Australia C. Mitchell

facts Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Construction started: 1958 Opened: October 20, 1973 Architectural styles: Modern architecture, Expressionist architecture

Peak Season The best times to visit Sydney are late September to early December and late February to April. These months skirt Sydney's high and low seasons, giving visitors comfortable temperatures and manageable tourist crowds. Because Australia sits in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney's warmest weather and peak tourist season occurs from late December to early February (the start of America's winter).

Shoulder season This short season is another sweet spot for tourists since many of the peak season travelers have retreated home, leaving the city a little less occupied. Temperatures are slowly dropping as Australia's winter approaches, and, by April, highs only reach the low 70s.

Off Season Unlike in the States, the months between May and August constitute Sydney's low season. Despite the depleting sunlight (July sees only about six hours of sunshine per day), the temperatures aren't that bad. If you visit this time of year, you'll contend with temps in the upper 40s to 60s. Still, Sydney boasts its bottommost hotel prices this time of year, especially in June. So, you might just find that exploring Sydney in a coat is well worth the money saved.

Special Events Mardi Gras (February-March) Sydney Royal Easter Show (April) Harbour Party (Dec. 31) Sydney Festival (January) Australia Day (January) Tropfest (February)