Sydney Sydney is the largest city in Australia, and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney has a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.4 million. Its inhabitants are called Sydneysiders, and Sydney is often called "the Harbour City". It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants to Australia.

History The site of the first British colony in Australia, Sydney was established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, commodore of the First Fleet. The city is built on hills surrounding Sydney Harbour – an inlet of the Tasman Sea on Australia's south-east coast. Sydney is considered an alpha+ world city, and is an international centre for commerce, arts, fashion, culture, entertainment, education and tourism. According to the Mercer cost of living survey, Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city, and the 66th most expensive in the world.

Climate Sydney has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters, and rainfall spread throughout the year. The weather is moderated by proximity to the ocean, and more extreme temperatures are recorded in the inland western suburbs. The warmest month is January. Snowfall was last reported in the Sydney City area in The city is prone to flash flooding from rain caused by East Coast Lows.

Buildings and architecture The Buildings and architecture of Sydney are not characterised by any one architectural style, having accumulated and developed over its 200 year history. With the lifting of height restrictions in the post-World War II years, much of central Sydney's older stock of architecture was demolished to make way for modernist high rise buildings; a number of the most notable new buildings were designed by Harry Seidler.

Culture The cultural life of Sydney, Australia is very vibrant, diverse and multicultural. Many of the individual cultures that make up the Sydney mosaic are centred on the ethnic, linguistic and religious communities formed by waves of immigration. In addition, as a major international city, Sydney boasts a dynamic scene of musical, theatrical, visual and other artistic activity. There is an longstanding friendly rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne for the title of 'Australia's arts capital'.

Culture Sydney hosts many different festivals and some of Australia's largest social and cultural events. These include the Sydney Festival. Australia's premier prize for portraiture, the Archibald Prize is organised by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The Sydney Royal Easter Show is held every year at Sydney Olympic Park, the final of Australian Idol takes place on the steps of the Opera House, and Australian Fashion Week takes place in April/May and September. Sydney's New Year's Eve and Australia Day celebrations are the largest in Australia.

Entertainment and performing arts Sydney has a wide variety of cultural institutions. Sydney's iconic Opera House has five halls, including a large concert hall and opera and drama theatres; it is the home of Opera Australia—the third-busiest opera company in the world, and the Sydney Symphony. Other venues include the Sydney Town Hall, City Recital Hall, the State Theatre, the Theatre Royal, Sydney, the Sydney Theatre and the Wharf Theatre.

Entertainment and performing arts The National Institute of Dramatic Art, based in Kensington, boasts internationally famous alumni such as Mel Gibson, Judy Davis, Baz Luhrmann and Cate Blanchett. Sydney's role in the film industry has increased since the opening of Fox Studios Australia in Sydney's most popular nightspots include Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and The Rocks, which all contain various bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Star City Casino, is Sydney's only casino and is situated around Darling Harbour.

Tourism In the year ending March 2008, Sydney received 2.7 million international visitors. The most well-known attractions include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Other attractions include Royal Botanical Gardens, Luna Park, some 40 beaches and Sydney Tower. Sydney also has several popular museums such as, the Australian Museum (natural history and anthropology), the Powerhouse Museum (science, technology and design), the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Sport and outdoor activities Sydney is well-endowed with open spaces and access to waterways, and has many natural areas, even in the city centre. Sport is an important part of Sydney's culture. The most popular sport in Sydney is rugby league. Cricket is the most popular summer sport in Sydney. The Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games or the Millennium Games/Games of the New Millennium- It was the second time that the Summer Olympics were held in the Southern Hemisphere

Education Sydney is home to some of Australia's most prominent educational institutions. There are four multi-campus government-funded Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes in Sydney. Sydney has public, denominational and independent schools. There are four state-administered education areas in Sydney, that together co-ordinate 919 schools. The University of Sydney, established in 1850, is the oldest university in Australia

Infrastructure Most Sydney residents travel by car through the system of roads and motorways. The most important trunk routes in the urban area are the nine Metroads, which include the 110 km (68 mi) Sydney Orbital Network. Sydney is also served by train, taxi, bus and ferry networks. Sydney Airport, in the suburb of Mascot, is Sydney's main airport, and is one of the oldest continually operated airports in the world.

What to do If you are visiting Sydney anyone will have an activity to their liking there. Surfing at Bondi Beach. Shopping at the over 500 shopping centers and outlets. Sydney Aquarium.At the Sydney Aquarium walk underwater and discover the world's largest collection of all-Australian aquatic life - over 12,000 marine animals! Sydney Tower Restaurant.Sydney - Sydney Tower Restaurant is one of the most spectacular showcases of Sydney and its cuisine. A favourite amongst locals and a must do for anyone visiting... And a lot more!