Sydney is the capital of New South Wales, the biggest and one of the most beautiful cities of Australia. Its population exceeds 4 million people, which is more than 20% of the whole population of the country. Sydney is the largest financial, economical, cultural and scientific centre of Australia. Although the continent was discovered by the Dutch at the beginning of the 17 century, it was not before captain James Cook set foot on these shores, that Australia became known to the world. History of Sydney is the history of Australia itself, as it all started here, when England established the first convict colony in Sydney in 1788. In a little more than 200 years this country came a long and difficult way from being a convict colony to becoming one of the most economically advanced countries in the world with a low level of crime and a cheerful population. According to UNESCO, Australia became the 5th in the list of the countries with the "highest level of quality of life". Sydney is a stunning city with lots of attractions, things to see and places to visit.

Australia - Destinations Sydney and New South Wales Queensland and Gold Coast Tropical North and Cairns Red Centre Top End and Darwin Melbourne and Victoria Adelaide and South Australia Western Australia and Perth Broom and Kimberley Tasmania Skiing

Attractions

• Opera House - symbol of Sydney and Australia, masterpiece of the modern architecture, created by Yorg Utson in 1956-1973; it is famous for its unusual shape of the huge sails or big shells.
  
  
• Harbour Bridge - one of the distinctive symbols of the city, famous as a fine example of engineering.
  
  
• Centrepoint Tower - the best panoramic view of Sydney from the hight of 305 m. The Tower is an attraction with 2 revolving restaurants and an observation deck on top.
  
  
• Sydney Aquarium - one of the biggest in the world, with huge variety of the native Australian underwater world and its inhabitants, including unique platypuses, seals, big sharks, turtles and rays and a stunning exposition of the Great Barrier Reef.
  
  
• The Rocks - the tourist area in the city near the harbour, where the old buildings are preserved. There are many souvenir shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, many of which are open till late. The Rocks is also famous for its markets that work on Saturdays and Sundays.
  
  
• Mrs. Macquarie Chair - one of the main historic attractions of the city, a must to visit, as this is the best spot for taking photos of the Bridge and Opera House.
  
  
• Darling Harbour - tourist complex with plenty of attractions, dining and shopping.
  
  
• Kings Cross - night area of Sydney, full of social and sexual contrasts.
  
  
• Homebush - sports complex, where most of the 2000 Olympiad's events took place.
  
  
• Blue Mountains - worldwide famous natural sanctuary, one of the most ancient mountain formations on Earth. The mountains are covered with eucalyptus trees with patches of lush rainforest.
  
  
• Hunter Valley - picturesque valley, one of the centres of the Australian wine industry.

• City Tour (up to 4 hours)
  See the beauty of Sydney at its best: visit the stunning Bondi Beach with its golden sand and relaxing atmosphere of leisure, take a photo of Sydney panoramic view from Dover Heights, take a short walk along the rocky shore of the ocean in the Gap park, drive via the most prestige residential area of Sydney along the harbour. You will have a glance at the night area of Kings Cross, pass by the historic street with the oldest buildings of this city and see the best view of the world famous Opera House. The tour will finish with the overview of the historic part of the city - the Rocks, where you can have a glass of beer in one of the oldest pubs there dating back to the 19th century. You will learn much about the history of Australia, as it all started from here - Sydney.
  
  City tour can be combined with lunch at Sydney Tower or Cruise on the harbour with lunch (5.5 hours)
  
  
• Lunch or dinner at Sydney Tower
  It is an unforgettable experience, because it is definitely the best view of the city worth a million! This is the best way to see one of the most beautiful harbours in the world with its numerous bays and beaches, small islands and sparkling water. You can enjoy the spectacular view, while slowly revolving at the height of about 300 meters and enjoying the excellent food. Australia is famous for its food and wines - this is one of your chances to check it out for yourself. You can taste some exotic food like kangaroo or emu filet, and even … camel! You have never thought of a camel to be an Australian animal, but that was a mistake, and you will learn more about this from your guide while in Sydney!
  
  
• Sydney Harbour cruise with lunch
  Nice and relaxing, a cruise on the harbour is one of the best ways to enjoy Sydney and see some of the exclusive villas and homes of the "rich and famous". It is a must-to-do and one of the most popular attractions. Delicious European-style food with plenty of seafood, fruits and superb deserts.
  
