Sydney: Culture

Most people would agree that Sydney has a vibrant energy, perhaps a brashness and self-confidence. Sydneysiders are generally very proud of the city and its beautiful harbour and beaches. Some say that many Sydney people just don’t care what other people think. Do and wear what you like, so long as you don’t interfere with other people's right to enjoy themselves too, but perhaps this isn’t too different from elsewhere in Australia.

The beach culture is well entrenched in coastal suburbs, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that the centre of Sydney, both geographically and in terms of population, is in the west. So, not all Sydneysiders are obsessed with lying on the beach all day. There’s plenty of culture to enjoy as well, with world class galleries, theatre, opera, dance companies. Arts lovers can discover the best of Australia's colonial and 20th century art alongside significant Aboriginal art at Sydney's leading art museum, the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Also worth exploring are the the art precincts around Paddington. Music fans will find ample to enjoy from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra or the Brandenburg Orchestra for example.

Sydneysiders also enjoy brilliant food and you will find a wide range of cuisine options and price points, from world class restaurants like Tetsuyas to the more basic budget Vietnamese outlets or international food chains.

And of course like most Australians, most Sydneysiders love sport even if it's just a once a year splash out on the Melbourne Cup or watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day. The main football game in town is Rugby League, but Rugby Union and Aussie Rulesare both popular too. Soccer also has a growing legion of followers.

Apart from English, the 31 most widely spoken languages in Sydney are: (2004)