Sydney's Darling Harbour, situated just minutes from central Sydney, is one of the world's great waterfront destinations and one of Australia's major tourist attractions.

It's the place where Sydneysiders go to stroll the harbour foreshores, meet for a coffee or a meal at one of the many waterside cafes and restaurants, visit one of the unique attractions or enjoy the many events and festivals held throughout the year.

Australia's premier convention and exhibition venue, The Centre, is situated in the heart of Darling Harbour, and several major hotels overlook the bay, offering the best in three to five star accommodation.

Darling Harbour has a historic background, and has won numerous construction industry and tourism awards in the past 10 years.

As the sixth largest venue in Olympic history, Darling Harbour will host a variety of events at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and will be a major leisure precinct for athletes and visitors.

Easily accessible, visitors can come to Darling Harbour by ferry, Monorail, Light Rail, bus or train followed by a short walk from the city.

Darling Harbour is a part of Sydney to be enjoyed by everyone, with world class facilities, great attractions and a stunning harbourside location. Don't miss it!

Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world's largest (but not longest) steel arch bridge, and, in its beautiful harbour location, has become a renowned international symbol of Australia.

Its total length including approach spans is 1149 metres and its arch span is 503 metres. The top of the arch is 134 metres above sea level and the clearance for shipping under the deck is a spacious 49 metres. The total steelwork weighs 52,800 tonnes, including 39,000 tonnes in the arch. The 49 metre wide deck makes Sydney Harbour Bridge the widest Longspan Bridge in the world.

It now carries eight vehicle lanes, two train lines, a footway and a cycleway.

After inviting worldwide tenders in 1922, the New South Wales Government received twenty proposals from six companies and on 24 March 1924; the contract (for Australian 4,217,721 pounds 11 shillings and 10 pence!) was let to the English firm Dorman Long and Co of Middlesbrough.

The general design was prepared by Dr J.J.C Bradfield and officers of the NSW Department of Public Works, while the detailed design and crucial erection process were undertaken by the contractors consulting engineer Mr (later Sir) Ralph Freeman of Sir Douglas Fox and Partners and his associate Mr. G.C Imbault.

The name 'Coogee' (pronounced as "could gee") seems to have been derived from an Aboriginal word which means "bad smell". This would be of course due to the decaying seaweed which is washed up onto the beach - even in these modern times. 

The original track which brought people to the Coogee Beach area back in 1832 would have followed the basic route nowadays taken by Anzac Parade and Alison Road. 

In July 1838, the village of Coogee was gazetted with many of the streets in the district named after sea creatures. Today  "Dolphin St., Neptune St., and Bream St.," still remain whilst it is understood that Coogee Bay Road and Arcadia Streets were later renamed from their original "Whale St" and "Fish St". 

As surf bathing became more popular, so did the area gain fame and in 1907 the Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club was formed. 

In 1928 an amusement pier - similar to those found at many English beaches - was constructed. It commenced at the promenade and reached over 180 metres into the sea, however heavy seas took their toll and the structure was demolished in 1934. Click here for a view of the beach with the pier still standing.

Coogee was also famous for its large domed building at the northern end of the beach known as the "Coogee Beach Aquarium". This building with its pleasure gardens, sea water baths and restaurants attracted great crowds until it too was demolished for safety reasons. However in its place a new building with a similar appearance to the original now stands - offering arcades of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.