Regional Information

Sydney

New South Wales

Description | Fact Summary | Weather | Attractions | Special Events | Distances | Getting Around | Getting There

photo Attractions

Taronga Zoo: Taronga Zoo is Australia's major zoo. Within its harbour and bush land setting,Taronga is very active in conservation, care and breeding of endangered species. Located at Mosman on Bradleys Head Road. The zoo is open every day of the year and can also be reached by ferry from Circular Quay. Taronga has one of the best views of Sydney Harbour, and allows small children to explore in safety, Taronga also offers live shows involving performing animals of all kinds.

Sydney Tower Centrepoint: The tallest building in the CBD which towers 300 m above ground level. Views extend to all corners of Sydney and to the north and south coast. Entrance located at the corner of Pitt, Market and Castlereagh Streets, Sydney. Located underneath is Centrepoint Mall, a fantastic arcade for shoppers.

Art Gallery of New South Wales: This gallery was first opened in 1887 and today houses some of the finest art collections in the country. The Gallery features major collections of Aboriginal, Australian, European and Asian Art. Located on Art Gallery Road in Sydney.

Circular Quay: A major centre for transportation in Sydney with terminals for coaches, ferries, jet cats and railway station. A trendy home to water side cafes, a theme park and various buskers.

Australian Museum: Located at the corner of College Street and William Street, this museum is Australia's largest natural history museum. There are displays on the evolution of Aboriginal history and sections on Australia's pacific neighbours such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Darling Harbour: As one of the world's great waterfront destinations Darling Harbour is a constant focus of activities and entertainment. it's the place where Sydneysiders go to stroll around the harbour foreshores, meet for a coffee or a meal at one of the many waterside cafe's and restaurants, wander along pathways through the beautiful Chinese Garden or visit a range of exciting attractions. Whatever time of year you're here, you're likely to find colourful street theatre, music and entertainment in Darling Harbour's many performance areas. With a harbourfront shopping centre, an aquarium, the Monorail, the world's largest movie screen, an indoor family theme park and a year-long program of events, Darling Harbour is a unique part of the Sydney experience.

Queen Victoria Building: A beautiful shopping gallery located in the centre of Sydney on George Street. The building features several levels full of shops and stunning high stained glass windows. The lower level of this building contains many of the latest culinary delights, from all over the world.

The Rocks: Just minutes' walk from the sweeping sails of Sydney's famous Opera House, at the foot of the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks of a precinct of spectacular contrasts. Historically significant as the site of Australia's first colonial settlement, The Rocks today represents the essence of Sydney's distinctive buildings and definite character. With some of the city's finest restaurants and cafes, museums, galleries, unusual shops, a thriving street market and innovative weekend entertainment. The Rocks offers all that is vibrant about contemporary Sydney - plus a glimpse of the city's origins. This beautiful waterfront location welcomes Sydneysiders who consider it the city's gourmet and cultural heartland. It's also a cosmopolitan yet friendly place where visitors can walk, relax, and truly appreciate the beauty of our harbourside city.

Royal Botanic Gardens: Located next to the Opera House on the edge of Sydney Harbour the Botanic Gardens are home to one of Sydney's largest colonies of flying foxes. Kookaburras, cockatoos and flashy rosellas are also frequently seen around these beautiful gardens. There is a visitors centre situated in the gardens and the National Herbarium.

Powerhouse Museum: Located in Harris Street, Ultimo, this museum's focus is on applied arts and sciences and also on social history. The museum also has hands on displays, holograms and sound effects. Visitors can act out fun and hair raising scenes in the most dramatic surroundings, this is a fun and exciting way to test the technology of Sydney.

Sydney Opera House: Located on Bennelong Point, the Opera House is one of the most recognisable sights of Sydney. Built in 1973 this building was designed by Danish architect Joern Utzon and contains a theatre, concert hall, bars, restaurants and gift shops. Guided tours operate daily, but to be a part of the audience at the Opera House is to really experience its soul.

Sydney Harbour Bridge: Climb one of Australia's most famous landmarks from the southern pylon and experience the fantastic view of the Sydney city and harbour.The bridge took 10 years to build and was opened in 1932. It is 503 metres long and links the city with the Northern suburbs.

Shopping: Is one of the major attractions of Sydney, from fashion to souvenirs. Some popular shopping destinations are the Queen Victoria Building (George Street), The Rocks, Darling Harbour, and Oxford Street for alternate fashions.

Night Life: Sydney is famous for its raging night life, Oxford Street and Kings Cross sport the raunch and all night dance clubs for those who like to live it up. The rocks is home to many jazz clubs and historical pubs, while young ragers head for the bright lights and fantasy night clubs of Darling Harbour. Sydney is also the Live-theatre capital of Australia, you can take your pick of musicals from Broadway hits at the Theatre Royal, to Australian Cabaret at the Tilbury Hotel Woolloomooloo. The Opera House also has a full calendar of opera, ballet and symphony concerts.

Sydney Night Delights: Sydney at night is a tantalising snorgasbord of activities - to such a degree that it's often difficult to know where to begin. Sydney Night Delight serves up the kind of evening that takes you into the heart of the cosmopolitan, carefree Sydney lifestyle. Experience the lights of the city reflected on the harbour, the finest food, the sheer adrenaline rush of a crowded casino, and more. You'll never want the night to end.

