Tourism in Sydney
The area around the harbour foreshore contains pockets of bushland which was once common around Sydney, containing a range of native animals.
The dramatic exteriors have not been matched with technically superior interiors, and the Opera House's reputation as a music venue has suffered as a result.
Tours run throughout the day, from dawn to dusk and are only cancelled for electrical storms or high wind.
Groups of climbers are provided with protective clothing appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions and are given an orientation before climbing.
The shores of Sydney Harbour are home to a number of historic batteries, bunkers and forts, many of which are now heritage listed.
Some of these forts date back to 1871 and were part of Sydney Harbours defence system that was designed to withstand a seaborn attack.
[citation needed] The naval base HMAS Watson is located nearby at South Head.
The close proximity to Circular Quay and the views of the iconic Harbour Bridge, as well as the historic nature of many of the buildings, mean that the Rocks is very popular with tourists.
Darling Harbour was redeveloped from an industrial wharf to a major tourist and retail precinct in 1988, and is home to a number of major public facilities and attractions, including: The Darling Harbour precinct is linked to the CBD by the Pyrmont Bridge The Kings Cross area is infamous in Australia as being a red light district, similar to Kings Cross, London with numerous strip clubs and "girlie" bars along Darlinghurst Road, although the demographics have changed in recent years and gentrification of the area has led to clashes between new and established elements.
[citation needed] Kings Cross is also known for its Neon signs and advertising posters, the most famous being the iconic Coca-Cola billboard.
The Kings Cross district was the City of Sydney's bohemian heartland from the early decades of the 20th century, but due its proximity to the naval docking area at Garden Island it also came to serve as the city's main tourist accommodation and entertainment centre, as well as its red-light district.
The Museum of Sydney is located in Australia's first Government House, and its permanent and temporary exhibitions highlight the history of the city.
The Powerhouse Museum specialises in science and technology, and its exhibits include the oldest steam engine in the world with a rotating action that is still in operation.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, located at Circular Quay, recently underwent a $58 million expansion.
Hyde Park contains well-kept gardens and approximately 580 trees; a mixture of Moreton Bay figs, palms and other varieties.
It is famed for its magnificent fig tree lined avenues, a peaceful haven in the business heart of the city.
At the park's southern end is the Anzac Memorial and a monument consisting of a 104-millimetre gun from the German light cruiser SMS Emden.
Taronga Zoo is home to over 2,600 animals on 28.7 hectares, making it one of the largest of its kind, and it divided into eight zoogeographic regions with numerous indoor pavilions and outdoor exhibits.
Sydney's coastline is part of the annual group 5 Humpback migration path from Antarctica to the Coral sea.
From mid May to Early December they can be seen in the waters of the coast and on rare occasions swimming into Sydney Harbour itself.
Manly Beach's is connected to the city by a 20-minute ferry service making it popular with tourists and is host to a number of international surfing events.
