Editing Sydney (section)

==Regions==
{{main|Regions of Sydney}}
[[File:Satellite photo of the Greater Sydney Area at night.jpg|thumb|right|Sydney area at night, facing west. [[Wollongong]] is bottom left, and the [[Central Coast (New South Wales)|Central Coast]] is at the far right.]]

The [[Greater Sydney Commission]] divides Sydney into three "cities" and five "districts" based on the 33 LGAs in the metropolitan area. The "metropolis of three cities" comprises ''Eastern Harbour City'', ''Central River City'' and ''Western Parkland City''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Greater Cities Commission Act 2022 No 8|url=https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2022-008#sch.1|access-date=29 June 2023|date=4 November 2022|website=legislation.nsw.gov.au|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629222512/https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2022-008#sch.1|url-status=live}}</ref> The Australian Bureau of Statistics also includes City of Central Coast (the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire) as part of Greater Sydney for population counts,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://itt.abs.gov.au/itt/r.jsp?RegionSummary&region=1GSYD&dataset=ABS_REGIONAL_ASGS2016&geoconcept=ASGS_2016&measure=MEASURE&datasetASGS=ABS_REGIONAL_ASGS2016&datasetLGA=ABS_REGIONAL_LGA2018&regionLGA=LGA_2018&regionASGS=ASGS_2016 |title=Greater Sydney GCCSA |website=Australian Bureau of Statistics Data by Region |access-date=25 January 2020 |archive-date=6 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406204609/https://itt.abs.gov.au/itt/r.jsp?RegionSummary&region=1GSYD&dataset=ABS_REGIONAL_ASGS2016&geoconcept=ASGS_2016&measure=MEASURE&datasetASGS=ABS_REGIONAL_ASGS2016&datasetLGA=ABS_REGIONAL_LGA2018&regionLGA=LGA_2018&regionASGS=ASGS_2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> adding 330,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |title=2016 Census QuickStats |url=https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/LGA11650?opendocument |access-date=24 April 2020 |work=Australian Bureau of Statistics |archive-date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117115246/https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/LGA11650?opendocument |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Inner suburbs===
[[File:Lord Nelson Hotel and Former Oswald Bond and Free Store on the corner of Kent Street and Argyle Place, Millers Point.jpg|thumb|Historical buildings in [[Millers Point]], an inner suburb north of the CBD]]
The [[Sydney central business district|CBD]] extends about {{cvt|3|km|mi|1|abbr=off}} south from [[Sydney Cove]]. It is bordered by [[Farm Cove, New South Wales|Farm Cove]] within the [[Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney|Royal Botanic Garden]] to the east and [[Darling Harbour]] to the west. Suburbs surrounding the CBD include [[Woolloomooloo]] and [[Potts Point]] to the east, [[Surry Hills]] and [[Darlinghurst]] to the south, [[Pyrmont, New South Wales|Pyrmont]] and [[Ultimo, New South Wales|Ultimo]] to the west, and [[Millers Point]] and [[The Rocks, New South Wales|The Rocks]] to the north. Most of these suburbs measure less than {{cvt|1|km2|sqmi|1|abbr=off}} in area. The Sydney CBD is characterised by narrow streets and thoroughfares, created in its convict beginnings.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sydney unprepared for terror attack |work=The Australian |date=4 September 2007 |access-date=3 June 2017 |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/archive/news/sydney-unprepared-for-terror-attack/news-story/d46c70edc3f019be98f37168a2ca3a98}}</ref>

