Sydney: Vibrant City, Easy Living

Sydney, draped around its famous harbour, is a vibrant global city. It is also the most populous city in Australia, and the economic centre of the region (though Sydney is not the capital city – that honour belongs to Canberra).

With an enviable reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Sydneysiders enjoy a mild climate throughout the year, moderated by the ocean. Long-term immigration has also led to the city’s reputation as one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in Australia and the world.

Sydney was founded by the British as a penal colony, which was also the first European settlement in Australia. Convicts ceased to be transported to New South Wales in the mid19th century. A gold rush soon occurred in the colony, and over the next century, Sydney transformed from a colonial outpost into a major global cultural and economic centre.

Following a series of economic reforms in the 1980s, Sydney rose to prominence as a truly global city. Flying to Sydney became easier as airlines adopted jumbo jets with longer ranges than before. Today, the city is among the top fifteen most-visited cities in the world, with millions of tourists coming each year to see the city's landmarks.

Sydney and its sprawling suburbs boast some of the most iconic attractions and breathtaking coastlines in the world, making it a dream destination for both locals and business travellers looking to tag on some sightseeing after their long flight. Sydney is home to more than 4 million people and can be described as having ‘cities within cities’, each with its own distinct character. Its notable natural features include Sydney Harbour, the Royal National Park, Royal Botanic Garden and Hyde Park, the oldest parkland in the country. Built attractions such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House are also well known to international visitors.