It's hard to beat Sydney's majestic setting on one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours. Dotted with yachts and ferries plying from one side of Sydney to the other, the harbour makes a stunning backdrop for the city's iconic sail-shaped Opera House, while spectacular fireworks dance off the Harbour Bridge every New Year's Eve.
Australia's oldest, biggest and most recognisable city makes a great first impression on travellers arriving from flights to Sydney, from its parks and gardens and striking bays and inlets to its stately historic buildings and the lively buzz of Darling Harbour's tourist and nightlife precinct.
There are many eclectic neighbourhoods to explore, from Paddington's boutiques, pubs and famous Saturday market, multicultural Newtown, gay Darlinghurst or the antique shops and trendy eateries of Surry Hills.
Sydney basks in its international caché, and its role as the country's dynamic media and financial capital and favourite tourist playground. But for all of Sydney's verve, glitz, brashness and frenetic pace, it is an undeniably liveable city - friendly, relaxed and outgoing, with a perfect climate for an outdoors lifestyle. Sydney is also synonymous with beach culture and its famous surf beaches, which is only natural given there are more than 30 beaches within 30 minutes of the city.
Beyond the city attractions, Sydney is within easy reach of the Hunter Valley wine region, the stunning Blue Mountains, the NSW coastal resorts and the ski slopes and natural drawcards of the Snowy Mountains.
