Sydney, the star attraction of the "Land Down Under," is a thrilling and cosmopolitan city of more than four million people, making it far and away Australia's largest. Located in southeastern Australia about halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane, it has a spectacular position astride one of the greatest natural harbors in the world. The beauty of the harbor, the fantastic architecture, and world class services combine to make Sydney a delightful place to visit.

Sydney was first settled in 1788 when a fleet of eleven British ships carrying convicts arrived to establish a penal colony, a practice which continued for several decades as the British Empire decided to exile criminals to what was then the equivalent of the moon. However, all tasteless jokes about national origin aside, the fact is that by 1847 convicts in Sydney made up only 3.2 percent of the total population, as new immigrants arrived in droves, and convicts adopted normal lifestyles and raised families. Economic growth was steady, and infrastructure improvements combined with a worldwide rise in commodities fueled the 20th century transformation of Sydney from sleepy to sleek.

The Sydney Opera House

One of the most famous modern structures in the world, and Sydney's public face, the Sydney Opera House is extraordinary. Located at Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbor, its billowy white roof structure is memorable. It was the result of an inspired effort by architect Eero Saarinen, who drew upon initial sketches made by Joern Utzon. The best views are to be had from the harbor itself on one of the several cruises available.

The shopping in Sydney is excellent, a pleasure even in inclement weather because of its high quality shopping malls. The crown jewel is the Queen Victoria Building, which opened in 1898 and today houses nearly 200 designer and specialty stores. Also popular is the Strand Arcade, which is much hipper and more mass market than the Queen Victoria Building.