Australia: Sydney

[bjorn]

Australia's capital is Canberra, but there is no question that Sydney is the city people think of when they dream of the Land Down Under. Many people have an image of Australia that has been conjured up by the media- the world of Crocodile Dundee and Survivor II. Yet Sydney is more than the Wild West of the Southern Hemisphere- it is a cosmopolitan, modern center of fashion, commerce and culture. Founded in 1788, it's also one of Australia's most historic cities.

Built around the shores of one of the world's most beautiful harbors, Sydney's location shapes the city. The stately Harbour Bridge and the magnificent white sails of the Opera House dominate the view of the harbor. The harbor waters are filled with ferries and boats that link downtown with the beachside suburbs of Manly and Parramatta. Though Sydney is home to 20% of Australia's population, the city is remarkably peaceful.

Visiting Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience. But Sydney is no more representative of Australia than New York is of the United States. Like New York, Sydney is an amazing blend; of Western and Eastern influences, of club culture and high finance, of surf life and fashion savvy. The sophisticated center of modern Australia awaits.

When to go:
Any time is a good time to be in Australia. Summer (December-February) can get uncomfortably hot just about anywhere.

What to Do:
History/Ruins:
The Rocks are often described as "Sydney's outdoor museum." It is the city's oldest preserved colonial district as well as a popular place to shop and relax. Read the historic markers and wander around the terraced houses and historic buildings to get a sense of early Sydney.

Museums:
Sydney is jam-packed with museums that focus on everything from history (the Australian Museum and Museum of Sydney) to transport (the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sydney Heritage Fleet Museum and the Sydney Tramway Museum) to science (the Macleay Museum) and art. Two must sees for art lovers include the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which displays the art of Aboriginals and Torres Strait islanders, and the Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art (located near the Rocks and the Harbour Bridge) which is known for its extensive collection of twenty and twenty-first century paintings. A must see for anyone is the Powerhouse, the largest and probably best museum in Australia. With exhibits on science, technology, creativity, decorative arts and Australian popular culture, there is something for everyone.

Shopping:
Pierre Cardin once said the Queen Victoria Building is "the most beautiful shopping center in the world". Filled with upscale shops, it is a wonderful place to browse for a few hours. Hit the Mid City Centre, Center Point or Pitt, Elizabeth, King, York and Park streets for department store shopping and chain stores. If you are looking for Australiana and souvenir shops, head to the Rocks near the Harbour. There you can get stuffed 'roos and quokkas and Akoobra hats. Paddington is best for high end shopping, with its designer shops, funky fashion, and quirky bookshops - and the best weekend market in town.

Food/Culinary Info:
Sydney-siders are not dining on bush tucker like kangaroo. The local cuisine is considered some of the best in the world. Rich in fresh seafood and produce, Sydney chefs present world-class dining with an eclectic, creative mix of Asian, British and Australian influences. Everyday fare at fast food restaurants, pubs and cafes is similar to what's on offer in the US and UK.

Beach:
Bondi Beach is more than just a beach- it is a lifestyle. The most famous and most crowded of all Sydney beaches, Bondi (pronounced bon-dye) has something for just about everyone. The crowds who flock here on a sunny day give it a bustling, carnival atmosphere unmatched by any other Sydney beach. This is the home of Australia's famed surf lifeguards. Surfing is popular at the south end of the beach, where you'll also find a path that winds along the cliffs to Tamarama and Bronte beaches. Tamarama and Bronte are a bit quieter, but just as fun to explore.

Adventure:
Sydney-siders love their sports, especially Aussie Rules football, cricket, tennis and horse racing. No matter what it is, from surf lifesaving competitions to yacht races, it'll draw a crowd. Make sure to catch a game of Aussie Rules- it is a bit rougher than American football, and uniquely Australian.

Natural Wonders:
Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful in the world. The Opera House and Darling Harbour Bridge really shape the face of the city. Along the edge of the water is the Royal Botanic Gardens where groves of palm trees, duck ponds, a cactus garden, a restaurant, greenhouses, and acres of lawns come together in a beautiful oasis of calm on the edge of the city. The views from the Botanic Gardens, with the Opera House and the yacht and ferry-filled harbor spread below, are tremendous, and if you stay until the park closes, you can watch the fruit bats fly in and the possums reclaim their night-time territory.

Cultural Comments:
Australia has a rich artistic heritage and a vibrant contemporary art scene. Aboriginal rock carvings, paintings and musical instruments (like the didgeridoo) date back at least 30,000 years. Aboriginals continue to reinvent their art forms today, incorporating native instruments into rap music and ancient design into modern wallpaper and textiles.

European settlers began to produce distinctively Australian art forms towards the end of the 19th century. Australia's mid-20th century artists include Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Patrick White. Contemporary artists such as Brett Whiteley and Fred Williams have made their mark in painting. Most people have seen films directed by Australians Peter Weir or Gillian Armstrong, or starring actors Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Cate Blanchett or Nicole Kidman. Well known Australian musicians include Nick Cave, Savage Garden, INXS, Midnight Oil, and silverchair.

Are All Aussies like Paul Hogan?
Australia is one of the most multicultural places in the world. In a population of almost 19 million, Sydney's immigrant population is growing by almost 100,000 new arrivals a year, 40 percent of who end up living in Sydney. Many of these recent arrivals come from South East Asia, Eastern Europe and even the US. Though Aussies still through a shrimp on the barbie every once and awhile, Crocodile Dundee is more of a myth than a reality.

Arts:
From Shakespeare to gay film festivals, Sydney's arts scene takes itself seriously while managing never to lose its sense of fun. Any kind of cultural experience can be had in Sydney. There are world-class artists and performers in all art forms.

Festivals/Events:
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, held annually on the first Saturday of March is a sight to be seen. As many as half a million people line the city streets to watch the spectacular procession, with hundreds of floats and thousands of wildly dressed or semi-naked participants. It takes almost three hours to pass by and is the largest street event in Australia.

The huge Festival of Sydney, which takes up most of January, includes all sorts of events- from open-air concerts, to street theatre and fireworks.

Nightlife/Bars:
From drinking Victoria Bitter in dark bars to listening to Aboriginal rap music at a local club, the choices are many for night owls in Sydney.

Gay & Lesbian:
Sydney is perhaps the most gay-friendly city in Australia and South East Asia.

Cost:
The Australian Dollar is the unit of currency. If you're coming from Europe or the USA, costs in Australia will be quite reasonable by comparison.

Getting Around:
Every nationality (except New Zealanders) needs visas to stay in Australia. Tourist visas are generally valid for six months and cost US$22. Visas for less than three months are free.

Sydney's public transport network is reasonably good, though the system relies heavily on buses and traffic jams can be a problem. There are buses, trains, ferries, a light rail system and the city monorail to choose from, plus plenty of taxis.

Safety:
Sydney is as safe as any big city. Be careful and aware of your belongings at all times, and take the normal precautions to ensure your safety.

Language:
English, Aboriginal languages, and plus some Italian, Greek and numerous other European and Asian languages are spoken in Australia.

Party/Social Scene:
Sydney is Australia's biggest city, and one of South East Asia's biggest party spots. There are all sorts of activities to do day and night.

Other Info:
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