  
• Aquarium
  Sydney Aquarium is one of the largest (3rd) in the world, and it is absolutely unique thanks to its display of the native Australian underwater world. A visit to the Aquarium allows you to see platypuses, the unusual Barramandy fish (which changes its sex), big sharks, turtles, rays and stunning corals of the Great Barrier Reef - the largest coral reef in the world.
  
  
• Blue Mountains and Wildlife Park Tour (8 hours)
  Australian nature is in the focus of this tour, you will learn much about the most ancient continent and its unique flora and fauna. You will pass the Olympic complex and if desired, we will give the tourists an opportunity to see the stadiums closer and take photos. The next highlight of our trip for this tour is the Wildlife Park. It is very different from the Zoo: it has a rather small and cosy environment, where you will see only the native animals of Australia. Most of them will be walking next to you freely, and you will be able to cuddle and feed them, as well as get a closer look. After this very intimate experience we will be heading to the Blue Mountains National Park. The world famous Blue Mountains are among the most ancient rock formations on Earth. They are covered with the eucalypt forests with patches of lush rainforest, and it feels like the lost world of the secluded wilderness. You will see the quaint and sleepy small mountain towns and have a delicious buffet lunch at one of the oldest hotels there with the inspiring views of the mountains. You will hear the aboriginal legends and the stories of the courageous exploration and preservation of this unique natural environment. You will also enjoy the stunning view of the Jamison Valley and the symbol of the mountains - the rock formation of the Three Sisters. And now - down to the valley and the canyons on the steepest railroad in the world, walk to the waterfalls and explore the rainforest from the boardwalk. Some more canyon views from the window, while Cable road is taking us up to the station. This is an unforgettable experience of your life!
  
  
• Hunter Valley Tour (10 hours)
  This tour is a sheer celebration of great food, wine and rare beauty of one of the most picturesque valleys in Australia! Hunter Valley is famous for its wineries, and produces many well-known sorts of wine, Shiraz being one of the best. This is a nice day out full of joy and relaxation. You will enjoy at least three wine tastings, visit the cheese factory and have a wonderful lunch.
  
  
• Tour to the authentic Australian homestead Gledswood (7 hours)
  This is a tour deep into the history of Australia, and it is all about the native way of life and its national traditions. This is an old authentic homestead, where the main house is carefully preserved as a museum surrounded by a beautiful garden. You will be invited to have a traditional Aussie breakfast, prepared for you by a stockman (Aussie cowboy): special bread baked under the fire with syrup on top and eucalypt tea. You will learn to throw the boomerang and will be shown the process of sheep sheering and dog-mastering. Your activities will finish with wine tasting and a sumptuous lunch with traditional Australian barbecue and plenty of wine and fresh apple juice (a popular drink in Gledswood).
  
  
• Canberra Tour (up to 12 hours)
  Canberra is the capital of Australia, a small, charming city, surrounded with hills and native bush. Built in 1927 as a capital of Federation, it features a beautiful artificial lake and many unusual attractions and museums, as well as the National Parliament, which is definitely one of the most impressive examples of modern Australian architecture. Among the most visited attractions are: National Australian Museum, Questacon - the Centre of Science and Technology, National War Memorial, National Mint, Australian Institute of Sport, Cockington Green - the miniature town, National Art Gallery and Television Tower.
  
  
• Harbour Bridge Climb
  This is a new and exiting attraction, which gives a unique opportunity to see the stunning Sydney Harbour from the height of almost 200m. The climb is for those who enjoy some adventure, but not too difficult for anyone (children must be at least 12 years old, and kids from 12 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
  
  
• Helicopter or Hydroplane flight
  These flights are very popular among the tourists, as they provide an unforgettable experience of viewing the beautiful Sydney Harbour from a bird's view. You can also go to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley by helicopter, or have a nice lunch or dinner in one of the nice restaurants of North Sydney, following the hydroplane flight over the harbour.
  
  
• Air Ballooning is one of the most exiting and unusual ways to see Sydney from the air in light colours of the rising sun.
  
  
• Dinner Cruise with show on Showboat
  Dinner and cabaret show on Showboat is the best evening attraction of Sydney. An old-style steam-wheel ship and its friendly crew invite you for a great 4 hours cruise on Sydney Harbour. You will be offered delicious dinner followed by a cabaret show.