Sydney: Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and More

Last year, well before Christmas I published a series of posts on Sydney. It has just come to my attention that I didn’t publish the final one on the most iconic of Australian landmarks – the Sydney Opera House. So finally, here it is…

Sydney Opera House

When someone mentions Sydney, or even Australia, it is the Sydney Opera House that comes to mind. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily one of the most iconic of structures – much like the Eiffel Tower of Paris. Perfectly situated at the end of Circular Quay and on the expansive Sydney Harbour, it defines Sydney.

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the facility formally opened on 20 October 1973 after years of engineering and construction woes with resulting escalating costs. For example, the technical challenge of how to construct the roof sails alone took 4 years to solve.

I have been to Sydney several times and each time I am there I take pictures of the Opera House. It draws your attention by day or night. Here are a few of my favorites.

Front of Opera House

Sydney Opera House reflections

Opera House lights up the night

Sydney Opera House on the Harbour

Sydney Opera House and CBD

Opera House back view

Australia Day

The place to be for any special event is the Circular Quay on the Sydney Harbour, with the Sydney Opera House front and center. Ed and I traveled to Sydney one year to celebrate Australia Day. What a wonderful day. We wandered around the Quay enjoying the crowds. We had to wait several hours, but it was so exciting to watch the tall ships come in, the decorated yachts and small boats traveling around the harbour and planes and helicopters traveling overhead. Later, that afternoon, we attended an afternoon opera performance.

Opera House and Opera Bar

: Ed by Opera Bar and Opera House

: Attending afternoon opera

Watching Tall Ships come in

Tall Ships Australia Day

Decorated floats

Darling Harbour

Later that evening we made our way over to next door neighbor Darling Harbour to end the day watching fireworks.

Darling Harbour

Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour

Australia Day Darling Harbour

CARnivale

During the day we wandered along the city streets walking through what seemed like miles of old cars on display for the Australia Day celebrations. It really was fascinating to see these cars from bygone eras, which had been lovingly restored by proud owners.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Also front stage at this harbour location is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It demands attention. Not only is it an agent for vehicular travel, it is a tourist destination in its own right, offering climbing opportunities and always a beautiful view by day or by night …