What are the geographical coordinates of Sydney, Australia?

Travel Destinations

By Kristy Tolley

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is one of the largest and most populous cities in Australia. Located on the east coast of the country, it is the capital of the state of New South Wales. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, and vibrant cultural scene.

What are Geographical Coordinates?

Geographical coordinates are a set of numbers that define a specific location on the Earth’s surface. They are made up of two components: latitude and longitude. These coordinates are used to pinpoint any location on the planet and are essential for navigation, mapping, and scientific research.

Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and longitude are the two components of geographical coordinates. Latitude is the measurement of a location’s distance from the equator, while longitude is the measurement of a location’s distance from the prime meridian. Latitude is expressed in degrees north or south of the equator, while longitude is expressed in degrees east or west of the prime meridian.

What is the Latitude of Sydney?

The latitude of Sydney is 33.8688° S. This means that the city is located 33.8688 degrees south of the Earth’s equator. The equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth and divides it into the northern and southern hemispheres.

What is the Longitude of Sydney?

The longitude of Sydney is 151.2093° E. This means that the city is located 151.2093 degrees east of the Earth’s prime meridian. The prime meridian is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and passes through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England.

How are Coordinates Determined?

Geographical coordinates are determined using a range of techniques, including satellite systems like GPS, as well as traditional methods like sextants and astronomical observations. GPS is the most widely used method for determining coordinates today, as it is accurate, reliable, and readily available.

Importance of Coordinates

Geographical coordinates are essential for navigation, mapping, and scientific research. They help us to pinpoint specific locations on the planet and to navigate the oceans and skies with precision. They are also used to create maps, track weather patterns, study the Earth’s atmosphere and climate, and explore other planets and moons in our solar system.

Sydney’s Prime Meridian

Sydney is located to the east of the prime meridian, which runs through Greenwich, England. This means that Sydney is located in the eastern hemisphere of the Earth.

Sydney’s Equator

Sydney is located south of the equator, which means that it is located in the southern hemisphere of the Earth.

Other Major Cities in Australia

Australia is home to several other major cities, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra. Each of these cities has its own unique geographical coordinates, which are important for navigation and scientific research.

Conclusion: Sydney’s Coordinates

In conclusion, the geographical coordinates of Sydney, Australia are 33.8688° S latitude and 151.2093° E longitude. These coordinates are essential for navigation, mapping, and scientific research, and help to pinpoint the location of this vibrant and iconic city on the east coast of Australia.

References and Further Reading

  • Geographical Coordinates: Definition and Explanation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.geolounge.com/geographical-coordinates-definition-and-explanation/
  • Latitude and Longitude. (n.d.). Retrieved from
  • Sydney. (n.d.). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from
  • What are geographic coordinates? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gps-coordinates.net/what-are-geographic-coordinates
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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