Description & Facts: For Bookings: www.asiatravel.com For More Video: book.asiatravel.com Sydney (pronounced /ˈsɪdni/[4]) is the largest city in Australia, and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney has a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.4 million[5] and an area of approximately 12000 square kilometres (4633 sq mi). Its inhabitants are called Sydneysiders, and Sydney is often called "the Harbour City". It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants to Australia.[6] The site of the first British colony in Australia, Sydney was established[7] in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, commodore of the First Fleet. The city is built on hills surrounding Sydney Harbour an inlet of the Tasman Sea on Australia's south-east coast. It is home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets. The city is home to many prominent parks, such as Hyde Park, Royal Botanical Gardens and national parks. This is a major factor, along with Sydney Harbour that has led to the citys reputation as one of the most beautiful in the world.[8] Sydney is considered an alpha world city,[9] as listed by the Loughborough University group's 2008 inventory[10], is ranked 16th among global cities by Foreign Policy's 2008 Global Cities Index[11] and is an international centre for commerce, arts, fashion, culture