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A Diverse and Multicultural City

Sydney is a diverse and multicultural city located on the southeast coast of Australia. It was here that the first British colony was created in 1788. From this small beginning has grown one of the world's most interesting countries. For many, Australia is synonymous with Steve Irwin and crocodile hunting.

For any traveler seeking a destination with diverse offerings, Sydney is hard to beat. Sydney's tourism product runs the gamut from high class hotels to world famous beaches and a vibrant nightlife. The city, unlike so many travel destinations really does offer something for everyone, from the business traveler to the vacationer on a budget. To visit Sydney is to explore much of Australia's history, coupled with modern conveniences and attractions. As a vacation experience it is hard to beat.

A Vacation for the Family

If the entire family wants to travel together, there is no need to create a list of possible destinations. If you've never been to Sydney, you will find it to be the ideal place to make great memories. Given that Australia is known for its wildlife, it should come as no surprise that Sydney features fantastic wildlife parks and zoos. Kids will also be happy to know that Sydney is home to the popular entertainers "The Wiggles." There are also specialized tours just for children, enabling them to learn more about Sydney's culture and history.

The Beaches

Sydney's beaches offer more than just the typical sun and sand. You can take a ferry from Palm Beach and visit the isolated bays. Another option is to take a ride on a seaplane from Rose Bay to Whale Beach followed by a fantastic lunch. Surfing enthusiasts will also find many ideal spots along the coast. If you're interested in something a bit more laid back, take a walk along the coast while you soak up the amazing scenery.

Things to See in Sydney

In a city so rich with history, it's not surprising that there are many places worth visiting as part of your Sydney experience. Aboriginal rock carvings can be seen on the Bondi Golf Course, which is close to Bondi Beach. While the Sydney Botanical Gardens should be on your itinerary, be sure to check out the Government House as well. It was designed in 1835 and features fine examples of 19th century furniture. Government House is now open to the public.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge is another site of historical value. Opened in 1932, it took nine years to complete. The Bridge accommodates both vehicular traffic and trains and has a walkway for pedestrians. Great views of the bridge can be had from any of the ferries in Circular Quay. Sydney also has world class art galleries, such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Gaval Aboriginal Art Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sydney's Nightlife

Like any major cosmopolitan area, Sydney offers many activities for anyone who likes to be out late. If you are interested in visiting the local bars and pubs or the hottest nightspots, there will be something to your liking. The rotating restaurant/bar, Orbit Bar, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offers fantastic 360 degree views. Other popular spots include The Victoria Room, Hemmesphere and Bayswater Brasserie. Club Parada, The World Bar, Slip Inn & Chinese Laundry and the Tank Nightclub are all highly rated.

The Sydney Opera House


One of, if not the most famous of Sydney's attractions, the Sydney Opera House is admired around the world for its architecture. It was designed by Jorn Utzon of Denmark in 1957 when his design was chosen in a competition. Utzon was involved in the construction of the venue at the beginning. In 1966 after a falling out with government officials, he left the project. The name does not depict the whole picture of this magnificent structure. Aside from the Opera Theater, it also houses a Concert Hall that seats 2,679, a Drama Theater with 1,507 seats and the open air Forecourt, which can be used for any number of purposes. Fittingly it also holds the Utzon room, the only section in the interior designed by Utzon, which seats 210.

Sadly, Utzon never returned to Australia to see the completion of his finest work. The Sydney Opera House represented his first design outside of his home country. In the 1970s he and his wife Lis built a home on the island of Majorca. Nearly 20 years after, they built and moved to another home there, partially for health reasons on his part. Utzon passed away on November 29, 2008.

The Sydney Opera House remains not only one the world's most distinctive structures, but a symbol of Australia. Its design is hailed as a masterpiece of modern architecture.

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