Several localities, distinct from suburbs, exist throughout Sydney's inner reaches. [[Central railway station, Sydney|Central]] and [[Circular Quay]] are transport hubs with ferry, rail, and bus interchanges. [[Chinatown, Sydney|Chinatown]], Darling Harbour, and [[Kings Cross, New South Wales|Kings Cross]] are important locations for culture, tourism, and recreation. The [[Strand Arcade]], located between [[Pitt Street Mall]] and [[George Street, Sydney|George Street]], is a historical [[Victorian architecture|Victorian-style]] shopping [[Arcade (architecture)|arcade]]. Opened on 1 April 1892, its shop fronts are an exact replica of the original internal shopping facades.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13849322 |title=The Strand |newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=16,858 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=2 April 1892 |access-date=27 October 2016 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> [[Westfield Sydney]], located beneath the [[Sydney Tower]], is the largest shopping centre by area in Sydney.<ref>{{cite web |title=The largest shopping centres in Australia |url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-largest-shopping-centres-in-australia.html |work=worldatlas.com |date=6 November 2019 |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807165059/https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-largest-shopping-centres-in-australia.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since the late 20th century, there has been a trend of [[gentrification]] amongst Sydney's inner suburbs. Pyrmont, located on the harbour, was redeveloped from a centre of shipping and international trade to an area of [[high density housing]], tourist accommodation, and gambling.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority]]|date=2004 |url=http://www.shfa.nsw.gov.au/content/library/documents/FB43C542-0F79-96FE-68538841A8F3E24A.pdf |title=Ultimo and Pyrmont: a decade of renewal |access-date=13 July 2014 |archive-date=13 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090613103444/http://www.shfa.nsw.gov.au/content/library/documents/FB43C542-0F79-96FE-68538841A8F3E24A.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Originally located well outside of the city, Darlinghurst is the location of the historic [[Darlinghurst Gaol]], manufacturing, and mixed housing. For a period it was known as an area of prostitution. The terrace-style housing has largely been retained and Darlinghurst has undergone significant gentrification since the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=City of Sydney |date=2014 |url=http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/business-friendly-boost-for-oxford-st-laneway/ |title=Business-friendly boost for Oxford St lane way |access-date=13 July 2014 |archive-date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018042811/http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/business-friendly-boost-for-oxford-st-laneway/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Dick |first=Tim |date=2014 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/17/1095394002499.html |title=At the crossroads |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=13 July 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924142438/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/17/1095394002499.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Darlinghurst">{{cite web |last=Dunn |first=Mark |date=1970 |url=http://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/darlinghurst |title=Darlinghurst |publisher=Dictionary of Sydney |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019044537/http://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/darlinghurst |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Green Square, New South Wales|Green Square]] is a former industrial area of [[Waterloo, New South Wales|Waterloo]] which is undergoing urban renewal worth $8&nbsp;billion. On the city harbour edge, the historic suburb and wharves of Millers Point are being built up as the new area of [[Barangaroo, New South Wales|Barangaroo]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=City of Sydney |date=2014 |url=http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/vision/major-developments/green-square |title=Green Square |access-date=13 July 2014 |archive-date=3 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703133224/http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/vision/major-developments/green-square |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Barangaroo Delivery Authority |date=2013 |url=http://www.barangaroo.com/discover-barangaroo/overview.aspx |title=Discover Barangaroo |access-date=13 July 2014 |archive-date=13 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813184345/http://barangaroo.com/discover-barangaroo/overview.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> The suburb of [[Paddington, New South Wales|Paddington]] is known for its restored [[terraced house|terrace houses]], [[Victoria Barracks, Sydney|Victoria Barracks]], and shopping including the weekly Oxford Street markets.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wotherspoon |first=Garry |date=2012 |url=http://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/paddington |title=Paddington |publisher=Dictionary of Sydney |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=19 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019044652/http://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/paddington |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Inner West ===
[[File:Newtown NSW, Cnr King Street & Enmore Road, 2019 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Newtown, New South Wales|Newtown]], one of the inner-most parts of the Inner West, is one of the most complete [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]] and [[Edwardian architecture|Edwardian era]] commercial precincts in Australia.]]
The [[Inner West]] generally includes the [[Inner West Council]], [[Municipality of Burwood]], [[Municipality of Strathfield]], and [[City of Canada Bay]]. These span up to about 11&nbsp;km west of the CBD. Historically, especially prior to the building of the Harbour Bridge,<ref>Green, A, "[https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/nsw/2022/guide/stra Strathfield By-election – NSW Election 2022] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503051831/https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/nsw/2022/guide/stra |date=3 May 2023 }}", ''Australian Broadcasting Corporation''</ref> the outer suburbs of the Inner West such as [[Strathfield, New South Wales|Strathfield]] were the location of "country" estates for the colony's elites. By contrast, the inner suburbs in the Inner West, being close to transport and industry, have historically housed working-class industrial workers. These areas have undergone gentrification in the late 20th century, and many parts are now highly valued residential suburbs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/seven-inner-west-suburbs-pass-the-2m-median-mark-for-houses/news-story/e644adbdea6693bea16f4588269e3b6a|title=Sydney's new prestige hotspot|newspaper=[[Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|Daily Telegraph]]|date=10 June 2016|last1=McIntyre|first1=Tim|access-date=3 May 2023|archive-date=25 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025175117/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/seven-inner-west-suburbs-pass-the-2m-median-mark-for-houses/news-story/e644adbdea6693bea16f4588269e3b6a|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2021, an Inner West suburb (Strathfield) remained one of the 20 most expensive postcodes in Australia by median house price (the others were all in metropolitan Sydney, all in Northern Sydney or the Eastern Suburbs).<ref name="top20">Sweeney, N., "[https://www.afr.com/property/residential/sydney-dominates-melbourne-for-the-20-most-expensive-postcodes-20211213-p59h08 Sydney dominates Melbourne for the 20 most expensive postcodes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629182304/https://www.afr.com/property/residential/sydney-dominates-melbourne-for-the-20-most-expensive-postcodes-20211213-p59h08 |date=29 June 2023 }}", ''The Australian Financial Review''</ref> The [[University of Sydney]] is located in this area, as well as the [[University of Technology, Sydney]] and a campus of the [[Australian Catholic University]]. The Anzac Bridge spans Johnstons Bay and connects [[Rozelle]] to [[Pyrmont, New South Wales|Pyrmont]] and the city, forming part of the [[Western Distributor (Sydney)|Western Distributor]].

