Whether you're a first time visitor to Sydney, or a seasoned traveler, you may be surprised at just how many interesting facts there are about Sydney Harbour. The harbour is a beautiful spot that is full of history, fun, and famous landmarks.

History

Located just off the South Coast of Australia, Sydney Harbour has seen many changes over its long history. The first people to inhabit the area used the harbour as a transport route up the Parramatta River. Fish was a major part of the local diet. The harbour was also known for its beauty.

A smallpox epidemic killed more than half of the Aboriginal population of the Sydney region in 1789. In the nineteenth century, three hundred men o' war were anchored in the harbour on a regular basis. The British Empire sent the First Fleet to Australia in 1788. Among them was Captain George Barney, a newly arrived military engineer. During his time there, he supervised the construction of Goat Island magazine.

In the 1840s, 35,000 people lived in the The Rocks area. The area became the commercial hub of Sydney for European settlers. The site of Australia's oldest house is also in this part of the city.

Famous landmarks

Located in the harbourside suburb of Bennelong, the Opera House is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Sydney. It is also a world-class performing arts facility. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Sydney Opera House Concert Hall is a performance space that has hosted music acts like Lakme and Norma Jean. It is a popular venue for concerts and other events. It seats around 2,679 people.

The Sydney Fish Market is the largest seafood market in the Southern Hemisphere. It has a large number of vendors and restaurants, and is a popular destination for tourists. It is located near Pyrmont and Darling Harbour.

The Government House in Sydney is a well-maintained colonial-style building. It has offices for elected Councillors and the Mayor. It is situated on the harbourfront, close to the Royal Botanic Garden.

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney is located in an Art Deco building. It features cutting-edge exhibitions. The Australian Museum in Sydney is Australia's oldest museum. It is home to some of the country's most significant First Nations collections.

Famous residents

Several of the world's most famous residents live in Sydney Harbour, Australia. These include Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Rebel Wilson, Miranda Kerr, Matt White, and Iggy Azalea. Despite their busy lives, they are able to find time to enjoy Sydney.

The Sydney Opera House is a renowned landmark. Located in the Sydney metropolitan area, the iconic building puts on more than 2000 shows each year. The forecourt has hosted contemporary musicians such as Bob Dylan and Florence + The Machine.

One of the most impressive sites in Sydney is the Harbour Bridge. It's 1650 feet long and carries eight traffic lanes and a pedestrian walkway.

The Sydney Harbour is the largest natural harbor in the world. It's also home to a variety of animals, such as grey nurse sharks, Australian fur seals, green sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins.

One of the most popular attractions in Sydney is the Sydney Aquarium. It features 14 themed zones and includes the world's largest Great Barrier Reef display. The Shark Valley exhibit is also worth a look.

Fun facts

Located in Sydney, Australia, Sydney Harbour is a popular tourist destination. This 11-mile-long natural harbor is home to many different sea creatures and is a key port for shipping. It also features an amazing fireworks display each New Year's Eve.

Sydney Harbour is the home of grey nurse sharks and bottlenose dolphins. It is also a haven for green sea turtles. In addition to these, it is also the home of Australian fur seals and weedy seadragons.

The Sydney Opera House is a world-famous performing arts venue. It is located in Sydney near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is considered a landmark and one of the most famous structures in the world. It was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon.

The Sydney Opera House has a column that is the largest in the world. It is also the only building in the world that is covered with sails, which is equivalent to a 22-story building. The sails are constantly changed, because of the size of the Opera House.

Taking a Sydney Harbour excursions with a guide is a great way to see the city from the water. These cruises offer views of Sydney's iconic sights. There are many tours available. These include the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens, Darling Harbour, and other popular landmarks.

The most famous Sydney landmark is the Opera House. It is the most visited tourist attraction in Australia. It is also home to classical music performances and theater shows. It is a World Heritage site. You can take a backstage tour of the Opera House and enjoy outdoor dining.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is another important landmark. It is located near Bondi Beach. Its shape is reminiscent of a cathedral of steel. You can climb the bridge to get a better view. The climb takes between two and four hours.

The Sydney Harbour National Park is an oasis of native plants and animals. This protected area is a breeding ground for nectar-eating birds and lorikeets.

The Sydney Harbour National Park has dramatic sandstone cliffs. It is also home to hundreds of beaches and bays. You can also see some of Australia's most beautiful islands. The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre is on Garden Island.

You can also take a ferry ride to Manly Beach, Watson's Bay, or Mosman Bay. The best excursions include a walk along cliffs and a ride under the Harbour Bridge.

You can also enjoy the sunset on the water. You can even climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.