Sydney Travel Trivia: Facts About Australia's Harbour City

Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city, and one of the most beautifully sited harbour cities on earth. Before you visit, here is the essential trivia that puts New South Wales's glittering capital in context.

The essentials

• Sydney was established in 1788 by Arthur Phillip, when the convict-bearing ships of the First Fleet arrived from England, and was officially proclaimed a city in 1842.
• It is the state capital of New South Wales — but not the national capital, which is Canberra.
• The greater metropolitan population is over 5 million, and residents are known as "Sydneysiders."
• Sydney consistently ranks among the world's most liveable and most globally connected cities, prized for its climate, safety and lifestyle.

Beyond the postcard

The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are only the beginning. Sydney's appeal runs through its harbour beaches, the coastal Bondi-to-Coogee walk, world-class dining, and day trips to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley wine country.

See Sydney with Swain

Swain Destinations arranges private touring, harbour experiences and the city's finest hotels as part of tailor-made Australia journeys.