The Inner West is today well known as the location of village commercial centres with cosmopolitan flavours, such as the "Little Italy" commercial centres of Leichardt, Five Dock and Haberfield,<ref>Boys, C., "[https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/eating-out/where-is-sydneys-new-little-italy-20140419-36x15.html Where is Sydney's new Little Italy?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503051831/https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/eating-out/where-is-sydneys-new-little-italy-20140419-36x15.html |date=3 May 2023 }}", ''Good Food'', 22 April 2014</ref> "Little Portugal" in Petersham,<ref>"[https://www.smh.com.au/national/tarting-up-petersham-with-an-ethnic-flavour-20020906-gdfm08.html Tarting up Petersham with an ethnic flavour] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503051831/https://www.smh.com.au/national/tarting-up-petersham-with-an-ethnic-flavour-20020906-gdfm08.html |date=3 May 2023 }}", ''Sydney Morning Herald'', 6 September 2002</ref> "Little Korea" in Strathfield<ref>Burke, K, [https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/little-korea-ready-to-rise-from-melting-pot-20120525-1za3z.html Little Korea ready to rise from "melting pot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503051832/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/little-korea-ready-to-rise-from-melting-pot-20120525-1za3z.html |date=3 May 2023 }}", ''Sydney Morning Herald'', 26 May 2012</ref> or "Little Shanghai" in Ashfield.<ref>West, A., "[https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/business-booms-in-little-shanghai-20110620-1gbey.html Business booms in 'little Shanghai'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718070506/https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/business-booms-in-little-shanghai-20110620-1gbey.html |date=18 July 2023 }}", ''Sydney Morning Herald'', 18 June 2011</ref> Large-scale shopping centres in the area include [[Westfield Burwood]], [[DFO Homebush]] and [[Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre]]. There is a large cosmopolitan community and nightlife hub on [[King Street, Newtown]].

