Ever think about traveling down under? Here’s some basic information on a city that is as layered as New York, labeled as a city that doesn’t sleep and dare say, more beautiful (than NY thanks to the beaches and Sydney Harbour.) I’m a New Yorker, so I hope I can say that!
Sydney is the largest city in Australia boasting over four million residents in a country that is also considered an island AND a continent. Sydney is also one of the most recognizable cities in the world thanks to the half shell dome that holds the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point. But there’s so much more than that wonderful landmark, just like there’s more to New York City than the Statue of Liberty.
“In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip, Australia’s first governor, led the First Fleet of 11 ships with 736 convicts and their guards into Port Jackson, now known as Sydney Harbour. Despite the severity of their sentences, many convicts were transported for offences as moderate as stealing a loaf of bread! A total of 160,000 convicts were brought to Australia until 1852 when transportation ended. Many convicts who completed their sentences chose to stay in Australia as farmers and labourers.” (Info. from www.australia.com)
Now Sydney boasts a multitude of ethnic communities, rich in history beginning with the aborigines. It is thought that the aborigines’ island hopped from South East Asia to Sydney 60,000 years ago. And their descendents remain within Australia to this very day.
Whether you travel on a plane to Sydney or only in your armchair, here’s some places to explore:
· The Rocks- the historic site where Europeans first settled. Now it’s a cobblestone street with shops and restaurants. You will find everything from fashion to arts and crafts and more…
· Royal Botanic Gardens.
Taronga Zoo- 12 minutes from city.
Luna Park Sydney- 1930’s amusement park, free admission.
· Sydney Harbour National Park. Check out aboriginal art by Eora tribes, people who drew over 2,000 engravings throughout this park.
· A haunting island destination, Fort Denison which once housed thieves and convicts.
· Oldest pubs: Hero of Waterloo and Lord Nelson Hotel.
· Olympic Park Precinct- Home of the 2000 Olympics. View history and sports facilities.
Like any city, Sydney offers art galleries, shops, restaurants, nightclubs, tours (walking, bikes and buses), harbour cruises, cultural events, festivals and more…
For more information, try www.australia.com