Emerald City

Sydney was established after the American Revolution evicted Great Britain of its American colonies. This prompted the need of another isolated settlement where Great Britain could house surplus prisoners. At present, Sydney, the capital of the state of New South Wales, is one of the largest cities in Australia. It has one of the most central ports in the South Pacific and is one of the oldest cities in Australia. The ‘Emerald City' is regarded as one of the most attractive places on earth. While many compare this gateway to Australia to American cities such as San Francisco owing to its relaxed feel, Sydney has its own distinctive identity.

First, of course, there's the Sydney Opera House, one of the most renowned buildings in the world. This white-sailed structure on Sydney Cove, designed by Danish architect Joern Utzon, is the pride of the city. However, the sights and sounds of the city are not limited to this famous theater. You can walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, on the pathway beside the trains and traffic and board the CityRail train back into town. Those looking out for an adventure can join a Bridge Climb tour, which provides catwalks and ladders to climb up the top of the main arc. This offers you a 360-degree view of the Opera House and of the ferries and boats below.

Sydney's greatest summer experience is on the beaches and with over 20 strung along the city's oceanfront and dozens more around the harbor, you'll have a tough time deciding where to go. Early evening is a great time to tour the city, when the lights of the skyscrapers around Circular Quay illuminate the harbor. The sails of the Opera House and girders of the Harbour Bridge are lit up, completing the magical look of this beautiful city.

Sydney's history has been enshrined in its many museums and art galleries.

The areas around Darling Harbor and the restaurants close to Cockle Bay and King's Wharf are a part of the modern Sydney. At Darling Harbor, you'll find the outstanding Sydney Aquarium. The food at Sydney is also worth checking out, with a unique Australian style, combined with exotic spices from Asia and the Mediterranean.

Apart from these attractions, the spellbinding natural scenery around the Blue Mountains, the wineries of Hunter Valley and the fun-filled dolphin and whale watching sessions make Sydney one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In comparison to other major international cities, Sydney offers good value for money. Food and public transport are quiet cheap, and the attractions are reasonably priced. Similarly, the price of a hotel room is far more economical as compared to other major tourist centers such as New York and London.