Explorer Series: Destination Sydney

Friday, 30 October 2026

From world-famous landmarks and stunning beaches to fascinating history and hidden surprises, Sydney offers endless opportunities for learning and adventure. Whether you're exploring Australia's colonial past, studying engineering marvels like the Harbour Bridge, or experiencing the city's unique culture, Sydney is a destination that never fails to impress.

For students, every corner of Sydney tells a story, making it one of Australia's most exciting destinations for educational travel.

1. Sydney isn't Australia's capital city
Many people assume Sydney is Australia's capital because it's the country's largest and most famous city. However, the capital is actually Canberra. A compromise between rivals Sydney and Melbourne led to the creation of a brand-new capital city in 1913.

2. The Sydney Opera House has over one million roof tiles
The world-famous Sydney Opera House is covered by more than one million specially manufactured ceramic tiles. The tiles were produced in Sweden and create the building's distinctive gleaming appearance that changes colour depending on the sunlight and weather.

3. Sydney Harbour is one of the world's largest natural harbours
Sydney Harbour stretches over 240 kilometres of shoreline and contains dozens of bays, coves, and beaches. It's so large that numerous national parks, islands, and historic sites can be found within its waters.

4. The Harbour Bridge has a famous nickname
Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge is affectionately known as "The Coathanger" because of its distinctive arch shape. Opened in 1932, it remains one of the world's largest steel arch bridges.

5. Bondi Beach gets more than 2.5 million visitors each year
Bondi Beach is one of Australia's most famous beaches and attracts millions of visitors annually. It's also home to one of the world's oldest surf lifesaving clubs, helping keep swimmers safe since 1907.

6. Sydney was Australia's first European Settlement
In 1788, the First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove, establishing the first European settlement in Australia. Today, visitors can explore this history in The Rocks, one of Sydney's oldest neighbourhoods.

7. There are secret tunnels beneath the city
Beneath Sydney's busy streets lies a network of historic tunnels, bunkers, and underground infrastructure. Some date back more than a century and were used for transport, utilities, and even wartime defence.

8. Sydney has more than 100 beaches
While Bondi often steals the spotlight, Sydney is home to over 100 beaches. From sheltered harbour beaches to world-class surf breaks, there's a stretch of sand for everyone.

9. The Sydney Fish Market is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere
Sydney's Fish Market is a bustling hub where tonnes of fresh seafood are traded daily. It's second only to Tokyo's famous fish markets in terms of seafood variety. The newly renovated facility opened earlier this year as a major new waterfront destination for fresh seafood, dining and public experiences.

10. The New Year's Eve fireworks are watched around the world
Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations are among the first major fireworks displays of the year. Millions of people watch from around the harbour, while hundreds of millions more tune in from around the globe.

Want to explore Sydney with your students? Check out our NSW tours here