Its famous Opera House was still under construction, but Australia's largest city was already a busy metropolis in 1966.

Sydney's population had just reached three million, and while its skyline was not as tall as it is today, it was already on its way to become a modern city. The film visits all of Sydney's most iconic locations, from its beautiful harbour to Circular Quay, Martin Place, Kings Cross and Bondi beach.

Part of the Life In Australia series, made for the Department of Immigration, to entice immigrants from Europe. There’s no denying that these films were a marketing tool; Australia (and its cities and rural centres) was the product, and as such, it was presented as an idyllic destination where everyone led prosperous, happy lives.

The scripts for each film are almost identical, covering employment and industry, education, sport, health care, shopping, religion, night-life, and art. Australia had everything anyone could wish for!

Directed by Joe Scully and now available in 4K HD. Film Australia Collection © NFSA.

Buy a copy of Life In Australia: Sydney or of the whole Life In Australia series at the NFSA online shop.