Sydney Australia was founded by English colonists 200 years ago and was first populated by convicts. It is now one of the world's most desirable locations to live in, to work in, or just to visit and enjoy this wonderful place.

Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales state, where Captain James Cook discovered Australia for Great Britain back in April 29, 1770 and rowed ashore in what is now called Botany Bay. Here Cook founded the original British colony of Austral-ia - meaning "Great Southern Land".

Sydney is blessed with a large natural harbour, and visitors marvel at the sight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House - which are recognised as Icons of Australia in every corner of the world.

The climate in Sydney, Australia is generally warm and pleasant, and there are many exciting things for the visitor to do.

These include visiting The Rocks, the area of Sydney where the colony was first begun with a few sly grog shops for the sailors and soldiers. It was chosen because it had a natural spring of water for drinking. (This water still runs underneath the modern city and it's called the Tank Stream.)

The Rocks area stands right underneath the Sydney Harbor Bridge and is full of old buildings and pubs (bars / taverns) which date back 150 years or more. It is a natural highlight of any tour of Sydney.

Circular Quay, at the north tip of Sydney central business district (the CBD) is where the Sydney Harbour ferries dock and exchange passengers with the city trains, buses and taxis. It's right between the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

All these icons of Sydney Australia are within walking distance of each other, and with a host of cafes, pubs and restaurants to choose from, it makes a very pleasant outing.