Welcome to Sydney
Located in New South Wales, Australia, Sydney is the most populated city in the country and the continent. It is a modern multicultural city, that offers a wide variety of cultures as well as landscapes and experiences.
It is famous for its rich heritage and vibrant vibe, beautiful harbor, pristine coastline, its mountains and valleys and as a surfing hotspot. There are so many things you can do, that getting bored is not an option. And the best part, you can go from surfing to fine-dining to hiking all in one day!
History
Sydney has been inhabited since 30,000 years ago by aboriginal, who left many ruins and art in the area. It is presumed that they came from southeast Asia.
Captain James Cook arrived in the area on the 29th April 1770, the first meeting between Australian natives and europeans.
In 1788, Sydney became the first European settlement in Australia. In those times, Britain used to send its convicts to the American colonies, action that stopped after the Declaration of Independence of the United States in 1776. Thanks to this, Britain decided to create a new penal outpost in Australia, and colonized the area. Thanks to its important location, Sydney became one of the most important ports in South Pacific. The city had already established relationships with the Pacific Island, India, China, South Africa and America when it was a small convict settlement.
Between 1790 and 1816, Sydney became one of the sites of the Australian Frontier Wars, a series of conflicts between Britain and the resisting natives. Aboriginal population decrease immensely in this period, a combination of the war and the smallpox epidemic that hit the tribes at that time.
Things to do in Sydney
Discover the Rocks
Sydney started as a convicts town on a rocky shore, that they called “The Rocks” This neighborhood offers historic laneways and Australia’s oldest pubs not too far away from Sidney’s Harbour. With over 100 Heritage Sites and buildings, this area is of great cultural significance to the city. The rocks evolved from this rowdy settlement to a modern / hipster neighborhood where open markets and street food dominate the streets.
Experience Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is considered one of the world’s greatest beaches, offering something for everybody: Surfing, hiking, dining and shopping. It is the closest beach to the city center.
Enjoy the view from the Bondi Icebergs pool, go surfing or admire some amazing art on the Sculpture by the sea, an annual festival hosted here.
Admire Sydney Opera House
The Opera House is an icon of Sydney and the most famous landmark of the country, you have probably seen it in postcard and images referencing Australia. An architecture masterpiece, the Sydney Opera house is much more than that. It hosts around 40 performance per week, as well as guided tours of the place.
Take the ferry to Manly Beach
Located on the north of Sydney, Manly Beach is known for its surf breaks and chillout vibe. The ferry from Circular Quay, with unbeatable views on its way, will take you to these breathtaking golden beaches and relaxed holiday environment that all the Aussies love.
Dining in Sydney
Gastronomy is an important part of Sydney, as it offers many innovative and delicious restaurants to indulge in. Enjoy the diversity of cultures thorough its food, and dine overlooking the bridge and the bay.
Taronga Zoo
The Taronga Zoo is a place full of kangaroos, koalas, elephants, and many other exotic animals. What is so special about this zoo are its beautiful views of the harbour, and the ability to stay overnight in a safari-like tend, not too far away from the animals.
Discover the aboriginal art
Sydney has a rich aboriginal heritage, that can be experience through its art, that you will find in the Art Gallery of New South Wales; who hosts a permanent collection of Australian Art, including the indigenous, or head to the harbour and nearby national parks, where you can find some paintings scattered around.
Climb the Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, known as the “Coathanger” is one of Australia’s most important landmarks, dating back to 1932 and one of the longest steel-arch bridges in the world. You can walk across, or you could climb it and enjoy the panoramic views from the top, at a heigh of 440 feet (134 mt).
Cockatoo Island
Located in the Sydney Harbour, cockatoo offers greats views of the city. The island is filled with industrial relics and convict architecture. Explore the remains of the prison and discover the history of Cockatoo Island.
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