Sydney CBD, Sydney Region — New South Wales

Sydney Central Business District (CBD) is located south of Sydney Cove and is where most of the commercial activities of the city are centered. Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and is where European settlers first made its entry into the country.

Its most recognized landmark is the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a well-known venue for operas, theatrical performances, and other performing arts.

South of the opera house is the Government House that is the official residence of the Governor of New South Wales. The surrounding parkland provides ideal setting for picnics and enjoying the harbor views. Further south are the Royal Botanic Gardens, popular to both tourists and locals all year through as settings for picnics and outdoor recreation. Nearby is the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music, established in 1916. On Bridge Street is the Museum of Sydney, with exhibits tracing the roots of the city from the colonial period up to contemporary time. The museum also holds the distinction of being constructed on the site of the first Government House and offers architectural walks for those wishing to visit some of the city’s notable architecture. Exhibits can also be viewed at the Customs House, including a scale model of the entire CBD. Situated near the Circular Quay, on Loftus Street, this historic landmark also houses the City of Sydney Library and provides venue for special events. The bigger State Library of New South Wales is located along Macquarie Street. The Library is recognizable through the statue of navigator Matthew Flinders on its entrance. Further down the street is the Parliament House, actually a complex consisting of several buildings, including a Georgian-style building considered the oldest public structure in the city. Next door is another historic structure, the Sydney Hospital. The institution was established in 1788 and moved to its present location in 1811. Outside the structure is the Il Porcellino, a bronze statue copied from the Florentine boar. The Sydney Mint used to be the southern wing of the hospital but was converted into a mint factory during the later half of the 19th century. The structure was constructed in 1811 and is considered one of the oldest public building in the country. The end of the Macquarie Street is where the Hyde Park Barracks are located. Completed in 1819, it is considered one of the historically significant buildings of the city. Located east of these historic buildings is The Domain, a large open space dedicated to outdoor recreation as well as a favorite venue for open air celebrations, including parties and rallies.

A visit to Sydney CBD would not be complete without a stopover at the Sydney Tower, near Hyde Park. It is the tallest free-standing structure in the city and provides spectacular views in its observation deck. Located on Pitt Street, it is open to the public all throughout the year.

Another historic structure is located along George Street, the Sydney Town Hall. This Victorian-style building was built in the late 19th century and houses a mechanical pipe organ considered to be the largest in the world.

Nearby is the Queen Victoria Building, the city’s ultimate destination when it comes to shopping. This Romanesque Revival-style building occupies one whole block and houses several of the most stylish and expensive shops in the area.