally written. But of course, you are! Regards, Yasmine & Mike