Touring Sydney - Places to Visit

The Sydney Opera House

Your first stop when touring Sydney should be the famous Sydney Opera House. Like many large public projects, this building  was bathed in controversy. But the final result is nonetheless a breathtaking architectural marvel.  

The exterior is now known the world over, owing to the distinctive series of overlapping 'sails' that form the basic shape. The architect says they were inspired by palm fronds, but they're technically sections of a sphere. The design is so different and astounding that the buildings have become a symbol of Australia to the whole world.

Erected onto a series of ribbed arches, the white granite surface is covered by over a million tiles, which are 'self-cleaning'. A relatively recent innovation, they're made of a stone that tends to extrude dirt which then blows off, though they still require some maintenance.

The roofs underneath are formed from over 2,000 pre-cast concrete sections. Each roof section weighs up to 15 tons and the different sections are held together by a series of tensioned steel cables, over 350km (210mi) in total length.

There are several such shells, one housing the Opera venue, another for the Concert Hall, another smaller one for theatre and others for several restaurants. The Concert Hall, seating nearly 2,700 and the Opera Theatre with over 1,500 are housed in the two largest shells. The Drama House contains 544 seats. The Playhouse, added in 1999, holds almost 400 and the Studio Theatre 364.

Sited on Bennelong Point, jutting into the harbor, the view from the steps is as spectacular as the building itself. Looking out over Sydney Harbor (technically, Port Jackson) one can readily see the equally distinctive and iconic bridge, along with the lush green hills.

The interior is also quite impressive. Though, to its detriment, the architect's original plans were scrapped mid-way through, much that was left is awe-inspiring. Begun in 1963, it encompasses five theaters, five rehearsal studios, the two main halls, four restaurants along with shops and other rooms.

Completed in 1973, over 10 years after construction began and almost seven after the original architect, Jorn Utzon resigned over numerous disputes, its final cost was more than $100M Australian. The original estimate was $7M, just one of the many sources of acrimony during the project.

But the controversy, after 30 years, is now finally winding down, with the architect invited back to supervise renovations a few years ago. Some of the interior has been re-worked to his original plans.

Today, the facility conducts tours for over 200,000 people each year through much of the facility, including a walk over the stage. Performances in the complex are attended by two million annually.

Have lunch in the Green Room then take a stroll around the steps outside. Marvel at the wonderful way in which the very high-tech looking buildings complement the natural scenery in perfect harmony.

Touring Sydney - Places to Visit

The Royal Botanic Gardens

Just a short walk from Sydney's world-famous opera house is the equally impressive, and much older, Royal Botanic Gardens. Like many other attractions in the area the gardens have a spectacular view of Sydney Harbor. The harbor is technically referred to as Port Jackson, you may see it listed this way in some brochures and on some websites.

The gardens offer a wide variety of things to see and do, with the centerpiece being the specimens themselves, of course.

The Palm House, erected in 1876, is the oldest glasshouse in New South Wales (the region of which Sydney is the capital). Sited in one of the many garden settings, it can even be used for weddings or art showings.

Lions Gate Lodge, built in 1878 and recently renovated, is a prime example of Victorian architecture. Made of sandstone, it houses a landscaped cottage garden and a paved courtyard where visitors can cool off and relax.

The gardens offer not only fine old buildings to view, but a variety of animals to complement the numerous plants. Fruit bats can often be found lounging upside down in the trees around the lake. There are several varieties of native birds in the surrounding area, including cockatoos and a Rainbow lorikeet. Parrots offer their opinions as you view the Bottlebrush bushes nearby.

Unquestionably the main attraction, though, is the many interesting species of plants and flowers throughout the extensive gardens.

One, the Titan Arum, is said to be the largest flower in the world. Blossoming atop a tuber that is up to 300 times the size of an ordinary potato, it's an amazing sight. The plants have to grow to seven years of age before flowering, but at 10 cm/day (4 in/day) you won't have to wait that long to see something interesting. Visit in the morning and come back in the afternoon to a taller plant!

With over 7,000 species visitors will definitely need more than one visit to take in even a small percentage of the total.

Since seeing all that varied beauty can be tiring, the Gardens offer a small train that tours around the different areas. Take a ride to the Maiden Theater and enjoy the turn of the 20th century courtyard. Then motor over to the Fernery and take in the large leafy samples.

Take the time to investigate the Wollemi Pine, so rare it was thought extinct since prehistoric times. Fewer than 40 specimens are known to exist now and until ten years ago the Garden's scientists kept it locked away.

Take a stroll through the Tropical Centre and take advantage of the knowledgeable staff. No matter what questions you have, you'll find it difficult to stump them.

When lunchtime draws near, wander outside and have a picnic anywhere on the expansive grounds. While you refresh, gaze around at the Sydney Harbor Bridge or the Sydney Opera House, or any of the many other sights visible from the hilltop vantage point.

 Visit - ROME  - HONG KONG - PARIS  - LONDON - CHICAGO