Sydney Night Delights include: *a 90-minute Captain Cook Sundowner Harbour Criuse at twilight *a tasting of world-famous Australian wines and delicacies at Sydney Cove Providore at The Rocks. *a romantic set-course dinner at REDS Australian Restaurant in The Rocks or Jordon's International Seafood Restaurant by the water at Sydney's Darling Harbour. *entry to Panasonic IMAX Theatre, featuring one the largest movie screens in the world. *an invitation to enjoy the 24-hours-a-day excitement of the Sydney Harbour Casino, including coin voucher. An evening packed with entertainment at just $120 per adult!

Sydney Waterfront Experience: The jewel in Sydney's glittering crown is sparkling Sydney Harbour, surely the most spectacular in the world. As the focal point for the city's sun'n'fun lifestyle, the harbour and its foreshores feature some of Sydney's most exciting attractions. The Sydney Waterfront Experience captures the essence of this vibrant city by the sea, presenting the best of The Rocks and Sydney's Darling Harbour. Saturate your senses for one incredible day, or spread the fun over a number of visits.

Sydney Waterfront Experience includes: *an historical film and exhibition at The Sydney Visitor Centre at The Rocks, plus a copy of the Travel Safe International Shopping & Leisure Privileges book to make your visit to the precinct truly special. *a self-guided walking tour of The Rocks , featuring the area's unique heritage aspects *a one hour harbour cruise on Matilda Cruises Rocket Harbour Express - see Sydney from the water. *entry to the Museum of Contemporary Art at The Rocks *Rocket Ferry transfers between The Rocks and Sydney's Darling Harbour. *entry ti the Chinese Garden of friendship at Sydneys Darling Harbour. *a Sydney Monmorail Supervoucher *entry to the Australian National Maritime Museum At just $60.00 for adults and $40.00 for children, The Sydney Waterfront Experience is the easiest and most affordable way to see the best of the city with everything!

Sydney Dreaming: As a land of red dust, huge skies and distinctive flora and fauna, Australia offers inspiration to artists of all kinds. None more so than The Australian Aborigines whose ancestry in the country goes back more than 40,000 years. Connected closely to the land, Australia's indigenous culture draws creativity from its challenges. Sydney Dreaming brings together some of the precious elements of that culture allowing a glimpse of another time, another place - and today's people who make it what it is. Take a small piece of the spirit of Australia home with you.

Sydney Dreaming includes: *a visit to The Aboriginal & Tribal Art Centre in The Rocks, featuring one of the world's finest collections of authentic Aboriginal art. *a book on Australian Aboriginal culture from the Sydney Visitor Centre at The Rocks. *a tasting of 'bush food' - Australia's native produce - at the Sydney Cove Providor at The Rocks *a Matilda Rocket Ferry transfer between The Rocks and Sydney's Darling Harbour. *a visit to Gavala Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre in Sydney's Darling Harbour, where Aboriginal artists-in-residence are on hand to discuss the history and meaning of their work. Also, storytelling, didjeridu playing demonstrations, dot-paint your own boomerang *AquaMagic in Cockle Bay at Sydney's Darling Harbour - an outdoor film and laser spectacular featuring a romantic Aboriginal story. At just $60.00, Sydney Dreaming is the most convenient way to enjoy a magical and memorable Australian experience. *

Australia's Wonderland: The biggest amusement park in the southern hemisphere, landscaped and choreographed for total fun. Action ranges from the ferris wheel to the ultimate roller coaster to the Australian wildlife park, a close encounter with the cuddlier kind of Australian fauna.

Koala Park Sanctuary: Koalas to cuddle and emus, dingoes, kangaroos and wallaroos. You can feed and touch the animals in safety and have fun while your doing it. Picnic areas are also available for a family outing.

Royal Randwick Race Course: Open all year round for you to see Australia's finest thoroughbreds pound down the straight. An ideal place to relax have lunch and a bit of excitement if you desire, dress up or down at your convenience.

Football: "Footie" to the locals is Sydney's winter addiction. This is a fast gutsy physical game and can be seen at the famous Sydney Football Stadium. Vibrant activity for someone who follows the sport or wishes to experience something exciting and new.

The Northern Beaches: Wild seascapes, sculptured headlands, beaches, sailing boats and a taste of native bush - against a back drop of city spires. You can enjoy a ferry ride from the Quay to Manly across the Harbour and from there just keep on taking in the view all the way up the peninsular. As you make your way along the Northern Beaches, you can shop, dine and take part in various activities as you please, there is always something on the go to suit everybody.

Sydney Aquarium: Here you will confront dangerous crocodiles and man eating sharks, explore the Australian river system, and wonder through a tropical mangrove swamp. You will also be captivated by the colour and magic of a live coral reef and myriads of colourful tropical fish. In the mammal sanctuary, a specially designed observatory allows you to "walk on water" while seals swim beneath you. The aquarium is home to the most diverse collection of Australian aquatic life and is one of the most popular destinations in Sydney. Sydney Aquarium also runs in conjunction with Captain Cook Cruises offering a three in one pass of Sydney's best attractions.


Description | Fact Summary | Weather | Attractions | Special Events | Distances | Getting Around | Getting There

Special Events

Special Events:

January - Sydney Festival. A series of concerts and carnivals.

- 26th; Australia Day. A national day of celebrations and a public holiday to celebrate the landing of the first fleet in Sydney.

February /March - Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.

March/April - Royal Easter Show

June - Manly Food and Wine Festival

August - City to Surf. A 14 km televised fun run from Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach.

September - AJC Spring Horse Racing Carnival. Held at Randwick Racecourse.

October - Manly International Jazz Festival

December - New Years Eve Skyshow- Fireworks show which can be seen from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour.