Sydney is situated on one of the world's most beautiful and famous harbours. Sydney also boasts beautiful beaches, fantastic shops, restaurants, history and culture. Sydney's many highlights include the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Centrepoint Tower, The Rocks, the stunning harbour and the white sands of Bondi, Manly and beyond.

Sydney is also home to beautiful National Parks, the Royal Botanic Gardens, many harbour front picnic locations and heritage areas.

The people of Sydney are proud to have been chosen to host the 2000 Olympic Games. Preparations are well and truly underway, with construction at the Olympic site at Homebush.

Central Sydney is compact and mostly accessible on foot. Circular Quay is the water gateway to Sydney, and is close to The Rocks, the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens. A little further away is the main shopping district and Darling Harbour. The CBD of Sydney is very easy to get around with the parallel streets being long and tightly spaced.

Travelling East will bring you to Kings Cross and Paddington. Further on you pass through green and wealthy suburbs before reaching splendid beaches including Bondi. Sydney's urban sprawl has pushed west to Penrith at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

The northern and southern suburbs of Sydney are divided by the Harbour. To travel between the two you can use the famous Harbour Bridge, the underwater tunnel or enjoy a spectacular ferry ride.Sydney's northern suburbs are renowned for their parks and tree-lined streets. A spectacular coastline leads north from Manly to Palm beach.

Just south of Sydney central is Botany Bay, where Captain James Cook first anchored in 1770. Sydney's southern boundary is marked by the Royal National Park with its wildlife, walking trails and unspoiled beaches.

The first white settlement of Australia was made in Sydney in 1788 when Captain Phillip landed with the First Fleet of convicts and settlers at Sydney Cove.

Fact Summary

Sydney Airport Transfers: To city centre by airport bus $5, or taxi $20.

Climate: Summer 17-25 deg CC. Winter 9-17 deg CC. Mediterranean

Banks in Sydney are open weekdays 9.30am to 4.00pm. Some banks located in Sydney shopping centres are also open on Saturdays. Post offices are open weekdays 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Sydney is located west of the international dateline and is 10 hours in front of Greenwich Mean Time.

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. About 10% in retaurants is suitable for good service. Taxi drivers also do not expect tips but it is normal practice if you round the fare up to the next dollar or so.

Things To Do Outside Of Sydney.

Blue Mountains: Visit historic towns such as Katoomba and Leura and visit natural wonders such as The Three Sisters and Echo Point.

Canberra: Visit the nation's capital and view Parliament House, the War Memorial, the Australian National Art Gallery and Lake Burley Griffin. Canberra is beautifully laid out and is well worth a visit.

Hunter Valley: Board a tour and visit historic towns, picturesque scenery and wine tasting at several vineyards in Australia's award winning wine region.

Planes: Board a seaplane and view Sydney's northern waterways and see the beautiful Pittwater by air.

Gledswood Homestead: Experience a day in the life of an Australian farmer and have a go at sheep shearing, have a bush barbeque and learn how to throw a boomerang.

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