Sounds of majestic music, smells of the salty sea and views of natural wonders. Sydney has all of that and more. Keep reading to learn about the finest harbor in the world.
Contents
Pin on the map
Sydney is the capital city of the state of New South Wales. The city lies on the east coast of Australia. Sydney touches Tasman Sea in the east and the Hawkesbury River in the north. The Blue Mountains border the city in the west and The Woronora Plateau is located in the south. More than 5 million people live in Sydney making it the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. The famous city covers an area of 4,775.2 square miles (12,367.7 square km) making it one of the biggest Australian cities in size.Look in the history book
First traces
People started living in the region of Sydney more than 30,000 years ago. Native groups moved to the area from Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.
The Cadigal clan was the main group in Sydney before the arrival of the Europeans. These people used to camp, fish and collect shells in Sydney.
A new colony
In 1770, a Britain explorer named James Cook arrived in Sydney. He was the first European to set foot in the area. Later, Britain claimed its control on the land.
In the 18th century, Britain used to send its criminals to British colonies in America. However, in 1776, The US became independent. Britain had to look for another place to send the convicts. So, it sent them to Australia.
The first group of British convicts arrived in Sydney in 1788. This group was led by Captain Arthur Phillip. He named the city after a British politician called “lord Sydney”. Captain Phillip called the city “the finest harbor in the world”.
Rough start
The first years of the colony were hard. The new settlers faced lack of food. The British also came with diseases which led to the death of many of the Native People.
On top of that, from 1790 to 1816, a series of battles happened between the British and the Native groups. They were part of a conflict called “Australian frontier wars”. The British won and kept their control over the land.
New Vision
From 1810 to 1821, Major General Lachlan Macquarie led New South Wales State. Macquarie played a vital role in transforming the state from an exile colony to a free state. He also planned many constructions in the city.
Today, there are lakes, rivers, a bank and a university that took Macquarie’s name.
Modern History
After Australia’s independence in 1901, Sydney became the capital city of New South Wales state.
In 1939, Australia joined World War II. And in 1942, Japan attacked Sydney’s harbor.
After the war, many people migrated to Sydney and the city has become one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
In 2000, Sydney hosted The Summer Olympics or as commonly known “the Millennium Olympic Games”. 10,651 athletes from 199 nations competed in the city from 15 September to 1 October.
Tour around the city
1. The Sydney Opera House
The famous art center is considered the most popular landmark in the city, and probably in Australia. Visitors come to the site, which lies on Sydney Harbor, to enjoy all kinds of shows. Such as Plays, concerts and talks.
Danish architect Jørn Utzon designed the Sydney Opera House. Queen Elizabeth II opened the site on 20th October, 1973. The construction took 14 years and involved more than 10,000 workers. But it was worth it! In 2007, UNESCO added The Sydney Opera House to World Heritage List. It became the youngest cultural site to enter the List.
UNESCO stated that “Its significance is based on its unparalleled design and construction… it is a daring and visionary experiment that has had an enduring influence on the emergent architecture of the late 20th century.”
want to know how it feels like to sit in the front row of Sydney Opera house? enjoy this video
2. Sydney tower
If you decided to go to Sydney, then you shouldn’t miss its -309 m (1,014 ft)- tower. This mind-blowing structure overlooks the city offering the visitors an unforgettable experience.
People can enjoy Sydney’s skyline from the observation deck. They can also treat their tasting buds while enjoying the view at Sydney tower restaurant buffet.
3. Taronga Zoo Sydney
Sydney is the home to the largest zoo in Australia. It’s Taronga Zoo. The site was officially opened in 1916 and covers an area of 28-hectare (69-acre). The huge zoo has 4,000 animals of 350 species. From Koalas to lizards, it’s almost impossible not to find your favorite creature at Taronga. With amazing views of Sydney Harbor and enjoyable bird and seal shows, fun is guaranteed.
Take a bite
Sydney’s location affected its cuisine. The city is famous for its sea food. Yellowfin tuna is one of the most popular dishes in Sydney. People have different methods of cooking this meaty-flavored fish. Some chefs grill it while others prefer baking it with peppers and vinegar.
Fun fact about the city
Different language on every corner
English is the most common language in Sydney. However, According to a Census in 2011, more than 250 different languages were spoken in Sydney’s homes. So, No matter your language, you will find someone who speaks it in Sydney. Just keep looking!
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