SYDNEY NSW 2000 | ||
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Population: 4,500,000, Latitude: 33.53.00, Longitude: 151.13.00 Location: On the mid-eastern coast in New South Wales Highway: Pacific (1), Princes (1) Hume (31) and Western Hwys, among others. Nearest Major Town: Sydney Nearest Airport: Sydney Touring Area: Sydney City |
The Sydney Opera House |
Sydney is Australia's largest city, it is the oldest, established in 1788, and
it is the capital of New South Wales.
Spread around the beautiful harbour, and with the Blue Mountains as a backdrop, it has a population of around 4 million and enjoys international significance as one of the world's prettiest cities. Its famed Harbour Bridge 'the coathanger', and the unusual Opera House highlight the character of the city. It is innovative, exciting and mainly clean. A series of expressways built in the last 20 or so years have provided speedy access between suburbs and the city centre, while the reconstruction of the Darling Harbour and 'Rocks' areas has provided a contrast from the usual urban boredom af large cities. Near its heart, Kings Cross is an exciting venue which contains dozens of night clubs and strip clubs, and goes all night. Around the city famous beaches like Bondi, Manly and Maroubra provide excellent swimming and the harbour and nearby bays are popular for yachting and water-skiing. There are abundant parklands and sporting facilities, and the new complexes constructed for the 2000 Olympics provide an ongoing interest in outdoor activities. In the hinterland are the famous Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley wine producing area, and the Southern Highlands. Stories about them will be found elsewhere in these pages. PLACES OF INTEREST: The Rocks: Sydney's original settlement fully restored and loaded with history. Quaint streets, buildings and a host of restaurants, coffee lounges, galleries and hotels make it a delight to visit. Cadman's Cottage: Now the National Parks Information Centre (Ph: (02) 9247 8861) located in The Rocks area it is a restored building from early settlement. In Susannah Place you can see how the workers lived and played last century. The Rocks Visitors Centre will be found at 104 George St. Sydney Ph: (02) 9247 4972 Darling Harbour: A visitor centre is open 7 days from 9am to 5pm. (Ph: 9286 0111) at Darling Harbour to explain the many things there are to see and do. Nearby is Chinatown, providing excellent Chinese meals and the famous Paddy's Market. A skytrain monorail operates from stations around the city and passes through Darling Harbour. Sydney Opera House: Finished in the early 1970's from a design the late Joern Utzon, it is one of the most recognised buildings in the world. It is the centre for performing arts in Sydney, Bookings on 9250 7111. Magnificent views of the Harbour Bridge can be seen from the Opera House. The Royal Botanical Gardens: Spread along the harbourside the gardens provide a pleasant respite from sightseeing around the harbour. Sydney Tower: The tallest building in Sydney with panoramic views and revolving restaurant at the top. THE EASTERN SUBURBS: Kings Cross. At the top end of William Street is the renowned red-light district of Kings Cross. With the well lit El Alamein fountain bubbling away in its centre it reflects the vibrant attitude of the people who visit and live here. Clubs and bars are open till all hours, and there is plenty of accommodation about. A visit to Kings Cross can be an exciting part of your Sydney holiday. Further east the boutique suburbs of Rushcutter Bay, Double and Watson's Bays, and Vaucluse reflect the wealth of Sydney. Palatial homes abound with magnificent views across the harbour. Some of these homes are open to the public. Elizabeth Bay House, Vaucluse House, and Lindesay can all be visited. A drive along Old South Head Rd and New South Head Rd towards the beachside suburbs of Bondi, then across to Maroubra is a pleasant experience. Some coach companies conduct these tours and point out places of interest along the way. The yachts moored in Rose Bay and the foreshore heritage walk are particularly rewarding. Until the late 1960's Flying Boats operated out of Rose Bay connecting with Lord Howe Island on the Great Barrier Reef, and with Tasmania. The eastern suburbs are particularly well known for their beaches. Here you will find Bondi, possibly the most famous of Australian beaches. Others include Bronte, Coogee, Maroubra and Malabar. All are safe swimming beaches. SEE SYDNEY MAP ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES:
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins |