Travel Guide to Sydney, Australia

Very bright and unforgettable, Sydney is one of the most exciting places in the world. In terms of size Sydney is among the leaders – even New York is smaller. This city has absorbed the rhythm and life energy of other large cities of the world, but at the same time Sydney remains itself and features the diversity of its unique urban values. This makes this city truly unforgettable.

Almost all the attractions of Sydney are located in one area, so there’s no need to spend extra time and apply efforts to get to them. Despite the huge territory of the city, a large share of it is occupied by Royal Botanical Park. Two grand buildings are considered the main symbols of the city. These are the opera house that looks like a ship with raised sails and Harbor Bridge, which is also an observation deck with amazing views of the harbor.

During the summertime everyone in Sydney tries to move closer to numerous beaches, harbors and bays. The most famous beaches of the city are Bondi, the favorite place for surfers, and Manley, which is located among huge pine trees. The second beach is home to wood parrots, in the evening penguins sometimes appear here. Sydney is blessed with many places to visit. Among the most notable places of interest are Blue Mountains – miraculous eucalyptus forests with wonderfully pure and fragrant air, Sydney Tower - the tallest building of the Southern Hemisphere, Chinese Garden of Friendship designed strictly according to the rules of the garden design of the V century, Sydney Observatory, and the most impressive Cathedral of St. Mary made of sandstone. In Sydney you can find entertainments to fit any taste - from visiting numerous museums and galleries to entertaining tastings of Australian cuisine.

The Darling Harbor area. The Darling Harbor is one of the most famous touristic areas of Sydney. It's located in the center, so there you'll easily find the enormous shopping center, aquarium, ship with the information about the Olympic Games and the well-known monorail road. The monorail road was opened on the occasion of a jubilee. It's loud in praises of politics and administration, but the citizens still don't have a common opinion. The monorail road harmonizes with the futuristic buildings of the Darling Harbor, but is not very suitable for the cozy city center. The trip that lasts about 15 minutes will cost you 2,50 Australian dollars.

In the large halls of the Sydney Exhibition Center big exhibitions, conferences and special evening are carried out. During the Olympic Games some of the competitions took place there. Not far away is situated the Convention Center, where one can get the time-table of the exhibitions.

In the many-storied Harborside, the glass roof of which attracts everybody's attention, you'll find luxurious boutiques, good restaurants and fast-food services. It's especially crowded on weekends. On the other side of the darling Harbor you'll see the Sydney aquarium. There they keep large freshwater and sea fish, corrals, and in the spacious terrarium – some crocodiles.

The Botanic Gardens and the Domain Park. The Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain is the best place to rest from the hustle of the big city, which is located not far from the noisy center. The gardens were created in 1816 and together with the domain territory make up the oldest park in Australia that is situated to the east of the Central Business District. In this oasis of calm it seems that the city is located far away from here. It's a favorite place for picnics of all the natives, that's why on weekend there especially many people there. The wonderful park disposes to acquiring a tan, running or just having a walk and enjoying the marvelous view on the bay and the Sydney Opera House.

On the edge of the park takes place the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool that is ready to share with you some cool water. If you want to widen your horizons in botany, visit the Herb Garden, the Palm Grove and the Sydney Tropical Centre. The Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain are located in the Macquarie Street, on the right from the Central Business District. You can easily get there from the center on foot.

Read more about Sydney:
Restaurants and cuisine in Sydney
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Sydney
Nightlife and attractions in Sydney
Preparing for Sydney: Advices
Sydney photogallery