Overview Well known around the world for the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its beautiful beaches, Sydney is one of the most interesting cities in the world. Sydney, located on Australia's southeast coast, is Australia's most populated city. It's also the state capital of New South Wales.
Sydney was actually the first British colony in Australia (established in 1788). Migration into Sydney has not stopped since, as it's an extremely diverse city with inhabitants originating from all over the world.
The summers in Sydney are usually warm, while the winters are mild. Rainfall is spread out throughout the year. The warmest month of the year is usually January, while the coldest is typically July. It has not snowed in this region since the 1830s.
Destinations The following destinations can be visited on a cruise leaving from Sydney, Australia:
Asia (Far East)
Australia & New Zealand
South Pacific
World Cruises
Currency The official currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Using a credit card whenever possible is a great way to avoid having to exchange currency. ATM machines are available, but make sure you use one that works with the card you're using.
Language The official language Australia is English.
Tourist Attractions The Sydney Opera House, a performing arts venue, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a true symbolic icon of Sydney, as it's used throughout most of the tourist-geared media related to Sydney. Its architectural design is truly remarkable, and is a "must see" if you're in Sydney.
Located right by the opera house is Sydney Harbour Bridge, a steel-arch bridge across Sydney Harbour. It's the fourth-longest spanning-arch bridge in the world. A popular thing to do is to climb up the bridge (known as BridgeClimb), along a long path of stairways and platforms. The climb takes about 3 1/2 hours.
The beaches in Sydney are beautiful. Bondi Beach is world famous. It's about 1 km long and has been the location of many events, such as the 2000 Summer Olympics' beach volleyball competition. There are many shops and restaurants nearby Bondi Beach. Another beach in the area is Manly, located about a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. There are various water sports available for rent there.
Some of the more popular shopping areas in Sydney are around Darling Harbour, "The Rocks" in addition to the various designer stores you'll find in downtown Sydney.
There are quite a few popular museums in Sydney. Among them are the Australian Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Powerhouse Museum (a science and technology museum).
Taronga Zoo, located on the shores of Sydney Harbour, is the city zoo of Sydney. It's one of the largest zoos in the world, with over 2,600 animals in its confinds. Among the species found there, you'll have the opportunity to see regional favorites such as kangaroos, emus, wallabies and koalas.
Darling Harbour is located in Sydney's Central Business District. It's the home of many of Syndey's most popular attractions. Among them are the Sydney Entertainment Centre, the Harbourside Shopping Centre, the Sydney Aquarium, an IMAX theatre, Star City Casino, Sydney Wildlife World, and the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"The Rocks" is the point of the first European settlement in this area (which took place in 1788), near the area by the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Because of the historic buildings in this area, as well as its proximity to Circular Quay, makes this area popular among tourists.
Sydney Tower, also known as the AMP Tower, is the tallest free-standing structure in Sydney (and is the second tallest in all of Australia). It's open to the public and there's a shopping centre right there too.
Port Location The cruise pier is located in Sydney Harbour. There are two dedicated cruise-passenger terminals there (the Overseas Passenger Terminal and the Circular Quay and Wharf 8 Darling Harbour Passenger Terminal). Both terminals are located right in the heart of Syndey, nearby many tourist attractions.
Sydney Opera House and Skyline
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Bondi Beach
Taronga Zoo
Inside the Sydney Opera House
Sydney Tower
Lord Nelson, in "The Rocks" (One of Sydney's Oldest Pubs)
