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Sydney |
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DESTINATION INFORMATION
'Queen of the Pacific Rim'
Vast, vibrant Sydney is home to one of the world's most beautiful harbours, with the imposing Opera House as the jewel in its crown. The city has all the cosmopolitan amenities - top shopping, excellent restaurants and buzzing nightlife. Carved between the mountains and the sea, it also offers the ultimate in the great outdoors. The Pacific Ocean swells onto golden beaches, while a seasonally shifting palette of colours unfolds further inland over the Blue Mountains. The harbour, famously adorned with sailing boats mirroring the distinctive curves of the Opera House.
From its sordid beginnings as a British penal colony in 1788, Sydney rapidly flourished, establishing booming trade links and witnessing large-scale development throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Australia's white history has eclipsed its indigenous inheritance and, although Sydney has the highest Aboriginal population of any Australian city, a stroll around the city's streets offers little evidence that it has anything other than a white (and latterly, an Asian) heritage. While museums, galleries, theatre and dance troupes pay tribute to the archaeological and cultural legacy of indigenous culture, Aborigines in the city remain very much an invisible minority.
After the Australian Federation in 1901, the bickering between Sydney and its arch rival, Melbourne, was settled in 1908, by making Canberra the new national capital. Until 1927, when Canberra was completed, Melbourne was the seat of national government. Sydneysiders insist that their city remains the 'true' capital of Australia.
Prior to the triumphant 2000 Olympic Games, the city transformed its physical appearance. Streets and public areas were remodelled, long-neglected eyesores were removed and new street furniture erected, resulting in a city centre that is more pleasant and easier to navigate than ever before.
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WHAT TO DO
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Sydney Harbour Cruises ~ Several daily departures, with various cruises lasting from 1 to 2.5 hours.
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Harbour Jet ~ Experience the thrill of a 75 kms per hour jet boat trip around the harbour.
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Sydney Opera House ~ You will be taken on a guided tour, below the white sails of the Opera House, and backstage to learn about the daily goings-on at one of the world's most famous buildings.
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Sydney Tower ~ The tower takes you 250m above the hustle and bustle of the city, giving breathtaking views over the Harbour.
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The SkyTour at the base of the tower gives you an opportunity to take a virtual tour throughout Australia, including rafting down the Tully River, climbing Uluru and a close shave with a croc!
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Taronga Zoo ~ Situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour, this zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry. See kangaroo, wallabies and koalas, as well as other indigenous species.
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Sydney Aquarium ~ Two underwater Oceanariums, with sharks, rays and the largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit in the world.
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Sydney Bridge Climb ~ Led by professional climb leaders, be taken to the highest point in Sydney, venturing over ladders, catwalks and arches.
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Katoomba Scenic Railway ~ Ride the scenic railway, cableway and the amazing Skyway at Scenic World, situated in the Blue Mountains.
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Sydney Cricket Ground Tour Experience ~ Take a tour behind the scenes at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Weekdays only.
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Sydney Olympic Park ~ Take a tour round the home of the extremely successful Millennium Olympics, including a walking tour to get a complete overview of the site, and insider's view of the Telstra Stadium and a chance to swim in the Aquatic Centre.
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The Bradman Museum of Cricket ~ Located in the childhood home of the great Don Bradman, this museum is filled with a wonderful collection of memorabilita, rare film footage and photographs.
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The Rocks ~ A great venue to visit for markets, specialising in exotic crafts, jewellery and Australian-designed goods, as well as galleries, restaurants and live entertainment.
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Darling Harbour ~ Whatever did Sydneysiders do before this large area of dockland was transformed into a bustling platter of entertainment, attractions, shops and restaurants?
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