The area is serviced by [[Sydney Trains]]' [[North Shore & Western Line|T1]] and [[Leppington & Inner West Line|T2]], including the [[Main Suburban railway line|Main Suburban Line]], which was the first to be constructed in New South Wales. The [[Inner West Light Rail|L1 light rail line]] also runs through the area. [[Strathfield railway station]] is a secondary railway hub within Sydney, and major station on the Suburban and [[Main North railway line|Northern]] lines. It was constructed in 1876.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nswrail.net/locations/show.php?name=NSW:Strathfield|title=Strathfield Station|website=Nswrail.net|access-date=2 July 2022|archive-date=2 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702144642/https://www.nswrail.net/locations/show.php?name=NSW:Strathfield|url-status=live}}</ref> The future [[Sydney Metro West]] will also connect this area with the City and Parramatta. The area is also serviced by the [[Parramatta River ferry services|Parramatta River services]] of [[Sydney Ferries]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.beyondthewharf.com.au/rivercat-class/ |title=Rivercat Class – Transdev |access-date=23 May 2023 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207142722/https://www.beyondthewharf.com.au/rivercat-class/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> numerous bus routes and cycleways.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/en/community/business/urban-centres/newtown/ |title=Newtown |website=Marrickville.nsw.gov.au |language=en |access-date=23 April 2018 |archive-date=6 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506120404/http://marrickville.nsw.gov.au/en/community/business/urban-centres/newtown/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Eastern suburbs===
[[File:(1)Bellevue Hill from Point Piper.jpg|thumb|Residences in [[Bellevue Hill, New South Wales|Bellevue Hill]]. Sydney's eastern suburbs are made up of some of the most expensive real estate in the country<ref>{{Cite web |title=State-by-state: Find out if you're living in one of the richest, or poorest, postcodes |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/richest-and-poorest-postcodes/t41wwpk9o |access-date=5 September 2023 |website=SBS News |language=en |archive-date=5 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905133525/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/richest-and-poorest-postcodes/t41wwpk9o |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
The Eastern Suburbs encompass the [[Municipality of Woollahra]], the [[City of Randwick]], the [[Waverley Municipal Council]], and parts of the [[Bayside Council]]. They include some of the most affluent and advantaged areas in the country, with some streets being amongst the most expensive in the world. As at 2014, [[Wolseley Road]], [[Point Piper]], had a top price of $20,900 per square metre, making it the ninth-most expensive street in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/10-most-expensive-streets-in-the-world-2011-3#9-wolseley-road-point-piper-2 |title=The 10 most expensive streets in the world |last=Badkar |first=Mamta |date=2011 |website=Business Insider |access-date=13 July 2014 |archive-date=13 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713064446/http://www.businessinsider.com.au/10-most-expensive-streets-in-the-world-2011-3#9-wolseley-road-point-piper-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> More than 75% of neighbourhoods in the [[Division of Wentworth|Electoral District of Wentworth]] fall under the top decile of SEIFA advantage, making it the least disadvantaged area in the country.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-06/labor-greens-or-liberal-nationals-explore-disadvantage-politics/9600250 |title=Labor, Greens, Howard's battlers: Explore the politics of disadvantage |date=6 April 2018 |work=ABC News |access-date=21 April 2018 |language=en-AU |archive-date=8 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408232956/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-06/labor-greens-or-liberal-nationals-explore-disadvantage-politics/9600250 |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2021, of the 20 most expensive postcodes in Australia by median house price, nine were in the Eastern Suburbs.<ref name="top20"/>

