Sydney Map

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is the most populated city of Australia, and is the capital of New South Wales. It is also the site of the first British colony in Australia and is a huge natural harbor. It is one of the most beautiful and livable cities of the world and contains a rich and ethnically diverse population.

About the City

The city of Sydney covers an area of 12,144.6 sq km and had an approximate population of 5,029,768 in 2016. It is identified by two famous iconic structures which distinguish the skyline. These are the Sydney Opera house and the famous Harbor Bridge.

The area of the city was originally occupied by the indigenous Cadigal people of Australia. The Europeans arrived in Australia in 1770. In 1788, Arthur Philip established a colony at Sydney cove under the instruction of the British government. The colony was named Sydney after Lord Sydney who issued the charter. The city grew rapidly during the 1830s and 1840s and the municipal corporation was incorporated in 1842. Today, it is one of the most prosperous cities of Australia.

Geography

Sydney is located on a coastal basin on the Tasman Sea and is bordered by the Blue Mountains in the West, the Hawkesbury River in the North and the Royal National Park to the South. It covers part of Cumberland plain and the Hornsby plateau. Several cliffs, sandy beaches, coves and estuaries characterize the coastline of Sydney. It is one of the largest natural harbors of the world.

Modes of Transport

You can travel to Sydney in the following ways :

• The city is served by the Sydney Kingsford Smith International airport which is the busiest airport in Australia. It is located on Botany Bay, about 9 km from the city center in southern Sydney. There are regular flights to various destinations of Asia, Europe and America.
• Sydney is connected to major cities of Australia like Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane by an excellent network of roads.
• A train network also connects Sydney with the rest of the country. The city is served by the Central Station located to the South of the city center.
• Sydney is a popular port of call for cruise ships.

Weather

Sydney enjoys a temperate climate. Summers are warm, while winters are mild. Rainfall occurs throughout the year. Snowfall is rare, though hail and storm are common. The city has also experienced several bushfires in the summer season. The city’s mild climate makes it possible for tourists to visit the city throughout the year. However, the summer from December to February is the peak tourist season, as it is the best time to enjoy the beaches.

Culture and Traditions

Sydney has a large immigrant population which has given rise to diverse cultures. Several festivals are celebrated in the city. Some of these festivals are as follows:

• The Sydney Festival is held in January to celebrate the arts. This week-long festival includes a number of outdoor events including the highly popular Jazz in the Domain.
• Big Day Out is a Rock music festival, attracting participants from all over the country. This event is generally held on 26th January.
• The Chinese New Year is celebrated with fireworks, parades and dragon boat races in February.
• The Sydney Film Festival held in June, is a huge event in the country where more than 200 films are screened.
• Crave Sydney in October, showcases the best restaurants and chefs of the city.
• Sculpture by the Sea, is a spectacular festival in November when larger than life sculptures are set up along the beaches.

Points of Interest

Some of the most notable sights of Sydney are :

• The Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House are the two most eye-catchy structures in the city.
• The Darling Harbor area is a favorite haunt of the tourists, with beautiful walks, shops and restaurants.
• The Royal Botanic Garden covers 30 hectares and contains 7,500 species of plants.
• The Australian National Maritime Museum presents a detailed maritime history of the country.
• The Koala Park Sanctuary, the Australian Reptile Park and the Featherdale Wildlife Park also are must-visit places for nature lovers.

Accommodation

There are a range of accommodations in Sydney. The five star hotels include Park Hyatt, Hilton and Langham, while four star hotels include Manor House, Best Western, and Diamente etc. The three star hotels include Savoy, Russell, and Glenferrie etc. There are a number of cheaper accommodation and hostels in Sydney as well.

Reference Links :

• Sydney (Wikipedia Website)
• Sydney Hotels (Lonely planet Website)