Sidney, Australia

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. It is on the south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. In June 2010 the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people. Inhabitants of Sydney are called Sydneysiders, comprising a cosmopolitan and international population.

The site of the first British colony in Australia, Sydney was established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, commodore of the First Fleet, as a penal colony. The city is built on hills surrounding Port Jackson which is commonly known as Sydney Harbour, where the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge feature prominently. The hinterland of the metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and the coastal regions feature many bays, rivers, inlets and beaches including the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Within the city are many notable parks, including Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Sydney City
Australias largest and most famous city, Sydney is home to beautiful beaches, iconic buildings, historic landmarks, award-winning restaurants, and a uniquely vibrant culture. From the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour to the serene tranquility of Hyde Park, Sydney has something for everyone. Whether youre looking for a high-energy adventure holiday, or planning your honeymoon, or simply searching for a relaxing getaway, Sydney is a tourists dream.

Sydney north
Just across the harbour from the city lies a cluster of leafy northern suburbs known for their easy bushwalks, bustling markets and family entertainment. Some of the city's most stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House can be enjoyed from North Sydney's foreshore or from Kirribilli's cottage-lined streets. Famous beaches - Manly and Palm Beach are at either ends of a beautiful stretch of coastline that has great surfing beaches, clifftop walks plus cafes and Sydney restaurants where you can dine outdoors. At Mosman, you.ll find Taronga Zoo in a dramatic harbourside location, perfect for a day out with the kids. Further north is the beautiful Hawkesbury River which you can explore by boat and even stay overnight in a cosy riverside boathouse.

CBD and Harbour

The CBD and Harbour North village covers the area from Sydney Harbour in the north to Bathurst Street in the south, and from the Royal Botanic Gardens in the east to Barangaroo in the west. The village group includes the suburbs of Millers Point, Dawes Point, The Rocks, Barangaroo and a large portion of Sydney (suburb).

The area's rough topography resulted in a confusing collection of streets and laneways, rather than an orderly grid of through-fares.

Chinatown and CBD South

The Chinatown and CBD South village covers the area from Bathurst Street in the north to Central railway station in the south, and from Elizabeth Street in the east to Darling Harbour in the west. A map of the area can be downloaded below.

The village group includes the suburbs of Haymarket and a small portion of Sydney (suburb).
In Haymarket and Chinatown apartment blocks sit among a thriving restaurant scene and a busy shopping district the second-busiest in the area. The suburb's Chinese character dates back to the 1920s with Sydney's Chinese population dating back to the 1860s. Darling Harbour was re-opened by Queen Elizabeth II as a tourist quarter in 1988 after it was transformed from a collection of railway yards and port facilities to a lively collection of bars and restaurants, as well as conference facilities and tourist attractions that it is today.