Major landmarks include [[Bondi Beach]], which was added to the [[Australian National Heritage List]] in 2008;<ref>''Sydney Morning Herald'', 1 January 2009, p.18</ref> and [[Bondi Junction]], featuring a [[Westfield Bondi Junction|Westfield shopping centre]] and an estimated office workforce of 6,400 by 2035,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gsc-public-1.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/forecasting_the_distribution_of_stand_alone_office_employment_across_sydney_to_2035_bis_shrapnel_2015_08_0.pdf |title=Forecasting the Distribution of Stand-Alone Office Employment across Sydney to 2035 |publisher=NSW Department of Planning and Environment |date=August 2015 |access-date=20 July 2021 |archive-date=24 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124165518/https://gsc-public-1.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/forecasting_the_distribution_of_stand_alone_office_employment_across_sydney_to_2035_bis_shrapnel_2015_08_0.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> as well as a [[Bondi Junction railway station|railway station]] on the [[Eastern Suburbs railway line|T4 Eastern Suburbs Line]]. The suburb of [[Randwick]] contains [[Randwick Racecourse]], the [[Royal Hospital for Women]], the [[Prince of Wales Hospital (Sydney)|Prince of Wales Hospital]], [[Sydney Children's Hospital]], and [[University of New South Wales|University of New South Wales Kensington Campus]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gsc-public-1.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/eastern-district-plan-0318.pdf |title=Our Greater Sydney 2056 Eastern City District Plan – connecting communities |publisher=Greater Sydney Commission |date=March 2018 |access-date=20 July 2021 |archive-date=1 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301001314/https://gsc-public-1.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/eastern-district-plan-0318.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Construction of the [[CBD and South East Light Rail]] was completed in April 2020.<ref>[https://transportnsw.info/news/2020/sydneys-new-light-rail-now-open-from-circular-quay-to-kingsford Sydney's new light rail is now open from Circular Quay to Kingsford] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402225521/https://transportnsw.info/news/2020/sydneys-new-light-rail-now-open-from-circular-quay-to-kingsford |date=2 April 2020 }} Transport for NSW 3 April 2020</ref> The project aims to provide reliable and high-capacity tram services to residents in the City and South-East.

Major shopping centres in the area include [[Westfield Bondi Junction]] and [[Westfield Eastgardens]].

===Southern Sydney===
[[File:Sydney aerial view - Kurnell, La Perouse, Cronulla and Botany Bay.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Kurnell, New South Wales|Kurnell]], [[La Perouse, New South Wales|La Perouse]], and [[Cronulla, New South Wales|Cronulla]], along with various other suburbs, face Botany Bay.]]
The Southern district of Sydney includes the suburbs in the [[Local government in Australia|local government area]]s of the [[Georges River Council]] (collectively known as [[St George, New South Wales|St George]]) and the [[Sutherland Shire]] (colloquially known as 'The Shire'), on the southern banks of the [[Georges River]].

The [[Cronulla dunes|Kurnell peninsula]], near [[Botany Bay]], is the site of the first landfall on the eastern coastline made by James Cook in 1770. [[La Perouse, New South Wales|La Perouse]], a historic suburb named after the French navigator [[Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse]], is notable for its old military outpost at [[Bare Island (New South Wales)|Bare Island]] and the [[Botany Bay National Park]].

The suburb of [[Cronulla, New South Wales|Cronulla]] in [[southern Sydney]] is close to Royal National Park, Australia's oldest national park. Hurstville, a large suburb with commercial and high-rise residential buildings dominating the skyline, has become a CBD for the southern suburbs.<ref>''The Book of Sydney Suburbs'', Compiled by Frances Pollon, Angus & Robertson Publishers, 1990, Published in Australia {{ISBN|0-207-14495-8}}, page 149</ref>

===Northern Sydney===
{{further|Northern Sydney}}
[[File:Aerial View Chatswood to Sydney CBD.jpg|thumb|[[Chatswood, New South Wales|Chatswood]] is a major commercial district.]]
'[[Northern Sydney]]' includes the suburbs in the [[Upper North Shore]], [[Lower North Shore (Sydney)|Lower North Shore]] and the [[Northern Beaches]].

The Northern Suburbs include several landmarks – [[Macquarie University]], [[Gladesville Bridge]], [[Ryde Bridge]], [[Macquarie Centre]] and Curzon Hall in [[Marsfield, New South Wales|Marsfield]]. This area includes suburbs in the [[Local government in Australia|local government areas]] of [[Hornsby Shire]], [[Ku-ring-gai Council]], [[City of Ryde]], the [[Municipality of Hunter's Hill]] and parts of the [[City of Parramatta]].

The North Shore includes the commercial centres of [[North Sydney, New South Wales|North Sydney]] and Chatswood. North Sydney itself consists of a large commercial centre, which contains the second largest concentration of high-rise buildings in Sydney after the CBD. North Sydney is dominated by advertising, marketing and associated trades, with many large corporations holding offices.

