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Home > Travel Guide > Australia > Destinations > New South Wales > Sydney

New South Wales - Sydney

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is Australia’s largest and oldest city, where the first settlers landed in 1788.This free spirited, exciting city lies around one of the world's most beautiful harbors.

The Sydney area was the ancestral home of the Daruk tribe, whose territory extended from Botany Bay to Pittwater. There are some 2000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the Sydney area, and many of Sydney's suburbs possess Aboriginal names.

The city's mixture of realistic egalitarianism and plain indifference has transformed it into a prosperous multicultural society. Sydney now attracts the majority of Australia's immigrants and the city's predominantly Anglo-Irish heritage has been revitalized by large influxes of Italians, Lebanese, Turks, Greeks, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Presently, this beautiful city is also the favorite destination for painters, writers and filmmakers.

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House, an architectural masterpiece and Australia's foremost tourist attraction, is one of the great performing arts centers of the world. All forms of performing arts are represented. Around 3,000 events and performances are staged each year in five venues, attracting audiences of approximately two million. Performance packages, which include a tour, dinner and a show or a combination of these, are also available by contacting the Sydney Opera House.

The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains - named as such because of the blue haze created by the eucalyptus oil in the air above the mountain gum forests - formed over several million years ago and has remained largely untamed. The Blue Mountains are 104km (65 miles) west of Sydney with access by private vehicle, train or coach tour. Go abseiling over roaring waterfalls, wade along babbling brooks, walk through canyons that remain unchanged since the Jurassic era, paddle and airbed silently beneath glow worm covered overhangs, stroll under groves of huge tree ferns and swim through crystal clear pools. These are experiences that last a lifetime.

From the lookouts perched on the edges of Blue Mountains National Park, blue ridges fade into the distance broken by weathered cliffs and waterfalls that plunge down into wide forested areas or narrow valleys.

Ancient rock formations such as the Three Sisters, The Ruined Castle and Pulpit Rock await inspection with the Jenolan Caves, a spectacular conservation reserve abounding in wildlife and rugged limestone scenery. The nine showcase caves are recognized as some of the best naturally decorated caves in the world and are just 76km from Katoomba. Ride the Scenic Railway, the steepest incline railway in the world, or enjoy the breathtaking views from The Skyway, a gondolier style cable car, both in Katoomba.

Sydney Harbor Bridge
The Sydney Harbor Bridge is one of Australia's most famous icons. Visitors to Sydney, with a sense of adventure, can take it to new heights by climbing it. In an experience different to many others, climb to the top of the arches for a spectacular 360-degree view of one of the greatest harbors and greatest cities, Sydney.

Bridge Climb, the main attraction, is a small group adventure of 12 climbers, escorted by a fully trained guide. Dressed in the specifically designed Bridge Climb suit, the group climbs and walks around 1500 meters across catwalks, ladders and arches. This thrilling three-hour adventure takes visitors to the top of the bridge, some 134 meters above sea level. It gives an unforgettable view. For the duration of the climb, guides provide an informative and exciting commentary on the sights and sounds of Sydney and the Bridge itself. Bridge Climb operates in all weather conditions with the exception of electrical storms. Safety is ensured on a Bridge Climb tour with all necessary precautions and equipment installed. Upon arrival, all climbers are given a comprehensive briefing and demonstration of the safety equipment. A harness is worn at all times that is linked to a static line throughout the duration of the climb. Experience the exhilaration and thrill of climbing to the top of this engineering marvel and famous icon with Bridge Climb, the climb of a lifetime.

Darling Harbor
Darling Harbor is a place where Sydney celebrates. This modern waterside harbor, five minutes from the city center is accessible by car, ferry, bus, light rail and monorail. This area is famous for shopping with 200 shops in the Harbourside Shopping complex. The world-class attractions include the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Panasonic Imax Theatre, The Chinese Garden, and The Powerhouse Museum.

The Rocks
The Rocks is a waterfront zone lying beneath the giant arch of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and overlooking the famous sails of the Opera House. Here, the visitors can discover the beautifully restored historic buildings, galleries and museums. This was the site of the first colonial settlement in Australia in 1788. This precinct offers a wide selection of dining, shopping and entertainment. The Rocks which is home to colorful characters, residents and artists is the "must do" part of every visitor's enjoyment in Sydney.

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