AUSTRALIA
Sydney

Sydney

Sydney Panorama_{Photo: RaminusFalcon CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Sydney is a densely populated and the most economically important city in Australia and has more than 4 million inhabitants. Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales and one of the oldest, largest and most vibrant cities in Australia. The city is known for its spectacular harbor. Harbor City is one of Sydney's nicknames. Sydney is important because of the intercontinental trade with the regions. The city is a multicultural city with many parades, festivals and open air concerts.

Location

Sydney aerial view_{Photo: Pavel (CC BY 2.0) no changes made}

Sydney is located on the eastern coast of Australia (New South Wales) at 33.2° South latitude and 151.2° East longitude. The Pacific Ocean is located east of Sydney and the Blue Mountains are located west of Sydney.

Weather

The weather in Sydney is particularly mild with good weather all year round. You can therefore visit the sunny city of Sydney at any time. The summer months of December, January and February (Southern Hemisphere!) Are particularly warm with consistently beautiful weather. There is only occasional rain at this time of the year due to the high humidity. The months of March, April and May are wonderful and this is the most popular time of year to visit Sydney. There is beautiful weather with particularly mild nights. Spring falls from September to November and although there is more chance of rain in Sydney, it usually clears up quickly.

History

The region in which Sydney is located has been inhabited for at least 50,000 years. The Aborigines called this area Warrane. 50,000-year-old grindstones have been found in the area, which are the oldest finds in the world.

Captain Arthur Phillip plants flag in Sydney Cove_{Photo: Public domain}

Sydney was founded when a fleet of 11 ships from Portsmouth landed off the coast of Sydney on May 13, 1787. On board were 759 convicts, most of them men with sailors and marines, to guard them. They had seeds, agricultural implements, livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses and chickens on board. The first settlers made landfall at Port Jackson. They were commanded by Captain Arthur Philip (1738-1814).

Lachlan Macquarie Governor of Sydney_{Photo: Public domain}

Some of the most beautiful buildings of this period were built during the reign of Governor Lachlan Macquarie (1810-1821). Governor Macquarie wanted to build a city, but he was recalled to London on charges of spending too much. But against all odds, Sydney grew into a city, free settlers settled and convicts were released. By the time the transportation of convicts ended in 1840, approximately 30,000 people were living in Sydney. The city of Sydney was founded in 1842. Elections were held and a free society began.

Sydney Town Hall and St Andrew's Cathedral around 1900_{Photo: Public domain}

When gold was discovered in 1851, people flocked to the city, not only from Europe and California but also from China. There was huge construction in the city. That was a better way to make money than digging for gold. Many got rich and extravagant parties were held that would have been unthinkable a few years earlier. By the late 1800s, Sydney was one of the largest cities in the Western world with a population of half a million people. Sydney did not hold that position in the twentieth century, but the people of Sydney have long known that it is the quality and not the quantity that counts. It is a fact that the quality of this port city is largely due to the generosity of nature.

Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Operahouse_{Photo: Cookaa CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Twentieth-century contributions to Sydney's image include the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the 1960 Opera House. They have become part of the cultural heritage. Nature and culture together provide a townscape of great charm.

Sights

Sydney center_{Photo: Diego Trazzi CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

There is a range of sights to see in Sydney. Throughout the year, a large number of tourists from all over the world flock to the city to visit these attractive places. The Australian port city has an international appearance. On display are the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the famous Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbor, the Sydney Olympic Park, Luna Park, Sydney Tower, Parramatta, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Wildlife World, famous museums and beautiful beaches.

Museum of Sydney_{Photo: Ying-lung Lu CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Located in the Central Business District, the Sydney Museum has become one of the most popular and dynamic cultural attractions of its kind in the city. The museum explores the early history and culture of the city through installations, state-of-the-art technology, interactive exhibits and many exciting displays. Attention is also paid to the indigenous Eora civilization and the lives of the convicts. There are also many seasonal events and temporary exhibitions.

Museum of Contemparary Art in Sydney_{Photo: Greg O'Beirne CC 3.0 no changes made}

The important Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), in the Rocks area, is housed in an Art Deco building in front of the Circular Quay West, near Dawes Point. There is a nice collection of modern art from Sydney, Australia and around the world. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) features paintings, moving images and installations. There is also a gift shop, a popular café and regular lectures.

Australian National Maritime Museum_{Photo: Public domain}

The Australian National Maritime Museum, in the Central Business District, is very hard to miss and is on the west side of the Pyrmont Bridge. With sail-like roofs quite similar to the famous Sydney Opera House, the Australian National Maritime tells the rich history of its historical relationship with the sea. Aboriginal canoes, exhibits on the arrival of the First Fleet, information on the city's thriving surf culture, historical artifacts make this museum a popular attraction conveniently located on the Harborside monorail.

Sydney Harbour Bridge_{Photo: Kolamil in the public domain}

The 1930s Sydney Harbor Bridge spans the water from the Rocks to Milsons Point. You can walk over it in 20 minutes and climb up for the view and to view informative exhibits.

Darling Harbour Sydney_{Photo: Adam.J.W.C. CC 2.5 Generic no changes made}

Darling Harbor is located in the Central Business District with beautiful water views. With a large conference center, various shops, restaurants and cafes, exhibitions and major tourist attractions, Darling Harbor has grown into a trendy area of the city and is always busy.

Taronga Zoo in Sydney_{Photo: Tom heyes CC 2.0 no changes made}

A classic ferry destination is Taronga Zoo which is beautifully situated on the North Shore. The emphasis is on nature conservation and education. There is a collection of stuffed animals that are beautifully housed. The giraffes and koalas are photogenic.

Sydney Town Hall_{Photo: Charlie Brewer CC 2.0 Generic no changes made}

Sydney Town Hall is one of Sydney's beautiful Victorian landmarks, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1868 by Prince Alfred, son of Queen Victoria. Located in the center of Sydney, Sydney Town Hall features a carved interior with ornate Victorian decoration, crystal chandeliers, stained glass ceiling panels and a massive pipe organ. The large Centennial Hall in Sydney Town Hall, is now used for large gatherings, concerts and events.

Sydney Opera House_{Photo: Bjarte Sorensen CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

The famous waterfront Sydney Opera House has become known around the world for its dramatically designed roof, resembling the sails of a ship. The Sydney Opera House was declared a World Heritage Site in July 2007 and is a masterpiece of twentieth-century architecture. Sydney Opera House regularly hosts stage performances and there are guided tours to take a look behind the scenes.

Tips

Bondi Beach nesr Sydney_{Photo: Athena Lao CC 2.0 Generic no changes made}

Bondi Beach is Australia's most famous beach and consists of a long curved strip of sand and often there are impressive waves. Beach guards patrol the shark-lined beach, and there are swimming pools for swimmers who want to take it easy. It's fun to walk across the cliffs to neighboring Tamarama and Bronte beaches.

Parramatta Heritage Centre in Sydney_{Photo: Edwin.11 CC 2.0 Generic no changes made}

Located in the west of Sydney, the Parramatta Heritage Center features many interesting exhibits on the city's historical past. Attractions at the Parramatta Heritage Center include many local artifacts. There are guided tours, activities and seasonal events.

Sydney Tower_{Photo: Greg O'Beirne CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

The Sydney Tower gives a nice view up to the Blue Mountains and the harbor heads. With a ticket you also have access to a virtual reality show about Australian culture. The brave can do the "Skywalk" with a harness to the roof of the tower.