[From Yahoo!7, where the story includes a 1:24 minute video; much more information, including a press release, a video and more images, is available here]

Virtual Sydney tour to attract tourists

Damien Smith, 7News Sydney Updated February 20, 2013

FIRST ON 7: Sydney has a powerful new tool to attract tourists and their dollars.

Before coming here, potential travellers can now have virtual visits, putting themselves in the picture by going online to experience our Harbour city with 360 degree views.

Anyone, no matter where they are in the world, can see our sights over the internet as if they are controlling a camera in the sky.

Sandra Chipchase from Destination New South Wales says it could be a world first.

“People have variations of 360 but not like this, [it’s] the first gyro-copter cam to be used,” Ms Chipchase said.

You can even upload a photo of yourself and see what it’s like to go surfing in Bondi.

“It’s an experience which we hope will entice them to Australia and entice them to New South Wales,” Tourism Minister George Souris said.

It’s predicted up to 4 million people will visit the site.

To find out more visit Sydney 360.