THE iconic landmark of Sydney is of course the famous and beautiful Sydney Opera House.
The spectacular architecture of the building is a must-see for everyone who visits Sydney.
The architect is the Danish Utzon. He said the design was inspired by the simple act of peeling an orange. The 14 shells of the building, if combined, would form a perfect sphere.
During the construction period, Utzon got into conflict with the minister. He resigned and after he left, the cost rose from 23 million AUD to 103 million!
A construction history filled with problems, costs and conflicts, but in the end leading to one of the most spectacular buildings in the world, I think.
Sydney Opera House - a photogenic landmark
The Opera House is beautiful from afar and from close by.
It’s angles and architecture make it highly photogenic.
For the photography enthusiasts amongst you: bring different lenses and try to visit during different hours of the day and in different weather circumstances. Although I have to say, that it looses a lot of it’s beauty on a grey, gloomy day. The reflection of light on the sails is a crucial element in highlighting it’s beauty, I find.
The best locations to look at Sydney Opera House from afar
For good views of the Sydney Opera House as a whole, it’s best to go away from it:
- go up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, preferably on top of it’s Pylon Lookout.
- admire the view from Mrs Macquarie’s Point. It’s beautiful out there!
- cross the water with a ferry and look back to the Opera House from the ferry and later on from somewhere on the North Shores.
- have a beer and a look from the rooftop bar of the Glenmore Hotel in the Rocks
- have a coffee or lunch at the rooftop cafe from the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Australia). It’s free. No, not the coffee or lunch, but the museum and the views are! And it’s a very interesting museum.
- visit the viewing deck at the Sydney Tower, the Sydney Tower Eye. This gives you views of the whole city.
- and last but not least: look at it from above. A bird’s eye view, so to speak, like this seagull has every day.
How? Take a helicopter tour. I have never done that…yet;-), so if you do, tell me all about it afterwards, will you?
A closer look at the Sydney Opera House
For a closer look, walk around it and look at it from different levels. There are stairs and platforms around the Sydney Opera House. Use them, to see the building in different ways.
There is a row of eateries and bars in front of the Opera House, but I must say that I find the seagulls there obnoxious and the restaurants expensive and touristy. Not my cup of tea.
If you like to see the inside of the building, the best way is to join one of the guided tours, like the Sydney Opera House Tour or the Backstage Tour, which I have never gotten around to yet. Next time;-)
Sydney Opera House at it’s best!
Last but not least, experience the Opera House by attending one of it’s events, like an opera…duh…
The best, most fantastic way to enjoy the Sydney Opera House is on the 31st of december. Round up some friends, prepare a picnic and/or a ‘barbie’, go early to find a spot around the harbour to lay out your picnic cloth. Choose a spot with a good view of both the bridge and the Opera House. Have fun, drink champagne and wait for the fireworks at midnight. Believe me; been there, done that, and it is AWESOOOOOME!!!
If you have a boat or ship and are allowed to ly in the harbour, then you have a prime spot, of course. I have seen people doing this and it seemed very cool to me! No crowd around you and nothing to block your view. On the other hand it’s also special to be amidst the crowd and feel the vibe there.
Picture by Hai Ling Truong
Another fabulous event must be the yearly festival VividSydney, when the ‘sails’ of the Opera House are used as screens for colorful projections and animations. Hopefully I will be able to see that with my own eyes one day.
Picture by Doug Beckers during VividSydney 2013.
Take a selfie or welfie!
When you visit Sydney, I hope that you will enjoy the Sydney Opera House and that you come home with some great memories AND pictures. Don’t forget to make a selfie or welfie !!!! Like these girls:
Have you seen the Sydney Opera House? Did you like it? Any tips on how to enjoy it most?
What a beautiful building and what a beautiful bridge. Especially at December 31. The projection of art on the sails is spectacular.
Thanks for showing.
Greetje
Yes, I hope to see that with my own eyes one day! Very cool!
I do read your replies, you know. Although it would be easier if your reply was sent to my emailbox haha.
Tell me about it. One of the many issues that I do not succeed to solve and that I cannot find anybody for to solve it for me.