Sydney is the capital city of the State of New South Wales.

Population: Greater Sydney: 6.9 million

Established:  26 January 1788

Area:  12,144.6 sq km

Largest city in size. Sydney is 1580 square kilometres across - the same as London and more than double New York's 780 square kilometres. Amsterdam is 167 square kilometres and Paris a small 105 square kilometres.

CBD

Situated in one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours, Sydney is vibrant, multi-faceted, cosmopolitan city offring more than shopping, entertainment and sighseeing - more than any other place in Australia. The harbour waterfront, with the famous Harbour Bridge & Opera House.

Sydney is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, which reflects its role as a major destination for immigrants to Australia.

Climate

Sydney is in a temperate region with typically four seasons. Summer temperatures range from 20-32 degrees celcius with humidity of 60-70% (ideal beach weather). The winter is mild with overnight temperatures dropping to below 10 degrees celcius but warms up during the day. Rainfall is generally spread evenly throughout the year.

Language

English is the official language but more than 100 languages are spoken.

Banking & Business Hours

Business Hours - Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Banks - Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm

Shopping Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday 9am to 6pm

Thursday 9am to 9 pm

Saturday 9am to 4pm

Sunday 10am to 4pm

Tipping

Generally not the custom in Australia, with the exception of fine dining restaurants where its usual to tip waiters up to 10% of the bill for good service. At any time however, tipping is your choice.

Trains

The Cityrail network offers a convenient way to travel aroubd Sydney and beyond. Interstate and Regional trains run from Central Station.

Bus

The bus network is extensive with major bus lines. Most offer discounts for students. On an average working dsay they carry some 600,000 people on a network of over 300 routes with over 1300 buses in our new and modern fleets.

Ferry

Probably the most pleasant way to get around. Ferries travel to 37 wharfs and having served Sydney for over 135 years from Manly to Parramatta including Taronga Zoo.

Monorail

The monorail is an elevated train theat shuffles between the city and Darling Harbour.

Light Rail 

Light Rail can be considered something in between a tram and train, travelling from Central Train Station through to Star City and Darling Harbour. It is a very easy and popular method of transport for inner city.

Taxi

They can be flagged down at the kerb or caught at one of the many taxi ranks.

Plane

Sydney Airport is approximately 10km south of the city centre. The international and domestic trminals are a 4km bus or train ride apart. Getting to the city from Sydney Airport (or vice versa) is easiest by train, car or shuttle bus.

Sydney has the most dynamic, exciting and innovative fashion scene in the country. Sydney city with over 12 malls, arcades, major shopping centres and streets lined with opportunities to divulge in retail therapy, Sydney is the place to go.

Big names such as Hermes, Mont Blanc, Versace, Chanel, Bulgari, Cartier, Hugo Boss, Bally and many more. Pitt Street Mall is Australia's busiest and most cosmopolitan shopping precinct. With 8 different retail centres and more than 600 specialty shops.

Also see;

• Pitt Street Mall
• Glasshouse
• Imperial Arcade
• Mid City Centre
• MLC Centre
• Piccadilly
• Skygarden
• Westfield Centrepoint
• Galeries Victoria
• Queen Victoria Building
• The Strand Arcade

Visit Sydney's precincts and experience a vibrant culinary scene which includes 2 of the world's best restaurants. In Restaurant Magazine's world Top 50 for 2006, Tetsuya's was ranked 5th and Rockpool was ranked 30th.

Specialised areas to visit for a vast array of foods includes:

• Spanish Quarter
• Chinatown
• Darling Harbour
• East Circular Quay
• The Rocks
• East Sydney & Darlinghurst
• Newtown
• Pyrmont
• Oxford Street
• Surry Hills

Some of the best include:

Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens on the harbour foreshore with stunning views to the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge

• Hyde Park
• Chinese Garden of Friendship
• The Domain
• Centennial Park

Sydney loves a celebration, and given its glamorous setting, the city brings instant gloss and panache to anmy occassion. Sydney will host some mega events in 2008 including World Youth Day, the Centenary of Rugby League and the 2009 World Masters Games.

Major facilities include ANZ Stadium at Olympic Park, the Sydney Cricket Ground, Aussie Stadium and the Superdome to name a few. Sydney has an abundance of sports inclusing cricket, rugby league, soccer/football, rugby union, netball, basketball and so many more. 

• Bridge Climb 
• Sydney Tower
• Sydney Opera House
• The Rocks Markets
• Sydney Aquarium
• Sydney Harbour Cruise
• Taronga Park Zoo
• Darling Harbour & Cockle Bay
• Bondi Beach
• Australian Museum
• The IMAX Theatre
• Sydney Fish Markets
• Powerhouse Museum
• Queen Victoria Building