Sydney

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales

Sydney is Australia's most popular, largest and busiest city. It is home to some of Australia's most beautiful beaches, buildings, parks and reserves.

Sydney is renown for putting on a fabulous array of fireworks on each New Years Eve. The fireworks over Sydney harbour are absolutely breathtaking and world known. Some countries have even taken to copying the way Sydney night skies are lit up on New Years Eve.

In 2000, Sydney was home to the Olympic Games. It was probably one of the most proudest moments in Sydney's history. For more about the Sydney 2000 Olympic and all Olympic history and information, please click here to visit the official site.

Population: 4.6 million people

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

Completed in 1932, this bridge remains an engineering feat even today. At 1,650 feet, the bridge is the city's most-revered landmark after the Sydney Opera House. Affectionately called "The Coat Hanger," the bridge contains 8 vehicle lanes, 2 railroad tracks, a cycleway and a walkway. The southeast column of the bridge contains a museum that documents the bridge's construction; walk 200 steps up the Pylon Tower for a magnificent view of the harbour and cityscape beyond.

Admission: Adults $2 - Children $1 for Pylon Tower
Opening Hours: Daily 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Telephone: (02) 9247-3408
For more information on the Bridge Walk, including times, costs, things you need to know before doing the climb, please click here.

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House first opened it's doors on October 20 1973.

A cultural and architectural masterpiece, Sydney's top tourist attraction is home to some of the world's most celebrated performing arts companies.

For more information, including opening hours and admission costs, visit their website listed below.

Located: Bennelong Point, Circular Quay
Telephone: (02) 9250-7111
Website: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Taronga Park Zoo

Taronga Park Zoo is the nation's leading zoological garden, featuring Australia's finest collection of native animals and a diverse collection of exotic species. What makes Taronga Park something special is its location at Bradley's Head, Mosman. The zoo is situated on elevated land along the waterfront, in one of the most beautiful vantage points on Sydney Harbour. As you zigzag your way up along the paths among the animal enclosures, you are able to enjoy magnificent harbour views. Although you can drive to Taronga Park, most visitors prefer to go there by ferry - a 12-minute ferry ride from Wharf 2, Circular Quay. The zoo has its own jetty and you are able step off the boat and walk directly into the zoo.

Located: Taronga Zoo is approximately 12 minutes by Ferry from Circular Quay and the CDB. Ferries depart Circular Quay every quarter past and quarter to the hour. Parking is available if you plan to drive to the Zoo. A parking fee is payable as you exit.
Telephone: (02) 9969-2777
Opening Hours: Open everyday of the year. Including Christmas Day. 9.00am to 5.00pm
Admission: Adults $25 - Children under 4 Free - Children 4 to 15 years $13.50 - Seniors, Pensioners and Students $17.50 - Family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children $65. Other concessions available. Please visit the zoo website for more information.
Website: http://www.zoo.nsw.gov.au

Centre Point Tower (AMP Tower)

Spectacular 360 degree views of Sydney. Breathtaking scenery which cannot be found anywhere else. You have not experienced Sydney until you have experienced Centre Point Tower.

Sydney's most visited attractions is the Observation Deck and restaurant, which at 305 metres high, is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. You can see right across the city area and, on a clear day, all the way to the Blue Mountains in the West. There is a guided tour which gives an insight into the function of the tower, and high powered telescopes which allow you to home in on key sites and points of interest.

You will find inside the building, eateries, cafes, souvenir shops plus other retail shops. You can also have dinner or lunch with the most spectacular view of Sydney for a reasonable fee.

Located: Market St between Pitt St and Castleraegh St in the CBD.
Telephone: (02) 9231-9300 Fax: (02) 9231-1200
Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday 9.00am to 10.30pm, Saturday 9.00am to 11.30pm.
Website: For more information, click here to go to an alternate website.

Australia's Wonderland

Australia's Wonderland is Sydney's ultimate theme park. It is also Australia's largest theme park. A wonderful selection of rides and amusements and conveniently located close to Sydney, it is not hard to see why it is a popular tourist destination.

Location: Wallgrove Road Eastern Creek. Located just 40 minutes from the heart of Sydney and 15 minutes from the world class Sydney Olympic site, Homebush Bay.
Telephone: (02) 9830-9100
Email: frontdesk@wonderland.com.au
Opening Hours: Open everyday excluding Christmas Day from 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Admission: Adult $49.95 plus $18.50 for the Australian Wildlife Park - Children 4 to 13 years and Seniors over 55 years $33 plus $11 for the Australian Wildlife Park - Children 3 years and under are free. People with disabilities, Adult $24.95 - Children 4 to 13 years and Seniors 55 years $16.50, Carers $33.00. Group discounts are available. For more information, visit the official website.
Website: http://www.wonderland.com.au
No worries wet weather promise: Wonderland Sydney has employed a new policy that entitles guests to a free return visit to the park if it rains more than 2mm between 10am and 11.30am. The return visit pass must be used within seven days. Except in extreme conditions, all rides are open and the shows are available seven days a week.

