Captain Arthur Phillip founded Sydney in 1788 at Sydney Cover as the original British territory within the Australian continent boundaries. No other iconic or wonder city can claim their origins as a penal colony.
Although not the closest city to the International Date Line, Sydney is the city the world turns to first to see how the date, day, or New Year is going to start. The city represents the start of the day.
Sydney is located on the southeast coast of Australia near the Tasman Sea and serves as the state capital of New South Wales.
Australia is a country that significantly contributes to culture, technology, commerce, finance, media, arts, fashion, sports, education, entertainment and research, and Sydney is the epicenter of the country.
Sydney Characteristics
Sydney is the most populous city throughout Australia with approximately 5 million people. The city is comprised of 649 different suburbs, which are governed by 40 different local administrations.
The city is located in a coastal basin near the Tasman Sea just east of the city. The Blue Mountains are found north of the city, whereas the Hawkesbury River runs along the north side of the city. The Royal National Park closes out the city from the south.
The Sydney city area encompasses 651 square miles (1,687 sq km) the urban area extending 4,689 square miles (12,145 sq km). The city is built on Port Jackson (aka Sydney Harbor), which is one of the world’s largest natural harbors.
Sydney has a population approaching five million people. The city receives over 10 million visitors internationally making it one of the leading city tourism destinations in the world.
Sydney Iconic Landmarks
Sydney is home to an abundance of iconic landmarks that are arguable candidates for the Seven Wonders of Australia in their own merit. Many of the names of bridges, buildings and areas of the city are renowned worldwide.
Here are some of the leading iconic landmarks include:
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- Harbour Bridge
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Tower
- Queen Victoria Building
- Government House
- St. Mary’s Cathedral
The city is well known for the amount of open spaces, access to waterways, and natural gardens and parks. Some of the leading parks include:
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- Chinese Garden of Friendship
- Hyde Park
- The Domain
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world. The far west side of Sydney features a variety of parks that are part of the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Culturally
Sydney ranks 7th globally as the city with the largest percentage of foreign-born individuals and families.
The majority of city residents identify themselves as Australian followed by English, Irish, Scottish and then Chinese. Approximately 40% of the population reports being born overseas.
The United Kingdom, China and New Zealand account as the three leading sources for immigration. In order, Vietnam, Lebanon, India, Italy, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Greece make up the rest of the top 10 immigration countries.
Over 60% of the citizens in Sydney identify themselves as Christians, whereas 18% report no religion, close to 4% are Muslims and Buddhists each and approximately 2.5% are Hindus.
Financially
Sydney represents the world’s second highest earnings based on domestic purchasing power. Sydney accounts for 25% of the entire country’s gross national product (GDP).
Sydney is the base for the Australian Securities Exchange, the Reserve Bank of Australia, 90 different banks, and over 50% of the country’s most successful companies.
Educationally
The University of Sydney is the country’s oldest university as well as the largest and highest ranked. Additionally, the city is home to a variety of colleges, universities, and technical schools.
Arts
A variety of museums work together to establish Sydney as a renowned destination for fine and internationally known museum, galleries and art exhibits. The Sydney Festival is the country’s largest art festival, which incorporates a variety of indoor and outdoor performances.
Australia’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibit is also located in Sydney. Of course the iconic Sydney Opera House features the Sydney Symphony, which is the world’s third busiest opera company.
The Matrix, Mission Impossible 2, Moulin Rouge, Star Wars II & III, X-Men Origins, and the Great Gatsby represent some of the top producing films shot in Sydney.
Sports
Sports are a prominent part of the culture and character of Sydney. The city features the Stadium Australia, the Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Motorsport Park, Royal Randwick, and the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.
Sydney is the headquarters for nine of the sixteen teams that compete in the National Rugby League. Cricket is popular and Sydney is an epicenter for cricket matches locally and internationally.
Sydney has two football (soccer) teams that compete in the A-League. Sydney also has two teams that compete in the Australian football competition. Although less popular, Sydney is also home to the Sydney Kings which compete in the National Basketball League.
Sailing and other water sports are also popular activities in Sydney.
Media
Sydney is home to the Sydney Morning Herald, which is the country’s oldest newspaper company. Additionally, the city has a second newspaper.
The three commercial television networks as well as two government-based stations are based in Sydney.