ROUGH GUIDE TO SYDNEY 2006, THE

Rough Guides' guide to Sydney is the best companion to any visit to this vibrant, scenically compelling city. Although Canberra is Australia's seat of government, Sydney nevertheless acts like the country's capital, with a thriving Central Business District, a high-profile gay community, great variety in its lively neighborhoods and a tangible sense of history, from the colonial relics around The Rocks to the cave paintings of Australia's native culture, barely a boomerang-throw from the Opera House.

* Explore every corner of Sydney, using the clearest maps of any guide.
* Choose where to go and what to see, inspired by dozens of photos.
* Read expert background on everything from the city's festivals to the best beaches for surfing, sunbathing and whale watching.
* Rely on our selection of the best places to stay, eat and shop, for every budget.