DK Travel : Sydney

Sydney is blessed with stunning ocean beaches, magnificent national parks and a wonderful subtropical climate that makes the great outdoors irresistible to its four million inhabitants. The Eora people, the Aborigines who settled around Sydney Harbour, arrived approximately 50,000 years ago, while the white settlers arrived just over 200 years ago. Free settlers soon followed in the wake of the First Fleet of transported convicts, and after them several waves of migrants seeking a new life. Now, two centuries later, the once far-flung penal colony has matured into a culturally diverse, tolerant and mesmerizing city. Ideally located on the world’s most beautiful harbour, Sydney is as exciting and bustling as it is laid back and relaxing.

Sydney Harbour

From its pristine beaches to its working dock-lands, this deep-water port at the heart of this maritime city is the world’s finest.
Sydney Harbour Bridge

The climb to the top is awsome. The view from the top is spectacular. If you have a head for heights then this is one not to be missed. If I did it again I would in the evening to see the sun go down over Sydney.
Sydney Harbour Bridge

This enormous and beautiful structure was an economic and engineering triumph. It reshaped Sydney’s landscape and lifted the city’s spirits during the dark days of the Great Depression.
Sydney International Tennis Centre

Built on an old horse stud-farm, this complex was designed in consultation with former Australian tennis pro John Newcombe and the creators of Wimbledon’s Court 1. It features a centrepiece circular centre court with shade cover, two show courts, seven match courts and six practice courts, all surfaced with Rebound Ace. Special loops aid those with hearing impairments.
Sydney Jewish Museum

This interesting museum traces the history of Jewish life in Sydney, from a tiny group who arrived on the First Fleet in the 18th century to today’s thriving community of over 30,000. There is also a Holocaust memorial and section, tours of which can be arranged.
Sydney Jewish Museum

Following WWII almost 30,000 Holocaust survivors migrated to Australia, many of them settling in Sydney. This museum explores Australian Jewish history and presents recordings of survivors, audio-visual displays and photographs. The ground floor deals with Jewish life following white settlement, and the upper levels focus on the Holocaust, whose survivors act as guides.
Sydney Olympic Park

Many events of the 2000 Olympic Games, including the opening and closing ceremonies, took place at Sydney Olympic Park (see Sporting Venues & Olympic Sites), 14 km (8.5 miles) west of the city. The park also contains the Tennis Centre, the Aquatic Centre and the Sydney Showgrounds. The Visitor Gateway provides maps and runs tours.
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

Facilities include a water park for kids. Indoor.
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

Australia prides itself on its competitive swimmers, and the Aquatic Centre is a testament to this national obsession. The centre includes a water park and the main competition pool, which accommodates short and long course swimming, water polo, synchronized swimming and underwater hockey. A sauna, steam room, river rapid ride, spray jets, bubble beach, five spas, spurting volcanoes and water slides will keep the whole family happy.
Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre

The unique grandstand roof of this centre is suspended from a single mast, giving the 4,000 spectators an uninterrupted view of the entire pitch. The world-class venue is home to NSW state hockey, and also plays host to gridiron, touch football, Oz tag and lacrosse.