Sydney

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Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge at dusk

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Port Jackson and extends about 70 km (43.5 mi) on its periphery towards the Blue Mountains to the west, Hawkesbury to the north, and Royal National Park to the south. Sydney is made up of 658 suburbs, spread across 33 local government areas. Residents of the city are known as "Sydneysiders". As of June 2021, Sydney's estimated metropolitan population was 5,361,466.

History

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Map of Sydney City

The area around Sydney has been inhabited by Indigenous Australians for tens of thousands of years. The traditional owners of the land are the Eora people, whose territory extends from the southern shores of Sydney Harbour to the Georges River in the south and the Parramatta River in the west.

The first European settlement in Australia was established at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, who led the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788. The city was named after Lord Sydney, the British Home Secretary at that time.

Geography

Sydney is located on the east coast of Australia, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, the Hawkesbury River to the north, and the Royal National Park to the south. The city is built on hills surrounding Port Jackson, which is commonly known as Sydney Harbour, where the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are located.

Climate

Sydney has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa) with warm summers and mild winters, and rainfall spread throughout the year. The weather is moderated by proximity to the ocean, and more extreme temperatures are recorded in the inland western suburbs.

Economy

Sydney is a major international gateway for Australia and is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. It is classified as an Alpha+ global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network and is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Sydney is a leading financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region and is home to the Australian Securities Exchange.

Culture

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University of Sydney's Main Quadrangle

Sydney is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The city hosts the annual Sydney Festival, which showcases a diverse range of performances and exhibitions. The Sydney Opera House is a world-renowned performing arts venue and a symbol of the city.

Education

Sydney is home to some of Australia's most prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Sydney, which is the oldest university in Australia, established in 1850. Other notable universities include the University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, and the University of Technology Sydney.

Tourism

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Bondi Beach

Sydney is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, such as Bondi Beach, and landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The city also offers a variety of museums, galleries, and parks, including the Royal Botanic Garden and Taronga Zoo.

Transport

Sydney has an extensive public transport network, including trains, buses, ferries, and a light rail system. The city is served by Sydney Airport, which is the busiest airport in Australia.

Related pages

• New South Wales
• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Bondi Beach
• University of Sydney