Luna Park

Please Note: Luna Park is currently NOT open. It is being refurbished, and will be ready to open in March 2004.

Luna Park first opened in 1935 and has since become a most outstanding and recognisable feature of Sydney Harbour's northern foreshore. Located near the northern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Face and Towers of Luna Park have become iconic to the people of Sydney, and the venue itself synonymous with fun.

Located: 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point 2061
Telephone: (02) 9922-6644
Email: enquiries@lunaparksydney.com
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 11.00am to 6.00pm - Friday 11.00am to Midnight - Saturday 10.00am to Midnight - Sunday and Public Holidays 11.00am to 6.00pm.
Admission: Admission into the park is Free, and Luna's are used to ride the rides and play the sideshows. Green Rides required 3 Luna's - Blue rides require 5 Luna's - Red rides require 6 Luna's. Cost for 3 Luna's is $3, 12 Luna's for $10, 30 Luna's for $20. Luna Park does offer unlimited ride passes. Over 130cm's costs $35 - 106cm's to 129cm's costs $25 - Under 106cm's costs $15. You may also like to purchase a family pass for two adults and two children which costs $95 and also provides unlimited rides. Group discounts are available, check out the official website for more information. Please be aware that Sideshows also use Luna's and cost $3 each (or 3 Luna's) or two goes for $5 (or 5 Luna's).
Website: http://www.lunaparksydney.com

Please remember that Luna Park will NOT re-open until March 2004.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay is the hub of Sydney Harbour, situated at a small inlet called Sydney Cove, the founding site for Sydney and Australia. It is a stepping-off point for most attractions based around the harbour and an exciting place to be on a warm summer's day. The quay is a vibrant, bustling place with ferries leaving every few minutes to different parts of the harbour, including Manly, Watson .y, Mosman and Taronga Park Zoo. There are great views of the Harbour Bridge, and city.

For more information and some great pictures of Circular Quay, please click here to visit Sydney Mate!

Darling Harbour

A former dockside area, the small harbour has been transformed into a major tourist site and leading convention and exhibition centre. A monorail service runs from the Central Business District to Darling Harbour and skirts the harbour, making stops at points around the harbour.

Darling Harbour boasts some of Sydney finest restaurants, cafes, entertainment and nightlife. The views of the city are breathtaking. If you are visiting Sydney, you should visit Darling Harbour.

For more information, visit the website below.

http://www.dha.nsw.gov.au/darlingharbour/index.cfm

Sydney Aquarium

Location: Within minutes of the city, on Darling Harbour.
Opening Hours: Open everyday except Christmas Day and closes at 6.00pm on New Years Eve. (Last tickets sold at 5.30pm). Normal trading hours are 9.00am to 10.00pm daily.
Admission: Adult $24 - Children 3 to 15 years $12. For a full comprehensive guide on ticket prices, including family passes, seniors and student tickets, please visit their website listed below.
Website: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Manly Beach

Manly Beach is one of the finest beaches in the Sydney area. It’s considered to be the jewel of the north shore beaches by many people, locals as well as tourists. Manly is located on a narrow peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water, it offers both harbour and ocean beaches. Few cities in the world can boast the pristine waterfronts and paradisiacal climate that Sydney offers.

For more information on Manly Beach, including getting there, please click here to visit an alternate website.

Bondi Beach

Along with Manly Beach, Manly is the most famous and recognised beach in Australia. And it isn't hard to see why.

There are activities all year round at Bondi beach, many of them are centred around the Pavilion. From kite flying and surfing competitions, to festivals, markets and galleries.

If your thinking about visiting Bondi Beach, or would simply like more information, please visit the website listed below.

Located: Campbell Parade, Bondi
Website: http://www.voyeurmagic.com.au

Sydney Cricket Ground - Aussie Stadium

The Sydney Cricket Ground and Aussie Stadium are two of Australia's premier sporting and entertainment venues. They are located at Moore Park, only 4kms from the central business district and adjacent to the popular bars, restaurants, cinemas and shops of Fox Studios Australia. The historic Sydney Cricket Ground boasts an impressive list of credentials, encompassing cricket, Australian rules football, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, baseball, cycling, and major concerts by the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel and Elton John, Michael Jackson, Madonna, the Eagles and Prince.

For more information on this historical sporting venue, including up-coming events, please visit the official website.