The Northern Beaches area includes [[Manly, New South Wales|Manly]], one of Sydney's most popular holiday destinations. The region also features [[Sydney Heads]], a series of [[headlands]] which form the entrance to Sydney Harbour. The Northern Beaches area extends south to the entrance of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), west to [[Middle Harbour]] and north to the entrance of [[Broken Bay]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rodis.com.au/wiki/Northern-Beaches-Sydney.php|title=National Regional Profile Northern Beaches Sydney|website=Rodis.com.au|access-date=2 July 2022|archive-date=2 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151024/https://rodis.com.au/wiki/Northern-Beaches-Sydney.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2021 Australian census found the Northern Beaches to have, in comparison with the rest of Sydney, a large British diaspora and high concentration of people with European ancestry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ancestry {{!}} Northern Beaches Council {{!}} Community profile |url=https://profile.id.com.au/northern-beaches/ancestry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113033154/https://profile.id.com.au/northern-beaches/ancestry |archive-date=13 January 2024 |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=profile.id.com.au |language=en-au |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of the end of 2021, half of the 20 most expensive postcodes in Australia (by median house price) were in Northern Sydney, including four on the Northern Beaches, two on the Lower North Shore, three on the Upper North Shore, and one straddling [[Hunters Hill]] and [[Woolwich, New South Wales|Woolwich]].<ref name="top20"/>

===Hills district===
The [[Hills District, New South Wales|Hills district]] generally refers to the suburbs in north-western Sydney including the local government areas of [[The Hills Shire]], parts of the [[City of Parramatta Council]] and [[Hornsby Shire]]. Actual suburbs and localities that are considered to be in the Hills District can be somewhat amorphous. For example, the Hills District Historical Society restricts its definition to the Hills Shire local government area, yet its study area extends from Parramatta to the Hawkesbury. The region is so named for its characteristically comparatively hilly topography as the Cumberland Plain lifts up, joining the Hornsby Plateau. [[Windsor Road|Windsor]] and [[Old Windsor Road]]s are the second and third roads, respectively, laid in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ozroads.com.au/NSW/RouteNumbering/State%20Routes/40/oldwindsor%26windsorroad.htm|title=Ozroads: Old Windsor Road & Windsor Road|website=Ozroads.com.au|access-date=2 July 2022|archive-date=26 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426001422/https://www.ozroads.com.au/NSW/RouteNumbering/State%20Routes/40/oldwindsor%26windsorroad.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 26 May 2019, The [[Sydney Metro Northwest]], which went from Chatswood to Tallawong, opened, with a large portion running through the Hills District, which meant the Hills District, for the first time, started having heavy rail.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2019-01-14|title=Major Milestone As Metro Northwest Completes Its First Full Test|url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/node/9580|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Transport for NSW|language=en-AU}}</ref>
Before this, The Hills was served by [[Bus Rapid Transit]].

