When in Sydney, there are few things more touristy than visiting the world-famous Sydney Opera House. And yet, there’s a reason that people come from all across the globe to behold this oddball architectural structure that has become the iconic image most associated with Harbor Town. While there are plenty of other sights to see in this city of four million that is bordered on one side by water and on the other by gorgeous, forested mountains, and a plethora of activities and attractions for the resident or tourist looking to hit a club, sample local wine, learn some history, or enjoy the great weather, you can experience all of that rolled into one venue if you visit the Sydney Opera House. Here are the top five reasons to plan your trip today.
1. Architecture. The award-winning design of this unique building is both organic and precisely geometric at the same time. The expressionist style of the structure might seem more at home on a canvas if it weren’t so beautifully crafted in three dimensions. With a series of descending concrete “shells” for a roof, there’s simply no other building in the world quite like it. And whether you’ve seen it before in print or media, or this is your first experience gazing upon it, you’re sure to marvel at both the oddity and the aquiline beauty presented by the sleek curvature of the nested domes.
2. History. The structure was originally imagined in 1957 by Swedish architect Jørn Utzon for a design competition (which Utzon won, giving him the chance to build this now-celebrated landmark) and finally erected in 1973 (at an astronomical cost of $102 million). The architect said he got the idea for the shells from peeling an orange. Subsequently, Utzon was awarded the Pritzker Prize for architecture in 2003, with the Sydney Opera House being cited as his masterpiece. The building itself became a UNESCO World Heritage Site on its 25th birthday in 2007. Learn more on a tour of the venue.
3. View. Situated as it is on the harbor, surrounded by water on three sides, there are few locales in Sydney that boast better views. And with an open-air amphitheater (amongst other stages) that looks out over the Sydney Harbor, you can enjoy the performance of a lifetime, complete with both entertainment on the stage and a gorgeous, scenic view of the water.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens. If you’re looking for a little added value when you visit the opera house (not that you need it), think about doing a day trip to see the adjacent botanic garden, a true gem that houses some of the most beautiful flora and fauna Australia has to offer. You can cycle or hike around the expansive grounds, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of nature on display, then easily hop over to the opera house for an evening performance.
5. Shows. The name may give you pause, thinking that all you’re going to get is some old-school opera or ballet, but although the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Ballet both perform regularly, you’re just as likely to score tickets to a jazz festival, a dramatic play, or the hottest pop concert of the season.
Jamie Ryan writes for Mauritius where you can plan your next exciting vacation.