About Sydney

Located on the southeast coast of Australia, Sydney is the country’s oldest and most important city.  It grew from a small colony of 1,000 people in Sydney Cove to the largest city in Australia, with a population close to four million.  It has become a vibrant, diverse city of vast economic power that has great skyscrapers, daring restaurants, and heavenly beaches.

“The World’s Best City”

Sydney has consistently been voted “the world’s best city” by the international Travel & Leisure Magazine.  Sydney’s inviting blend of dining, shopping and recreation options in one of the world’s most attractive city environments is hard to top.  There are world-renowned retail centers, boutiques and high-end fashion designer shops from Versace and Collette Dinnigan.  By simply walking along the beaches of Rosa Bay or Watson Bay, visitors can appreciate breathtaking views of the harbor and city.  Moreover, vacationers can end a day by catching a water taxi to the famous Opera House, pictured here, where they can enjoy a night of music.

Sydney is not only famous for its numerous places of interest; it is also a city with splendid weather.   The climate is temperate most of the time, and there are as many as 300 sunny days per year.  Due to this, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, surfing, sunbathing, etc.  The wettest months are March to May and the hottest months are January and February.

Transportation

Sydney has an excellent public transport system, with bus, train and ferry services throughout the city.  Taxi services are also available, but quite expensive.  The railway network spreads from Bondi Junction in the east to the Blue Mountains in the west.  Services depart at least every 30 minutes to most areas and far more frequently to most destinations. Inner-city trains depart every few minutes. 

There are also bus routes to almost everywhere, but frequency varies and some services only operate in peak times. State Transit also operates a sightseeing tour throughout the city called the Sydney Explorer, and another around Sydney’s beaches and bays, Bondi Explorer.  Normal bus fares are based on distance and range from $1.20 to $4.60

Climate

Australia's seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere, with summer from December through February, and winter from June through August. The summer months are hot, around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Autumn and spring are mild months, with strong winds in spring. Winter is cool, although nothing compared to winter in Wisconsin!  Average temperatures are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but only around four hours of sunshine a day. 

Top Sites & Attractions

• Sydney’s Opera House
• Harbour Bridge
• Bondi Beach
• Macquarie St.
• The Rocks
• Blue Mountains
• Virutal Tour from What's on in Sydney

Learn More

• Fodor's online Sydney guide
• City of Sydney Visitor Guides
• City of Sydney Web Site