Sydney, Australia's gateway city and the capital of New South Wales, is built around one of the largest, most beautiful harbours in the world and along miles of golden surfing beaches which stretch north and south of the city on the shore of the Pacific Ocean.

The beaches and harbour play a major role in the leisure and sporting lives of Sydneysiders - yachting, surfing, sailboarding, swimming, boating, fishing and water-skiing are all popular activities.

Many national parks and protected areas of natural bushland surround the city and the beautiful Blue Mountains are a short journey to the west.

Perhaps the most famous of Sydney's landmarks is the spectacular Sydney Opera House with its graceful 'sails'. The Opera House has become Sydney's cultural centre, offering opera, ballet, drama and film. The historic 'Rocks' area, site of the original white settlement, is nearby, and this part of the harbour foreshore is a hub of activity for both local residents and visitors.

Sydney is a vigorous, cosmopolitan city, a major industrial, business and commercial centre and is endlessly fascinating in its variety and its beauty.

For more information please visit: www.sydney.com.