Sydney in Australia's most exciting city. The history of Australia begins here. In 1788 Captain Arthur Philips arrived in Sydney with 11 ships and 1624 passengers from Britain (including 770 prisoners). Today there are about 3.6 million people in Sydney, the biggest city in Australia, the busiest port in the South Pacific and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In Sydney, the buildings are higher, the colours are brighter and the nightlife is more exciting. There are over 20 excellent beaches close to Sydney and its warm climate and cool winter have made it a favourite city for immigrants from overseas. There are two things that make Sydney famous: its beautiful harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was built in 1932 and the Sydney Opera House, which was opened in 1973.