To relieve congestion on the Sydney Harbour Bridge , the Sydney Harbour Tunnel opened in August 1992 . The 2000 Summer Olympics were held in Sydney and became known as the " best Olympic Games ever " by the President of the International Olympic Committee . Sydney has maintained extensive political , economic and cultural influence over Australia as well as international renown in recent decades . Following the Olympics , the city hosted the 2003 Rugby World Cup , the APEC Australia 2007 and Catholic World Youth Day 2008 , led by Pope Benedict XVI
APEC Australia 2007
APEC Australia 2007
Sydney