Drawing Sydney: flatlands, chromatics and the cinematic contours of a world's global city

Drawing Sydney discusses the visual contours of a global city on the West Pacific Rim. Building on new research on city branding, the paper discusses how the "image-ability" or "idea" of the city may be gauged through visually oriented research methodologies. It is particularly concerned to offer a snapshot of the perspectives of young international visitors and sojourners, who offer fresh, and critical, perceptions of the city?s appeal and drawbacks. Focussing on paths and colour, the paper then argues that the perception of Sydney by visitors does not suggest an inherently cinematic contour. We contend that the scope of the city?s imaginary reach, especially in the perception of international visitors, appears directly suited to lifestyle and tourism.