Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, Australia. It is Australia's oldest and largest city with a population of around 4 million. Sydney is built around a huge harbour and hosts many tourist attractions as well as a number of beaches, bays and a couple of national parks.
Sydney was first visited by the British in 1770 when Captain James Cook and Joseph Banks sailed the Endeavor into Botany Bay. The First Fleet arrived at Botany Bay in 1788 under the command of Governor Arthur Phillip.
Phillip but found Botany Bay unsatisfactory and sailed north and landed at Sydney Cove on Sydney Harbour. Phillip originally named the colony 'New Albion', but then the colony acquired the name 'Sydney', after the British Home Secretary, Thomas Townshend, Lord Sydney.
Sydney has many influences upon its style. Aboriginal sites and engravings can still be seen from the original occupiers, the Eora tribe. The city also has an anglo-mediterranean style and a growing Chinese and Asian influence.
The city is divided into North and South by the Sydney Harbour, with both Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel connecting them. Most of the tourist attractions are in the South part of the city, with a large business and residential area in the North.
The South part of the city consists of The Rocks and Circular Quay to the North, with the Central Station marking the South. Darling Harbour marks the West and there are a number of parks to the East.
On the corner of Market and Elizabeth Streets you will find the country's most prestigious department store - David Jones. While visiting this awesome store be sure to stop at their equally renown 'Food Glorious Food' Department. You can choose from one of their many gourmet delights and then stroll over to the beautiful Hyde Park for a picnic.
A shopper's dream, Sydney's Central Business District is home to some of the best shopping centres in the city. There is something for everyone with over 400 specialty stores in just 8 retail centres. Pitt Street Mall is where you will find the popular re-branded Myer Store.
Don't miss the chance to shop in the famous Queen Victoria building. This stunning shopping centre occupies an entire city block. Initially completed in 1989, the Queen Victoria was restored during the 1970's and is now home to a huge array of boutiques and designer stores.
Opposite the Queen Victoria building is the historic Sydney Town Hall, built in the 1880's. While in the city travel to the top of Sydney Tower, the tallest structure in Australia, and see amazing 360° views of Sydney.
Sydney offers a whole range of great tourist attractions from the world famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge to the sandy shores of Bondi Beach. A great way to get to see as much of Sydney as possible is to take part in one of the many Sydney Tours.
Walking Tours, Cycling Tours, Bus Tours, even Helicopter Tours can all be booked online with Australian Explorer. We are constantly adding new packages for you to enjoy. Our current selection of Tours can be found within Sydney Tours.
There is also plenty of tourist accommodation available to be booked online with Australian Explorer, including the many Sydney apartments which give you the flexibility of self catering, or perhaps you prefer a more homely feel of Sydney bed and breakfasts.
For those of you on a budget you may like to consider one of the many Sydney hostels, or for a more traditional holiday you can choose from the many Sydney hotels. All of these accommodation options can fill up very quickly at peak times so be sure to book early.
Featured Sydney CBD Activities
TOUR NAME
LOCATION
RATES (AUD) from
Sydney City Tour(EX571) (Bushwalking, Nature & Wildlife) Sydney Harbour reputedly one of the most beautiful in world, will not disappoint. And the city that sits around it is one of fine weather, sunshine, glorious ocean beaches with a vibrant big city vibe...
Sydney City Tour with Opera House Tour(EX574) (Bushwalking, Nature & Wildlife) This tour is a great example of what Sydney has to offer. Tour for the main duration of the experience and at the conclusion of the Sydney City Tour you then join a guided tour of Australia's most fam...
Sydney Sunset(EX579) (Bushwalking, Nature & Wildlife) Sydney - a fast paced city with style and history set on one of the world's most beautiful harbours. Take a comprehensive look at Manly Tour 202 and meet our marine wildlife at the state of the art Sy...
Purchase this DVD that captures the sweeping contrasts of New South Wales. Includes footage of the Great Dividing Range to Bathurst, Goulburn and Albury, through the rich grazing lands.
Marvel at Dubbo's Western Plain Zoo and discover the rare opal at Lightning Ridge. Explore the Ghost Towns and outback city of Broken Hill and admire the splendour of the Menindee Lakes in the Kinchega National Park.
Investigate the Minnamurra Rainforest and enjoy the waterfalls of the Illawarra Plateau. Explore the snowfields of the Snowy Mountains, Mt Kosciusko and traverse the Murray River from the Alpine headwaters to Lake Hume. Moving on to the Southern Coast of New South Wales and the panoramic vistas's of Jervis Bay, the famous Blow Hole at Kiama and north to Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay.
PLEASE NOTE: The New South Wales travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for New South Wales Holidays can be found on the main New South Wales Holidays location guide.
