The Sydney city is not only the financial but the corporate capital of Australia. The city has a cosmopolitan mix of people, English being the language spoken. Other ethnic groups which you would find here are Chinese and the Greeks, not to forget the Aborigines who are native Australians. In the city of Sydney, you would find the Aborigines residing in one part, the Indian community in one pat, the Chinese in other part etc.

It goes without saying that Sydney is place of education and there are many popular educational institutions here. Many of the natives here are engaged in skilled jobs and they have been educated well. This also helps in the economic growth and development of the city. The residents here own their own homes and it has been established that Sydney ranks the highest as regards real estate prices. Also the city is expensive, but people who come here for either settling down or for work can rest assured that they can survive.

Sydney is a popular tourist attraction and there are millions of tourists visiting this wonderful city. The tourism industry of Sydney is also being developed so that there is foreign exchange coming into this country. Tourism infrastructure has been strengthened by using aggressive marketing strategies. The climate of Sydney is moderate which means it is neither too cold in winters not too hot in summers. This is another reason for its popularity as a tourist destination.

There are many students who come into Sydney from all over globe, thanks to the exclusive educational system.The infrastructure of the universities and educational institutions is simply superb which means there are well equipped research centres, colleges and universities.The education imparted at these institutions helps in the overall and holistic development of an individual and the individual’s overall personality is developed.

Foreign students who come here for further studies can be broadly classified into two categories – the ones whose family immigrates to Australia and they have to look for admissions in universities and colleges. Many of the citizens of the country are immigrants as Australia welcomes immigrants to their country. The other group is that of International students who specifically come here for pursuing their education. They are known as international students. The students falling in this category are of diverse ages.

Students come here for pursuing education at the college or university level as the Australian educational system is broad based and unique. Generally, they go in for a foundation program to get integrated into this form of education. They have the choice of going in for an arts based program and can pursue careers in either business or law. Students who want to pursue science may want to go in for careers either in engineering or medicine.

English is the instruction medium adopted in Australian educational institutions and individuals from non English speaking nations will have to pass a proficiency test.

Some international students may be extended financial aid, however international students need to ensure that there is enough funding available which one of the visa criterion is.

Sydney monorail and metro light rail are the two modern and sleek transportation systems owned by an Australian company. They make it easier for the commuters to travel through the most populated sections of Sydney. Both the systems are environment friendly and do not add to air pollution. Each one is known for a comfortable and quite ride and is ideal for locals as well as visitors.

Baby stroller, wheelchairs, prams can easily access the rails and its doors are wide enough for carrying the daily shopping loads.

One of the most popular modes of transport the monorail is a Bicentennial gift to Sydney which started operating in1988 and was earlier known as Darling Harbor Monorail. It carries approximately 4 million or more passengers per year. Hundreds of commuters from Pyrmont and Ultimo travel each day to the city center in this excellent transport system.

Sydney Monorail is a wonderful experience for all tourists as it offers a magnificent bird’s eye view of one of the world’s most breathtaking cities. Chinatown, Darling Harbor, business districts, the Spanish Quarter the central shopping centers, and Sydney’s main streets, all can be seen while taking a ride in the monorail. It also gives the passengers a great view of the historical Queen Victoria Building.

The monorail is unique inasmuch as it is a transport system that is elevated and operates from the centre of the city. On its 3.6km track it covers eight stations and all four trains operate simultaneously. The monorail stops for 40sec at each stop.

It stops at all of Sydney’s best tourist attraction places, and is considered as a perfect combo of quick transport and an important Sydney experience.

Metro Light Rail has recently started operating in Sydney. It is a comfortable, clean and fast way to travel from the city to Sydney’s suburbs. The light rail started operating in August 1997 and later got extended in August 2000. Clean, Green, convenient, and quiet Metro Light Rail is environmentally sound and the finest future transport system to look for.

Metro Light Rail carries more than 3.5 million commuters each year to major destinations around Sydney. It is an absolute pleasure to travel in this wonderful transport system. It covers more area than the old monorail and is a favorite with locals.

It links Darling Harbor and Chinatown to the Sydney Fish Markets, Star City Casino, and Wentworth Park 24/7. The light rail runs at 10-15 minute intervals and operates daily. It runs from Central Railway Station and terminates at Lilyfield traveling 7.2km and stopping at 14stops. It also runs from The Central to Star City. The green network is the most convenient way to travel across the city.

For those who want to ride on and off all day, Day tickets are the best options. But, one can also buy single fare tickets on-board the light rail beginning from $3.20 per person.

Experience Sydney like never before, go get a ticket for either of these unique rail rides and enjoy.

If you feel like moving around to the scenic outdoors or head for some sports and recreation area, then you could literally do with some cross-over. And we do mean literally crossing a bridge. The Spit Bridge (don’t ask how it got the name) is a continuous stretch of the Spit Road and spans the Middle Harbour to connect the North Shore of Sydney with the even further based Manly Walk (don’t ask about the history of this naming either).

The original Spit Bridge was constructed way back in 1924, and was as per the requirement in that era, mostly of heavy wood. But as the city and its traffic grew, the old bridge had to give way to a new version that could carry the ever-increasing traffic load of the city and its suburbs. The current Spit Bridge is a totally concrete and steel construction completed in 1958, with a two-lane track on either side and even has the facility to literally split down the middle and lift open. The split feature is essentially to facilitate the passage for the inland water boat traffic that is constantly plying from one harbour to harbour.

This said and done, it is imperative we inform you that the Spit Bridge and the Spit Road are one of the heavy-traffic stretches and during peak hours, or when the bridge is lifted, the going can sometimes get pretty slow. The plus feature, however, is that the drive does take one through some very lovely and affluent neighbourhoods that are interspersed with absolutely amazing scenic sights.

The fastest way to get to Manly Walk across the Spit Bridge is definitely a car. No hassles for parking as there is provision of ample space. Alternately one can take a bus from the Sydney CBD. And if you have the time as well as the inclination, we would recommend a one way manly walk preferably while headed towards Manly Walk. It may be noted that the northern suburbs and the beaches there are mostly outdoor locales with practically little or no covering. Therefore it is essential to be comfortably attired depending on the time and the season of the visit. Needless to say, cap and shades, and especially a camera, are a must in the attire on any excursion in and around Sydney.

The Manly Walk is open 24 hours on all days of the week, and a half-day (4 hrs) visit is the ideal recommended time. This could include the commute time by conveyance on four wheels or on two legs. There is absolutely no fee levied for usage of either the Spit Bridge or the facilities at Manly Walk. Since the trip is as an outdoor excursion, it would be ideally suitable for the entire family, right from infants to senior citizens. The trip can be equally amazing for a group of friends, and even couples or solo travelers.

For further details or information, one can contact

Manly Visitors Information Bureau – +61 2 9977 1088