Website: http://www.sydneycricketground.com.au
Location: Moore Park Road Paddington, Sydney
Telephone: (02) 9360-6601 Fax: (02) 9360-1319

The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains offers some of the most beautiful countryside Australia has to offer. Home to the famous Three Sisters, and Jenolan Caves, this makes a 'must see' destination while travelling throughout Australia.

Because there is so much the Blue Mountains has to offer that we couldn't possibly put it all in this site, please visit the official site. You will find it has all the information you will need on getting there, and getting around including detailed explanations on what you can find in the Blue Mountains.

Website: http://www.bluemts.com.au

Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, which are just a short walk around the water's edge from the Sydney Opera House, is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings you will see anywhere, with the gardens filling an area of land between the harbour and the eastern part of the central business district. The gardens sit on the side of an undulating piece of land and the harbour views from up on the hill are superb. There are large trees with a wonderful shade canvas and this makes the best spot imaginable to stop and have lunch - sitting on the grass and taking in the harbour views.

Located: Mrs Macquarie's Road, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone: (02) 9231-8111 Fax: (02) 9251-4403
Website: http://www.rbgsyd.gov.au
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday during daylight hours.
Admission: Free

Fort Denison

Located in Sydney Harbour near the Opera House, Fort Denison is a popular attraction. It has superb views across Sydney Harbour, and provides visitors a fascinating link with Sydney's convict past. Fort Denison is part of Sydney Harbour National Park.

During the day Fort Denison is open for guided tours. It can be hired exclusively for evening special events. Please contact Blue Rock Catering for information and bookings.

Getting to Fort Denison is easy. Simply catch a ferry over to the island from Circular Quay. Ferries leave in approximately 15 minute intervals.

The Rocks

The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. It is not hard to see why. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical significance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum". Most activities centre around walking, looking and eating. The Rocks is Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district so the main emphasis is on the historical importance of the area. The Sydney Visitor Centre, at 106 George Street, is a logical and excellent starting point. This centre has a wealth of information on points of interest around The Rocks and provides free information and literature, as well as having souvenirs and mementos that can be purchased.

Kings Cross

Kings Cross is Sydney's, most popular and hottest postcode - all the hot nightspots, adult entertainment, restaurants, cafes, and some wonderful and strange sightings can be expected while visiting the 'Cross'.

If you visit Sydney, you haven't experienced all Sydney has to offer until you go to Kings Cross. For more information on why you really need to at least once, visit the 'Cross', check out the Kings Cross Online website.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Located: 2 Murray St Darling Harbour, Sydney 2009
Telephone: (02) 9298-3777 Fax: (02) 9298-3780
Opening Hours: Open everyday except Christmas Day. Open from 9.30am to 5.00pm daily, except during the month of January, close is 6.00pm.
Admission: Free for 1 Museum Ticket. Some special exhibitions endure a fee. Please visit the website for more details.
Website: http://www.anmm.gov.au

Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney is built on the ruins of the house of Australia's first governor-general, Governor Phillip. The original house, which was Australia's first Government House, was built in 1788 and exposed by archaeologists in the 1980s. MOS explores colonial and contemporary Sydney through objects, pictures and new digital media techniques. Panoramic views of Sydney - from 1788 until today - stretch across walls and video screens. Convict Sydney is explored in a giant showcase of goods and chattels recovered from more than 25 archaeology digs.

Located: 37 Phillip Street Sydney.
Telephone: (02) 9251-5988
Email: info@hht.net.au
Opening Hours: Everyday except Christmas Day and Good Friday from 9.30am to 5.00pm.
Admission: Adults $7 - Children and Concession $3 - Family $17 - Members Free
Official website: Please click here to visit the official website.

Powerhouse Museum

The Powerhouse Museum is a science-and-technology museum that promotes interactive learning experiences through computer games, videos, demonstrations, lectures and activities. There are more than 25 exhibitions that explore science and technology, human achievement and the decorative arts, and how they relate to our everyday lives.

Located: 500 Harris St, Ultimo, Sydney 2007
Telephone: (02) 9217-0111 Fax: (02) 9217-0333
Opening Hours: Open everyday except Christmas Day from 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Admission: Adult $10 - Children 5 to 15 years $3 - Children under 5, Seniors and Pensioners Free - Other admission prices available from website.
Website: http://www.phm.gov.au

For a full list of all Museums located within Sydney and NSW, please visit this website http://www.hht.nsw.gov.au/museums

Every Australian City has annual events that you do not want to miss. Sydney is no exception. Australia's most lively city offers exceptional entertainment, great food and a wonderful atmosphere.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Race begins on Boxing Day (26th Dec)