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Sydney Opera House
By Steve Willard
The Sydney Opera House is synonymous with Sydney and never fails to impress visitors to Australia with its curious white sail-like semi conical segments. Its sails glitter and shine a brilliant white on sunny days when viewed from afar. Get up close and the perspective changes to one of a massive building covered in millions of small cream-white ceramic tiles.
A five minute walk from Circular Quay, the Opera House is perched on the tip of Bennelong Point, directly opposite the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visitors can wander the grounds for free and explore the Opera House up close. Arguably however the Opera House looks best when viewed from a distance.
The site now occupied by the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, was home to the convict-built Fort Macquarie from 1821 until the early 1900's. The old fort was demolished and the site was used as a tram depot until it was also demolished in 1958.
A competition was held in 1956 to design a new opera house to be constructed on the site. The winner - Danish Architect Jern Utzon - was announced in January 1957.
The design was controversial with many changes and modifications along the way. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1973. The Sydney Opera House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth on 20 October, 1973.
The Opera House is home to many of Sydney's premium opera and stage shows, both contemporary and classic. You can take in a show or just wander around the complex, taking advantage of one of the regular tours available from the front reception desk.
Inside, the Opera House features a Concert Hall able to seat over 2600 people and an impressive Opera Theatre with an orchestra pit with a capacity to seat over 1500 people. There is also a Drama Theatre, Playhouse, Studio for contemporary performing arts, the Utzon Room (reception hall) and an Exhibition Hall. Outside is the Forecourt, a venue with fabulous views and the scene of many outdoor concerts.
To truly appreciate the design of the Opera House, it is recommended that you view it from near the Harbour Bridge on the opposite side of the Harbour, as well as from the front from a ferry or water taxi. Then take a close up look and maybe catch a show there !
If you need a hotel room or resort for your stay, check out our great rates on Sydney Hotels.
Photos of the Sydney Opera House - Click on a thumbnail below to view the full sized image.
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