Sydney

The capital of New South Wales, and home to more than four million people, Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth. This relatively young city is endowed with a brash, infectious optimism and sun-tanned residents who are as comfortable on  surfboards as they are at the ballet.

From the golden sands and sparkling water of Bondi Beach to the instantly recognizable curves of the Sydney Opera House, this city is a photographer’s dream.

Start your Harbour City adventure with a Skywalk at Sydney Tower. Then, explore the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens and the majestic sails of the Sydney Opera House. Just a short stroll away is Sydney’s outdoor answer to New York's Grand Central Station, Circular Quay. From this bustling transport hub, jump aboard a famous Sydney ferry to just about anywhere in Sydney Harbour. Nearby Darling Harbour has the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Follow the restaurant- and park-lined waterfront to The Rocks where you’ll almost feel the ghosts of the city’s convict and seafaring past. Thrill-seekers can ride the Wild Mouse roller coaster at Luna Park. If heights don’t phase you, stretch your legs on the Sydney Harbour Bridge BridgeClimb for a truly breath-taking experience.

Say “G’day” to kangaroos, koalas and platypus at Taronga Zoo. Be sure to catch the free-flight bird show set against the spectacular backdrop of the harbor.

A short walk from downtown, you’ll find village-like suburbs such as Paddington, Surry Hills and Newtown. These charming neighborhoods are studded with quirky cafés, boutiques and galleries. Darlinghurst and Potts Point are top spots for foodies. Major shopping destinations include Bondi Junction and a sprawling Westfield mall in the heart of downtown.

Sydney is a paradise for nature-lovers the bush and the beaches are never far away. See the harbor’s rugged coastline on the 30-minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, one of the city’s most beautiful beaches.

Getting around Sydney is simple, with an excellent network of trains, buses and ferries. The climate is temperate, with hot summers and pleasantly cool winters, making the Harbour City an ideal Australian destination year-round.