Sydney
As Australian cities go, Sydney is undoubtedly a high-achiever; it is the country’s oldest and largest city, its most expensive and arguably its most famous.
The capital city of New South Wales, Sydney was founded by Captain Cook in 1788 on what is now known as Australia Day. Today, the already stunning harbour is strikingly adorned with the iconic Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Situated right on the water’s edge, The Rocks precinct offers a great vantage point from which to take in the harbour views, and features of a number of historic sites and walking tours that wind through the narrow cobblestone streets. The Rocks Market, a Sydney favourite for 16 years, opens on the weekends for lovers of beads and baubles.
Retail is big businesses throughout the whole city centre, with George St and Pitt St the main Sydney shopping hubs. The Queen Victoria Building, brimming with retail outlets and boutiques, is a particularly popular shopping destination.
Like most capital cities, Sydney boasts a buzzing nightlife, from the chic bars of Circular Quay to the throbbing nightclubs of Oxford St. A night visit to the infamous King’s Cross – known as Sydney’s red-light district – guarantees a colourful evening, but is perhaps best attempted in the safety of a group.
Beyond the CBD lie Sydney’s legendary surf beaches, including the world-famous Bondi Beach. Bondi is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike, and the seaside suburb’s street and shores are regularly packed with the blonde and the bronzed.
With a robust arts scene and some impressive galleries and museums to cap it all off, Sydney is certainly a city like no other.
