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Sydney

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Sydney, Australia has been a huge tourist attraction for decades but it wasn't until this city hosted the 2000 Winter Olympics that this metropolis became a world-renowned destination, drawing in over three million people a year! Sydney is known as the "Jewel of the South Pacific" and the friendliness and the never ending list of things to do will never run out! With a European history, Sydney holds a culture rich in art, fashion, cuisine, and design which help round the city out to be one of the most diverse and interesting places that one could ever visit! It is also here that you can find some of the most unique architecture ever constructed including two of the most famous sites: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The friendliness that Australia is known for is also carried over to Sydney, where just about anybody is ready to grab a pint and some good conversation! Most of those who come to live in Sydney are from other parts of the world, making this city known as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world!

Areas

When you are visiting Sydney, you will most likely spend most of your time in the central, northern and western areas of the city. The northern area includes beaches such as Manly and Palm Beach and it also has many places to shop and business areas. There are residential areas here as well and this is where the wealthy residents of the city mainly live given their close location to a number of private schools. The western part of the city has the Olympic buildings and different attractions and so, draws in those that wish to see some of that history. The central part of the city is where most visitors spend their time because it is here that you can have many of the shopping and attraction opportunities while taking in even more sites such as the harbour and the opera house that make up Sydney's recognizable skyline.

Weather

The best way to describe the climate in Sydney is sub-tropical. Although visiting Sydney will mostly provide comfortable temperatures all year round, there are two main seasons in Sydney. The first is summer, which can be extremely hot and often sees temperatures reaching above forty degrees Celsius. It is also during the winter that it can be extremely humid with dry winds sweeping the landscape. The second season is winter and while it does get cooler, it's still always quite pleasant with high of around sixteen degrees Celsius during the day. Those that wish to visit the beaches should come when the water is the best temperature, anytime between April and October however, the summer months are also when bush fires can become more common.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	72	73	70	65	60	55	53	55	59	64	67	71
C	22	23	21	18	16	13	12	13	15	18	19	22

Average Precipitation/Rain

In./CM	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
In.	4	4.5	5.2	4.2	3.9	5.2	2.5	3.2	2.2	3.1	3.4	3.1
CM	10.2	11.4	13.2	10.7	9.9	13.2	6.4	8.1	5.6	7.9	8.6	7.9

Getting There

By Plane

Most people travelling to Sydney come by plane and arrive at the Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. Not only is this the world's oldest airport but it is also Australia's largest, serving in both domestic and international travel. The city center is only thirteen kilometers away from the airport and you can get there by walking, train, or car. There are several taxis always waiting in queue to take people from the airport to the city and there are several rental car agencies available for service at the airport. A taxi ride to the city center costs approximately thirty dollars. There is a local bus that runs from the airport and that is most likely the cheapest way to get into the city. The train station is also just over one kilometer from the airport and this too can be an option however, is not recommended after dark as the walk is unlit. If using the train by day, it will take you directly into the city.

Getting Around

Australia is a country filled with athletes and Sydney is no different. One of the preferred methods of travel around the city is biking so grab a helmet and find any of the local vendors that will rent you a bike for the day. Another interesting way to tour the city is to hop onboard a ferry and tour through the ferry or you can try the mono or light rail. If you are travelling on a budget or need to go quite a distance, you may be more interested in the light rail.

By Car/Taxi

During your stay in Sydney there are many different ways to get around and enjoy the city. There are plenty of ways to get around the city by car including renting a car and taking a taxi. If you are driving yourself, remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road and that speed limits are strongly enforced and change often. There is normal congestion during peak hours in the morning and evening when people are making their way to and from work and a few roads require tolls to pass.

By Train/Metro

City Rail also has an extensive train network that travels throughout Sydney. These too can be quite crowded during peak hours but is the fastest way to travel through the city. Be sure to check out times and schedules before boarding.

Public Transportation

Private buses are available in Sydney in addition to the public transportation system, provided by Sydney Buses. One wonderful to capture all that Sydney has to offer is to experience the Sydney Explorer, a tourist bus that will stop at 27 different tourist stops as it circles through the city.

Food & Dining

Sydney, Australia is one city in the world where you can get just about any kind or style of food that you could ever want. Whether you're looking for Italian, Chinese, Mexican, American, Vietnamese, or Kosher, there is somewhere in Sydney that will be able to offer it to you. While Sydney may not be known for one specific type of food, the city is known for welcoming many world-famous chefs that brought their world-class style to Sydney and have opened many restaurants there. Chinatown is known for having some of the finest chefs in Hong Kong attracting many tourists. What Sydney and the rest of Australia is known for is their love of life and their love of beer and other drinks. There are many bars in Sydney that are open 24 hours but people under eighteen will not be admitted in.

Beaches

Bondi Beach (Sand beach) Location: In the northern part of the city This could very well be Sydney's most popular beach, especially among surfers who come here to ride some of the finest surf in the ocean! Surfing isn't the only sport popular here though as roller-bladers, hikers, and bicyclists make their way through the parklands at the back of the beach and along the promenade, which borders the beach. When you need to get out of the water, off the paths, or away from the sun, stop in any of the fine restaurants and cafes that are also set up just along the beach.

Palm Beach (Sand beach) Location: In the northern part of the city Some visitors come to Palm Beach for nothing more than to check out the setting of the popular television show, Home and Away. But even if you're not a TV buff, there is plenty to see and do here including bushwalking, climbing up sand hills, and surfing. This is a very high-end beach with private residences and exclusive resorts huddled at either end. The middle of the beach has been left untouched and it is here that you can see the most of nature's beauty.

Narrabeen (Sand beach) Location: Off Pittwater Road Visit the beaches of Narrabeen, which are actually four beaches connected by a stretch of sand that extends for three kilometers. Swimming in these beaches is possible but visitors are warned to swim only between the flags as there are very strong rip currents under these waters. However, these same rip currents also provide for some fantastic shows as experienced surfers come here to try out their latest tricks! One of the best free shows on earth!

Manly Beach (Sand beach) Location: Beside Palm Beach Manly Beach is a resort area that has every good or service that any tourist could ever ask for! Within the Manly Resort are museums, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques so anyone can find whatever amenity they could need. The wonderful beaches that Manly boasts have fine white sand and water that is just the right temperature to make you feel as though it's truly encompassing you. Walk along the beach and explore the coves and if you walk far enough, you'll find yourself at Palm Beach!

Sights & Activities

The BridgeClimb

You cannot visit Sydney without trying the BridgeClimb. This climb takes place on the Harbour Bridge and lasts for approximately three hours. If you think that's a long trip, know that you will be rewarded at the top with some of the most magnificent views on earth. Be sure to call ahead to book a time and find out about age requirements.

Royal Botanic Gardens

These beautiful gardens lie just east of the Opera House and are home to some of the most beautiful trees, flowers, and shrubbery you will ever see. Be sure to bring your camera to not only capture this beautiful plant life but to also catch some of the most amazing views of the Opera House that you can get! The gardens are also a wonderful place to visit to escape the chaos of the city and just take in beautiful Australia!

Sydney Harbour

If wandering through a harbour doesn't sound like a great day to you, you have never been to Sydney Harbour. Not only will you find beaches, coves, and other hidden beauties among this treasure of the city but you can also hire a tinny and zip around the waters yourself, giving you spectacular views of some of the most well-known landmarks in the world!

Sydney Opera House

Being that it's one of the first things to come to mind upon mention of Australia, this is a must-see when visiting Sydney. Even if you don't want to see a show, make sure to book a tour of the building. You can also wander through the building on your own but won't be allowed access to some areas.