Multiculturalism in Sydney Australia
One of the best things about Sydney is that it is a microcosm for the rest of the country. There’s the cosmopolitan, global city, the innovation, the colonial history and the epic beaches, all of which Australia as a whole is known for. On top of this, however, Sydney, Australia not only showcases the many different cultures that have come to this country and enriched our society with their customs, beliefs and food, but many people also come to study in Sydney, Australia. Sydney is a multicultural city, and everywhere you turn there’s something new and exciting adding to the melting pot that is Sydney’s identity. If you’re planning a trip down under and want to get a fee for modern, multicultural Australia, Sydney is a great place to start. Book those tickets and buy that travel insurance, because we’re about to show you how to make the most of multicultural Sydney.
Chinese Culture
Chinese people have been coming to Sydney and calling it home since gold rush times, and their innovation and hard-working spirit is woven into the fabric of Sydney’s—and Australia’s—histories. There are several places you can go to experience Chinese culture in all its glory.
- Chinatown in Haymarket (smack bang in the middle of the city) is a brilliant introduction to the Chinese culture in Sydney
- Head to one of the food courts and pick yourself up some authentic and delicious cuisine for under $10!
- Yum Cha (Dim Sum) is another tradition that the Chinese people have brought to Sydney, and for our part, Sydney-siders couldn’t be more impressed. Every weekend, from about 10am on Saturday and Sunday, Yum Cha restaurants all over the city have lines of people from all walks of life waiting to sample the delicious morsels within
- And of course there is a Sydney Chinese Consulate and a Sydney Chinese Embassy located in the heart of the city.
Middle-Eastern Culture
- Sydney also has a strong Middle Eastern influence, and a high proportion of Lebanese, Turkish and Persian people call the city home.
- This means that not only is there a diversity of religion and custom which is beneficial to any society, but there is a range of high quality Middle-Eastern restaurants for everyone to enjoy.
- Abdul’s in Surry Hills is our pick—with belly-dancing, a three-course banquet for $25 per person and private booths where you can sit on cushions and drink Turkish coffee, it’s one of the best places to enjoy a Friday or Saturday night.
Jewish Culture
- Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs have long been the spiritual and actual home of the city’s orthodox Jewish population.
- Many Jewish families from South Africa in particular emigrated to Australia during apartheid and joined family and friends in Bondi, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Vaucluse
- This brings a great opportunity for cultural awareness to people not of the Jewish faith living in Bondi, as orthodox Jews honour the Sabbath, do not drive between sun-down on Friday night and Sun-down on Saturday night, and have certain dress customs that they honour when in public.
- This means that supermarkets in the area have dedicated kosher sections, as well as their being several great kosher cafes, butchers and bakeries that welcome everyone.
While most Sydney apartments and hotels are located in the city centre, you don’t have to go far to see examples of multiculturalism in Sydney. Embracing this multiculturalism and learning about the way different cultures have shaped Sydney, Australia will be a huge benefit to your trip.