The largest Australian city located in southeastern Australia; state capital of New South Wales; Australia's chief port.
Capital and port of New South Wales, Australia; Industries include engineering, oil refining, electronics, scientific equipment, chemicals, clothing, and furniture. It is a financial center, and has three universities. The 19th-century Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences is the most popular museum in Australia.
Originally a British penal colony 1788, Sydney developed rapidly following the discovery of gold in the surrounding area. The main streets still follow the lines of the original wagon tracks, and the Regency Bligh House survives. Modern landmarks are the harbor bridge (single span 503.5 m/1,652 ft) 1923–32, Opera House 1959–73, and Centre Point Tower 1980.

HMAS In World War I, light cruiser of the Australian Navy; the first Australian warship to see action. The Sydney caught the German cruiser Emden at Cocos Island 11 Nov 1914, opened fire, and drove the German vessel ashore.