Interesting facts about Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the most famous and exciting cities in the world. Located on the east coast of Australia, it’s the capital of New South Wales and is known for its beautiful beaches, modern skyline, and rich history. While many people recognize the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, there’s a lot more to learn about this amazing city. Here are some interesting facts that might surprise you!
Sydney is not the Capital of Australia
Many people think Sydney is the capital because it’s the largest and most well-known city in the country. However, the capital of Australia is actually Canberra. Sydney is still very important—it’s the financial and cultural center of the country.
Home to the world-famous Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous buildings and one of the most photographed buildings the world. Its unique sail-like design makes it easy to recognize. It was completed in 1973 and holds more than 1,500 performances each year, from opera and ballet to concerts and plays.
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The Taronga Zoo has one of the best views in the world
Taronga Zoo, only few minutes by ferry from Circular Quay, not only offers encounters with native and exotic animals but also has spectacular views of the city skyline and harbour, a rare combination for any zoo globally.
It’s a biodiversity hotspot
Despite being a major urban center, Sydney is surrounded by incredible biodiversity. It borders seven national parks, including the Blue Mountains, and has numerous protected bushland areas and marine reserves. Koalas, echidnas, and even whales during migration season can be spotted nearby.
Sydney hosted the 2000 Olympics
In the year 2000, Sydney hosted the Summer Olympic Games. It was considered one of the best-organized Olympics in history. The games helped improve the city’s transportation and sporting facilities and brought people from all over the world to Sydney.
Sydney has over 100 Beaches
Sydney is known for its stunning coastline, and it has more than 100 beaches! The most famous ones include Bondi Beach, Milk Beach, Manly Beach, and Coogee Beach. These beaches are great spots for surfing, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun.
You can climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Another famous landmark is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was opened in 1932 and connects the north and south parts of the city. It’s sometimes called “The Coathanger” because of its arch shape. You can actually climb to the top of the bridge for an incredible view—over 4 million people have done the BridgeClimb since it opened to tourists!
Sydney is incredibly multicultural
Over 40% of Sydney’s population was born overseas, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. It hosts vibrant communities from China, India, the UK, Lebanon, Nepal, Vietnam, and many more.
Sydney’s real estate is among the most expensive
Due to high demand and limited space, Sydney’s property market is one of the most expensive in the world. Waterfront properties and neighborhoods like Point Piper, Vaucluse, and Mosman regularly feature among the top 10 most expensive streets in Australia.
It’s one of the oldest cities in Australia
Founded in 1788, Sydney is the first British colony in Australia, established by Captain Arthur Phillip with the arrival of the First Fleet. This makes it not only the oldest city in Australia but also a place rich in colonial and Aboriginal history.