Sydney

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Sydney Facts

4,300,000	Population (2006)
500,000	Population (1906)
70	Number of Beaches
34	Average age of residents
1,056,000	Number of tiles in Sydney Opera House
A$102,000,000	Cost to build it
23°C	Average summer temperature
1,233.456	Number of meat pies eaten per week
100	Number of years you'll want to stay

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About Sydney

From its beginnings as a penal colony, to its showcase of modern buildings like the Opera House, history and culture is alive in Sydney. It’s one of the world’s greatest multicultural cities founded on Aboriginal and European history.

In some areas of Sydney, you can still find traditional Aboriginal rock carvings that date back hundreds of years; you can even find them walking along the cliffs at Bondi Beach. You can also admire and buy modern Aboriginal Art in many galleries around the city.

The remnants of early European settlement from Australia’s days as a penal colony can be seen everywhere. For example, the old Hyde Park Barracks in Macquarie Street where convicts were housed has hammocks set up to show visitors exactly how they slept. Other aspects of their daily lives and living conditions have also been recreated, and while many of the remaining buildings are open to the public for exploration, others offer lovely cafes where you can relax and enjoy some time out.

With a population coming from over 200 countries, you will find an amazing array of food in Sydney. There is a colourful Chinatown on the edge of the CBD, a very big Little Italy in suburban Leichhardt and a vibrant fish market at Sydney’s Pyrmont wharf where you can buy and eat seafood hauled straight from the fishing boats. There is a great selection of vegetarian food in the suburb of Newtown and a long list of enclaves serving sensational dishes from around the globe. Think of something you would love to eat and you will find it here!

In fact, whatever you are after, you will find it in Sydney. This spectacular city has around 70 beaches – and some of the best surfing beaches in the world! People spend most of their spare time outside: walking along the shores, swimming, surfing, kayaking, cycling; playing tennis, rugby, cricket, football or even beach volleyball.. If you like the outdoors, you’ll love it here!

What’s on in Sydney?

Big Day Out

The Big Day Out was born in Sydney and now is a world-famous rock festival that attracts some of the biggest local and international acts every year. It is held every year at our Olympic Park and it tours across Australia and New Zealand.

Bands such as The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Coldplay, Korn, The White Stripes, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, Nirvana, The Flaming Lips, Muse and Soundgarden have all rocked the Big Day Out.

www.bigdayout.com

The Festival of Sydney

For two weeks every year, the international arts community descends on the city as theatres across Sydney, including the iconic Opera House, are filled with the unique talents of some the world’s finest performing artists. The festival of Sydney takes place every summer and provides a wealth of entertainment options for anyone and everyone. In fact, the whole of Sydney gets into the swing of things with pubs, clubs and parks all hosting events during the festival season to tempt lovers of food, wine, music and more. it’s little wonder the Festival of Sydney has been voted Sydney’s favourite festival.

www.sydneyfestival.org.au

Australian Fashion Week

Sydney gets [extra] glamorous during Fashion Week as internationally-acclaimed designers send their wares strutting down the catwalk, but in Sydney fashion is in the spotlight 52 weeks a year and the shopping is endless. Check out the Bondi Markets, where Sass & Bide began selling clothes from a humble stall, or the Paddington Markets to see what the latest up–and-coming designers of jewellery, clothing and accessories are up to.

www.afw.com.au

The Art Gallery of NSW

Here you’ll find the best in traditional and modern art; works by Picasso, Cy Twombey, Brett Whitely, Sidney Nolan and John Olsen – just to name a few. There is also a large collection of Aboriginal art by both famous and unknown painters, and a new gallery wing of Asian art.

www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

The Museum of Contemporary Art

Take a wander around this beautiful museum sitting on Sydney Harbour’s spectacular Circular Quay and see the future of art that is already here. It showcases a stunning and ever-changing array of incredible, sometimes controversial pieces that make up the world of contemporary art.

www.mca.com.au

Customs House

An Aboriginal tribe lived on the site of Customs House long before Europeans came to Sydney and it was here that the first British flag was raised to start the new colony. The original Customs House has grown and changed over the years to become the beautiful, historic building that stands today. It now houses the Sydney Library and hosts exhibitions of all types that are relevant to Sydney.

www.sydneycustomshouse.com.au  

Powerhouse Museum

Powerhouse Museum Here you will see how technology has shaped our lives. There are fascinating and spectacular exhibitions spanning pop-culture, advertising, design, clothing, household goods, cars and musical instruments.

www.powerhousemuseum.com