It might seem surprising that Sydney, established in 1788, is not Australia's capital, but certainly in many ways it feels like it. The city has a tangible sense of history in the old stone walls and well-worn steps in the backstreets around The Rocks, while the sandstone cliffs, rocks and caves amongst the bushlined harbour still contain Aboriginal rock carvings, evocative reminders of a more ancient past.
Sydney has all the vigour of a world-class city, and a population approaching five million people; yet on the ground you'll find it still possesses a seductive, small-town, easy-going charm. The water is what makes the city so special, and no introduction to Sydney would be complete without paying tribute to one of the world's great harbours. Port Jackson is a sunken valley which twists inland to meet the fresh water of the Parramatta River; in the process it washes into a hundred coves and bays, winds around rocky points, flows past the small harbour islands, slips under bridges and laps at the foot of the Opera House.
Day-trips away offer a taste of virtually everything you'll find in the rest of Australia. There are magnificent national parks and native wildlife - Ku-Ring-Gai Chase and Royal being the best known of the parks, each a mere hour's drive from the centre of town. North of the centre the Central Coast is great for surfers, and has more enclosed waters for safer swimming and sailing. Inland, the Blue Mountains offer tea rooms, scenic viewpoints and isolated bushwalking. On the way, and along the Hawkesbury River, are historic colonial towns. Inland to the northwest is the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest and possibly best-known wine-growing region, amongst pastoral scenery.
Should you decide to begin your visit with a city tour, there are a number of options to consider -- from walking tours to seaplanes to day-trips by rail to motorcycle tours. Click here for contact information. To learn more about the history of the city, click to history or check out our book list. For additional information on public transportation, including buses, trains, ferries, monorail and the like, go to city transport.
For information on when to go to Sydney, click here.
For a list of "must sees" in Sydney, click here.
For information on visas and other entry documents required, click here.
For information on harbour cruises while in Sydney, click here.
For information on shopping in Sydney, click here.
To learn about Sydney's major festivals and national holidays, click here.
For information on sports in Sydney, including rugby, surfing, sailing, and cycling, click here.
To book your flight to Sydney, click here.
To book a hotel in Sydney, click here.
To search for vacation rentals in Sydney, click here.
Previous Destinations:
• Japan
• The Bahamas
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Fairbanks, Alaska
• San Diego, California
REMINDER: PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Traveling abroad? It's important you know your passport, visa, and health requirements, which vary by destination. Make sure you get all the information you need well in advance of your trip.
As of January 1, 2008, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States via land as well as air or sea, regardless of destination. As of January 8, 2007, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States via air or sea, to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
For more information on travel requirements, contact the U.S. embassies of the countries you're visiting. A complete list of U.S. embassies worldwide can be found at the Department of State Web site.
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