===Western suburbs===
{{further|Greater Western Sydney}}
[[File:Parramatta Skyline 2022.jpg|thumb|[[Parramatta]], a major commercial centre of [[Greater Western Sydney]], is often referred to as Sydney's "second [[Central business district|CBD]]"]]
The greater western suburbs encompasses the areas of Parramatta, the sixth largest business district in Australia, settled the same year as the harbour-side colony,<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Parramatta Chamber of Commerce |date=2014 |url=http://www.parramattachamber.com.au/Chamber/parramatta-capital-of-western-sydney.html |title=Parramatta |access-date=13 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806000352/http://www.parramattachamber.com.au/Chamber/parramatta-capital-of-western-sydney.html |archive-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> [[Bankstown]], Liverpool, [[Penrith, New South Wales|Penrith]], and [[Fairfield, New South Wales|Fairfield]]. Covering {{cvt|5800|km2}} and having an estimated population as at 2017 of 2,288,554, western Sydney has the most [[minority majority|multicultural suburbs]] in the country – [[Cabramatta]] has earned the nickname "[[Little Saigon]]" due to its [[Vietnamese Australians|Vietnamese]] population, Fairfield has been named "Little [[Assyria]]" for its predominant [[Assyrian Australians|Assyrian]] population and [[Harris Park]] is known as "[[Little India]]" with its plurality of [[Indian Australians|Indian]] and [[Hinduism in Australia|Hindu population]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/harris-park-re-named-little-india/6qs2sc2zj|title=This part of Australia is set to be renamed 'Little India'|author = Jennifer Scherer|publisher=[[SBS Australia]]|access-date = 24 June 2024}}</ref><ref name=herald>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/what-to-do-and-see-in-the-secret-of-fairfield/news-story/fb120fa69dd18c128c5cafbe3d70d56a|title=What to do and see in the secret of Fairfield|author = Ben McLellan|publisher=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date = 26 December 2023}}</ref><ref>[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285039670_Enclave_Place_or_Nation_Defining_Little_Saigon_in_the_Midst_of_Incorporation_Transnationalism_and_Long_Distance_Activism Enclave, Place, or Nation? Defining Little Saigon in the Midst of Incorporation, Transnationalism, and Long Distance Activism] by Christian Collet and Hiroko Furuya from Amerasia Journal 36:3 (2010): 1–27. January 2010. Retrieved 29 November 2022.</ref><ref>[https://www.bautruong.com.au/editorial/bautruong_press_20090619_wallstreetjournalasia.pdf Sydney] by Sam Holmes. [[The Wall Street Journal Asia]]. 21 June 2009. Retrieved 29 November 2022.</ref> The population is predominantly of a [[working class]] background, with major employment in the [[heavy industries]] and [[vocational]] trade.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://profile.id.com.au/cws/population |title=Home – WSROC Region |publisher=Profile.id.com.au |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=8 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108025946/https://profile.id.com.au/cws/population |url-status=live }}</ref> Toongabbie is noted for being the third mainland settlement (after Sydney and Parramatta) set up after British colonisation began in 1788, although the site of the settlement is actually in the separate suburb of [[Old Toongabbie]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/old_toongabbie_and_toongabbie |title=Old Toongabbie and Toongabbie |last1=McClymont |first1=John |last2=Kass |first2=Terry |date=2010 |work=Dictionary of Sydney |publisher=Dictionary of Sydney Trust |access-date=30 July 2019 |archive-date=30 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730085650/https://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/old_toongabbie_and_toongabbie |url-status=live }}</ref>

The western suburb of [[Prospect, New South Wales|Prospect]], in the [[City of Blacktown]], is home to [[Raging Waters Sydney|Raging Waters]], a [[water park]] operated by [[Parques Reunidos]].<ref name="ABC announcement">{{cite web |title=Water theme park planned for Sydney |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/11/3009081.htm |work=ABC News |access-date=11 September 2010 |date=11 September 2010 |archive-date=13 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913172339/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/11/3009081.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Auburn Botanic Gardens]], a botanical garden in [[Auburn, New South Wales|Auburn]], attracts thousands of visitors each year, including many from outside Australia.<ref name="chahgovau">{{cite web |url=http://www.chah.gov.au/chabg/bg-dir/auburn-nsw.html |title=Auburn Botanical Gardens |work=chah.gov.au |access-date=4 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006140058/http://www.chah.gov.au/chabg/bg-dir/auburn-nsw.html |archive-date=6 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The greater west also includes [[Sydney Olympic Park]], a suburb created to host the 2000 Summer Olympics, and [[Sydney Motorsport Park]], a [[Race track|circuit]] in [[Eastern Creek, New South Wales|Eastern Creek]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sydneymotorsportpark.com.au/visitor-information#howToGetHere |title=Visitor Information – How to Get Here |publisher=Sydney Motorsport Park | access-date=21 February 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410070447/http://www.sydneymotorsportpark.com.au/visitor-information#howToGetHere | archive-date=10 April 2013}}</ref> [[Prospect Hill (New South Wales)|Prospect Hill]], a historically significant ridge in the west and the only area in Sydney with ancient [[volcanic activity]],<ref>Jones, I., and Verdel, C. (2015). Basalt distribution and volume estimates of Cenozoic volcanism in the Bowen Basin region of eastern Australia: Implications for a waning mantle plume. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 62(2), 255–263.</ref> is also listed on the State Heritage Register.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/search-for-heritage/state-heritage-inventory/|title=State Heritage Inventory|date=22 October 2019|newspaper=Heritage NSW|access-date=2 July 2022|archive-date=4 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304000250/https://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/search-for-heritage/state-heritage-inventory/|url-status=live}}</ref>

