Sydney

Sydney (pop. 3,656,500), oldest and largest city in Australia, capital of New South Wales, in southeastern Australia on the Port Jackson inlet of the Pacific Ocean. Famous for its natural harbor, Harbour Bridge, and opera house, Sydney was founded as a penal colony in 1788, and gold rushes of the 1850 spurred its growth. It is now a major commercial, industrial, shipping, cultural, and recreational center. Manufactures include ships, textiles, chemicals, and refined petroleum.

See also: Australia.