Sydney City Centre: Australia's Major Central Business District (CBD)

Sydney is not only the capital city of the New South Wales state, but is the the most popular city centre or central business district in Australia as well. Its land area of more than 12,144 square kilometers is occupied by 4,284,379 people, making Sydney the most populous area in the country.

In the heart of this progressive Australian city lies the busiest streets and home of many skyscrapers--the Sydney Central Business District (CBD). Sydneys CBD is encircled by popular landmarks: Circular Quay in the north, Central Railway Station in the south, Domain in the east and Darling Harbour in the west.

History

It was Arthur Philip who led the First British Fleet and established the initial colony in the region in 1788. He called the place Sydney Cove and the residents became known as Sydneysiders. Even before the European's arrival, it is believed that there were already indigenous groups settling in the location for no less than 400 centuries. They were speaking in different tongues and vernaculars, which are dependent on the clan where they belong. A few of the main languages spoken at that time were Dharwal, Guringal and Darug.

Some of the most important events in the town's development took place during the early decades of the 19th century, around 1830 up to 1840's. Consequently, on July 20, 1842, the place was officially declared a city under Mayor Charles H. Chambers. Nine years after, immigrants flooded the city because of the discovery of gold. Incessant progress subsequently took place and more efficient transportation was built. Although the expansion of industries was at its peak in the late 19th and early years of the 20th century, Sydney did not escape the Great Depression in the succeeding years. Nevertheless, it was able to cope with the situation; in fact, the Harbour Bridge was completed during this period. Since its recovery, Sydney has persistently contributed largely to the fame and progression of Australia.

Sites

Sydney downtown is a leading center of economy and commerce in Australia where the key participants of the business industry and social services may be found -- from retail, tourism, manufacturing and community and health services.

Aside from its popularity indicated by the commercial and residential buildings dominating the city skyline, Sydney has also become a major tourist destination because of its popular structures and landmarks. Included in the list of these tourists' spots are the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain. The Royal Botanic Gardens is the largest among the three most popular gardens in downtown. The place is a home for numerous plant species that nature lover will surely love. Besides being a nice place for fun, the botanic gardens is also famous for the knowledge one can learn about plants. In fact, a conservation and research center is established in the place to study and save the life of many plants.

Proximate to the garden is a large open space called the Domain. This area has become a major recreational section for most people visiting or working in the city. The Domain is as well a home for various entertainment festivals.

Sydney CBD boasts of its beautiful and significant parks such as Hyde and Wynyard Parks. Also, the city is known to be the hub of both government and commercial establishments of utmost significance to the entire state. Several of these are the Sydney Tower, the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and the Parliament House. On the other hand, dominating the skylines are the MLC Center, the Governor Philip Tower and World Tower. Travelers should not also miss visiting Chinatown, Haymarket, Millers Point and Walsh Bay.

Climate

Sydney's climate is among the world's best for traveling. During summers, its temperature is not too hot to enjoy sight-seeing and visiting places. Winter is not at all discouraging because the temperature is mild, just perfect for a relaxing vacation. Most commonly, the warmest temperature occurs during the year's first quarter while the coldest can be felt in the month of July. Also, rainfall can be experienced moderately all year long.

Getting There

Going to various downtown places has not been so difficult due to Sydneys comprehensive and efficient transport system. Information lines and booths offer help in finding available bus, ferry or train and information on the price of each ride.

Tourists who prefer to go by train will never get lost because nearly all rail passes through the district's main station. Not far from these train stations are commonly the bus termini. Many bus routes from different portions of the area are linked with the CBD. Thus, tourists can comfortably ride in buses to reach any destination within the city core. On one hand, visitors who would want to fully enjoy Sydney shores may prefer to take a ferry that goes through the city's north end.