The most populous city in Australia, Sydney is an important cultural, economic, and historical hub for the country. As an entertainment center and a popular tourist destination, Sydney sees frequent visitors, Australian and foreign, who come to enjoy the world-class atmosphere that Sydney provides.

As far as Western colonization goes, Sydney was originally a convict colony for British criminals. The immigrants from Great Britain brought diseases that decimated the native populations, while initiatives were set in place to Christianize the rest. By 1842, Sydney was declared the first city in Australia, after undergoing a period of urban development. Economically, the city fared well until the Great Depression, which hit Sydney hard. After it, though, Sydney continued to expand, becoming one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

To the east of Sydney is the Pacific Ocean, and to the west the Hawkesbury River. The topography of the area upon which Sydney stands makes for several submerged valleys, one of which is the famous Sydney Harbor. Spread over the Cumberland Plain and the North Shore, Sydney only came together as a major metropolis after the completion of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Sydney enjoys a temperate climate that features warm summers and mild winters. There is a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, divided pretty evenly throughout the year. El Niño plays a significant role in shaping Sydney’s weather, allowing oscillations back and forth between drought and flooding.

The city is home to some of Australia’s largest cultural and social events. Musical festivals and parades are a few of the many events held in the city, while fixtures like the Sydney Opera House and Luna Park provide year-round entertainment. Sydney also has a very active nightlife, including such popular hotspots as Kings Cross and Oxford Street.

Hotels in Sydney

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