The largest and best known of all Australian cities, Sydney is a cosmopolitan and vibrant metropolis that is not only the economic centre of the country but also the capital of the state of New South Wales.
Sydney, which has a population of some four million people and covers nearly 4,000 square kilometres, is set around a picturesque harbour which is home to the world famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The home of the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney also boasts Australia’s most famous beach in Bondi Beach, the Blue Mountains, the world’s second oldest national park in the Royal National Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Home to a truly multicultural society, Sydney has more than 3,000 restaurants, cafés, pubs and brasseries that cater for virtually every taste and style from Thai to Lebanese, Italian to modern Australian and Mediterranean.
It is worth noting that restaurants in New South Wales are non-smoking.
Sydney’s nightlife is as varied with many establishments not just a pub or nightclub but a combination of both under one roof. Live music is not as widespread as it once was, but there are still pubs and clubs catering for all tastes from indie music to jazz.
Sydney has no shortage of places to stay with prices kept down by competition with The Rocks area among the most expensive and Kings Cross the cheapest. Places to consider include Bondi Lodge, Rooftop Motel, the George and Sydney Central youth hostel.