Archive for July, 2010

Sydney is Australia’s most populous and oldest city founded in 1788 by Arthur Phillip. Born from a fleet of 11 ships with British convicts sent to relieve the overcrowded British jails, Sydney today has grown into  Asia-Pacific’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its sunny weather, fine beaches and great landmarks like the Opera House.

The Sydney Opera House designed by Jørn Utzon with enormous shell-like roofs completed in 1973 at a cost of A$102 million has put Sydney on the world map, both architecturally and culturally. Its events attract some two million visitors each year, making it one of the world’s most popular cultural institutions.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is not only one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, it is also offers some of the best views of the city, the harbour and especially the Sydney Opera House. It is the world’s largest steel arch bridge spanning 1149 metres and its arch span is 503 metres.  The top of the arch is 134 metres above sea level and the 49 meter wide deck makes Sydney Harbour Bridge the widest Longspan Bridge in the world.

The Sydney Tower was opened to the public in August 1981 and ranked as one of the safest buildings in the world. The tower is stabilized by 56 cables weighing 7 tons each. High speed elevators bring visitors to the eight floor turret nicknamed ‘golden basket’ which contains an observation deck, a coffee lounge and two restaurants. The observation deck at a height of 250m offers a 360 degree view over Sydney allowing visitors see as far as 55km on a clear day.

Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar and Redspot provide car rental services in Sydney.