To the northwest, [[Featherdale Wildlife Park]], a zoo in [[Doonside, New South Wales|Doonside]], near [[Blacktown]], is a major [[tourist attraction]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blacktown-advocate.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/featherdale-beats-opera-house-to-claim-major-tourism-award/ |title=Featherdale beats Opera House to claim major tourism award |date=23 November 2009 |author=O'Maley, Christine |work=Blacktown Advocate |access-date=18 March 2012 |archive-date=1 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701155049/http://blacktown-advocate.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/featherdale-beats-opera-house-to-claim-major-tourism-award/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sydney Zoo]], opened in 2019, is another prominent zoo situated in [[Bungaribee]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.timeout.com/sydney/news/new-sydney-zoo-announces-long-awaited-opening-date-112519 |author=Boon, Maxim |title=New Sydney Zoo announces long-awaited opening date |work=TimeOut |location=Sydney, Australia |date=25 November 2019 |access-date=24 December 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128010314/https://www.timeout.com/sydney/news/new-sydney-zoo-announces-long-awaited-opening-date-112519 |url-status=live }}</ref> Established in 1799, the [[Old Government House, Parramatta|Old Government House]], a [[historic house museum]] and [[tourist spot]] in Parramatta, was included in the [[Australian National Heritage List]] on 1 August 2007 and [[World Heritage List]] in 2010 (as part of the 11 penal sites constituting the [[Australian Convict Sites]]), making it the only site in greater western Sydney to be featured in such lists.<ref name="CourierMail01">{{cite news |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/world-heritage-committee-approves-australian-convict-sites-as-places-of-importance/story-e6freon6-1225899640286 |author1=Chalmers, Emma |author2=Martin, Saray |date=1 August 2010 |title=World Heritage Committee approves Australian Convict Sites as places of importance |work=The Courier–Mail |location=Australia |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603125525/http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/world-heritage-committee-approves-australian-convict-sites-as-places-of-importance/story-e6freon6-1225899640286 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The house is Australia's oldest surviving public building.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/old-government-house/index.html |title=National Heritage Places – Old Government House and Government Domain, Parramatta |first=Department of the Environment and |last=Energy |date=17 April 2018 |website=Environment.gov.au |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-date=12 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012072820/http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/old-government-house/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Further to the southwest is the region of Macarthur and the city of [[Campbelltown, New South Wales|Campbelltown]], a significant population centre until the 1990s considered a region separate to Sydney proper. [[Macarthur Square]], a shopping complex in Campbelltown, has become one of the largest shopping complexes in Sydney.<ref>{{cite report |first=Peter |last=Degotardi |publisher=Herron Todd White Property Advisors |url=http://www.htw.com.au/pages/info_centre/review/MR%20Feb%202004.pdf |title=The Month in Review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820135143/http://www.htw.com.au/pages/info_centre/review/MR%20Feb%202004.pdf |archive-date=20 August 2006 |date=1 February 2004}}</ref> The southwest also features [[Bankstown Reservoir]], the oldest elevated reservoir constructed in [[reinforced concrete]] that is still in use and is listed on the State Heritage Register.<ref>{{cite NSW SHR|01316 |Bankstown Reservoir (Elevated) |access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref> The southwest is home to one of Sydney's oldest trees, the [[Bland Oak]], which was planted in the 1840s by [[William Bland]] in [[Carramar, New South Wales|Carramar]].<ref name="mobbaymag">{{cite web |last=Boulous |first=Chris |title=Nothing Bland about our Oak tree |work=Fairfield City Champion |publisher=FAIRFAX REGIONAL MEDIA |date=20 April 2018 |url=https://www.fairfieldchampion.com.au/story/5354072/nothing-bland-about-our-oak-tree/#slide=2 |access-date=29 August 2018 |archive-date=29 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829105943/https://www.fairfieldchampion.com.au/story/5354072/nothing-bland-about-our-oak-tree/#slide=2 |url-status=dead }}</ref>