Culture

The traditions and culture of Sydney is assorted and multicultural. Many of the individual cultures that make up the Sydney mosaic are concentrated on the ethnic, linguistic and religious communities that are shaped by waves of immigration.

Furthermore, as a major Australian city, Sydney also possesses an array of musical, theatrical and artistic activity.

Museums

The access to the Powerhouse Museum Sydney has a variety of museums this also includes the museums that are based on science, technology and art, among others.

The most well known museums include, the Museum of Sydney, Sydney Observatory, Sydney Tramway Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum and the Australian Museum.

Art

Sydney features visual artists, from the lush pastorals of Lloyd Rees depictions of Sydney Harbour to Jeffrey Smart's portraits of bleak urban alienation. The Archibald Prize is a prominent portraiture prize that is awarded each year by the Trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales located in Sydney.

A. Music

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is internationally renowned and is regularly performed at the Sydney Opera House.

You will come across a lot of famous Australian rock bands including Midnight Oil, The Easybeats, AC/DC & IN-XS, that have had their genesis in Sydney.

B. Language

The official language of Australia is English, though certain Australian English phrases and terms are not used anywhere else in the world. Apart from this, the Aborigines also speak a number of indigenous languages.

C. Religious Practices

Sydney has a complete freedom on the religions being followed by its people. Major religions followed in Sydney are Anglican, Roman Catholics, Christian and Non-Christian. A minority follows Jewish and Islamic religions as well. Certain smaller Christian denominations include Lutheran, Jehovah's Witness, Seventh Day Adventist and Baptist. Other religions followed are Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism.

D. Major Events

January

In the Sydney Festival you can visit the very best international and national performing and visual arts. The performers stage their acts in theatres, galleries and concert halls across Sydney. Another event, which takes place, is the Twilight at Taronga Series where there are three months of regular twilight performance at the Taronga Zoo.

February

Chinese New Year Festival is a celebration of diversity and color for the Chinese community residing in Sydney. In Mardi Gras, you can see the highlight of the Sydney festival scene. Tamworth Country Music Festival is an affair where tourists can come and experience Australia's premier country music festival.

March

This month welcomes the Greek Festival of Sydney where you can enjoy with the Greeks in the celebration of Hellenic culture and history.

April

The Royal Easter Show is designed to present the best in Australian agriculture and this has been held annually for more than 80 years now. Hunter Valley Harvest Festival presents not only wine and its art of making but along with that it also feasts, olives, cheeses, horse racing and festivities.

May

Yalumba Thredbo Jazz Festival is a three-day celebration of Jazz music, food and wine set in the stunning Snowy Mountains. Scone & Upper Hunter Horse Festival is a festival that is held for more than two weeks of horse shows, stockman's events, rodeos, dancing, craft shows & community events on the edge of the Hunter Valley wine region.

June

Sydney Film Festival is a fifteen-day event of movies from the four corners of the globe.

July

Good Food & Wine Show is where you can explore new tastes and the latest culinary trends. Biennale of Sydney is an international festival of modern art.

August

City to Surf is the occasion where you can join in with the thousands of others to run in the 35th City to Surf. The Sydney Garden & Flower Show is an annual horticultural show will inform, strike and surprise you.

September

Festival of the Winds is Australia's largest and most exciting colorful kite flying festival that is held off Bondi Beach. Cronulla Spring Festival is Sydney's third largest outdoor festival that is celebrated on the onset of the spring.

October

Australian International Motor Show is the month for the car enthusiast.

December

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is held during this month in order to see the action at the start of this world-class yachting event on Sydney Harbour.

E. Etiquette / Do's and Don'ts

Do's

- It is appropriate to greet people with a handshake and by introducing yourself. If you have a business card it would be ideal to present one.

- Hotels and restaurants do not charge a service charge, however, in more popular and expensive restaurants do leave a tip of between 10-15% of the total bill.

- Do wear a suit and tie for business settings.

- Women wear trouser suits or a conservative dress.

- Smoking areas in public buildings, bars, restaurants and public transport are normally well marked, so be careful while lighting your cigarette.

Don'ts

- It is impolite to smoke in public areas. There is a change in laws as it has become increasingly unacceptable to smoke in public.