Situated on the country’s southeast coast in the state of New South Wales, Sydney was the original British settlement and remains the primary gateway to the continent. A diverse and sophisticated metropolis with a virtually inexhaustible array of attractions, it is one of the great modern cities of the world. Sydney’s iconic Opera House, with its gleaming white sail-shaped roofs, is an appropriate emblem of the city’s appeal: clean, modern, cultured and thrown into relief by the pristine blue waters of the surrounding harbor. The warm South Pacific beaches are a paradise for surfers. The historic Rocks district is packed with shopping opportunities. Darling Harbour is a lively and engaging precinct, with museums, restaurants and a fine aquarium. The famous green-and-cream ferries that ply incomparable Sydney Harbour are a wonderful way to experience the city’s waterfront grandeur.