Aussie’s Travel Tips
July 9, 2013 – What image first comes to mind when you think of Sydney, Australia? It’s likely to be the Sydney Opera House, perhaps the most iconic symbol of Sydney, the province of New South Wales and Australia itself. Opened in October 1973, the Opera House has entertained more than 65 million people with opera, music, dance, theater and more.
Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, the Opera House is the youngest cultural site to make the UNESCO World Heritage list. The roof structures, which some see as shells or the sails of a ship, are covered with more than one million white and cream tiles in a subtle pattern. Pink granite covers much of the rest of the exterior, except for the large window walls fronting the foyers. The interior includes multiple theaters and function rooms, as well as a recording studio, restaurants and shops. Behind-the-scenes tours are available to show you how it all works.
The Opera House is on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbor, across Sydney Cove from the graceful Sydney Harbor Bridge. Between the Opera House and the bridge is the Circular Quay (pronounced like “key”), a neighborhood of pedestrian malls and parks, as well as the recently redeveloped Museum of Contemporary Art. The quay is the focal point for many of Sydney’s celebrations, including the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks, and is a good place to catch a ferry, bus or train to other parts ofSydney. Right next to the quay is The Rocks, a historic area named for the buildings made of local sandstone. It’s also home to countless restaurants lining the water and the Park Hyatt Sydney hotel, which offers unbeatable views of the Opera House.
The Opera House will have a full schedule of events during its upcoming 40th anniversary. In addition to the Australian Ballet’s “Once Upon a Time,” the Sydney Theater Company’s modern take on “Romeo and Juliet” and Opera Australia’s “South Pacific,” there will be a Gala Birthday Concert on Oct. 27. The Danish origin of the Opera House design will be represented by Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark, who will serve as patrons of the 40th anniversary and a new design exhibition, Danish Rooms@the Opera House.
To enjoy the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House and all thatSydney has to offer, talk with your travel professional.
This travel column was written by BlueRibbonNews.com special contributor Robbert van Bloemendaal, an experienced world traveler, native of Australia, an Ambassador with the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce, and president of Travel Leaders of Rowlett.
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