Sydney

Sydney stands on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, whose connection to Country stretches back tens of thousands of years and continues today. British colonisation began in 1788, bringing dispossession and profound change for Aboriginal peoples. Over time, Sydney grew from a colonial port into Australia's largest city.

Post-war migration reshaped the city, with communities arriving from Europe and later from across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific. Those journeys live on in its suburbs, languages, places of worship and family businesses.

Sydney's cultural calendar includes First Nations art and storytelling, Lunar New Year celebrations, Pacific performance, food festivals and neighbourhood events. Its dining scene reflects Lebanese, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Vietnamese and many other traditions, each with distinct histories in the city.

The harbour is the city's most famous stage, but Sydney's cultural identity is equally visible in its western suburbs and community hubs beyond the postcard view.

Sydney hosted the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The City2Surf, first held in 1971, draws huge crowds for a 14-kilometre journey from the city to Bondi Beach. Running trails follow waterfronts, beaches and parks; swimming, surfing, cricket and football are also part of everyday sporting life.

That love of public, participatory sport makes Sydney an evocative place in a global running story. No Diaspora Marathon race date or course has been announced for Sydney.