Sydney Opera House

Like many large public projects, the building of the Sydney Opera House was bathed in controversy. But the final result is nonetheless breathtaking. While the interior has many flaws, such as the stage being blocked from portions of the seating area, inside and out it’s an 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.

Australia Surrounding Make for a Romantic Holiday

When couples start to plan a romantic getaway or honeymoon, they often neglect to consider Australia. What many do not know is that Australia is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world.

The Gold Coast of Australia is a beautiful, scenic location that provides all the sights and sounds of a romantic getaway. Filled with the most incredible white sand beaches, and some of the most spectacular natural surroundings makes this the perfect escape from reality and one of the most romantic locations in the world.

There is much to do, no matter what type of couple you are. If you are a couple that enjoys adventurous activities there is surfing and snorkeling. For couples that like to just kick back and relax you can rest on the beach and listen to the waves as they hit the shore line. The beachfront is 70km, with lifeguards spread about for your safety. Each morning they will place flags on different areas of the beach to let you know what parts are safe to swim, good for surfing, should be avoided, and more.

If you do not want to spend your entire vacation on the beach there are many other areas for you to visit and enjoy. Surfers Paradise is great for excitement, food and drinks. It is a more touristy area, and tends to get crowded. If you want to enjoy a more quite and romantic day you can tour some of the local wineries, galleries and museums.

In this region, when the sun goes down, you will also experience some of the hottest entertainment in the universe as you stroll from nightclub to nightclub, experiencing the diversity of this region and all that it has to offer the unsuspecting tourists.

Whether you choose to stay at one of the luxury beachfront resorts or stay further inland at a place nestled in the rainforest, you are sure to find that Australia is a true paradise. Once you visit the Gold Coast of Australia, you will want to return year after year to this exotic location and soak up all the culture, relaxation and nightlife that this country has to offer. It truly is the experience of a lifetime!

For knowledgeable information on the Gold Coast and surfers paradise accommodation check out the knowledgeable articles by Cordelia Kennedy. Ms. Kennedy will be able to help you with finding suitable surfers paradise hotels, for your holiday needs.

Sydney – Australian National Maritime Museum

As the natives say, the ANMM is chock-a-block full of things to see and do, all relating to Australia’s relationship with the sea. The contents are no big surprise, considering that 90% of the descendants of European ancestry that settled this island live within about 60km of the shore.

The structure is reminiscent of a lowered, scaled-down version of the Sydney Opera house with its sail motif. And a well chosen architectural theme it is, given what’s on display.

The six galleries making up the museum, and the contents outside as well, offer everything from figureheads and model ships to brass hardware, antique racing yachts to the jet-powered Spirit of Australia. The latter has held the world water speed record, for going on 30 years. Another award winner, the double scull Barcelona used to win the Olympic Games gold medal is there as well.

A recent addition, the USA Gallery, houses artifacts from the Smithsonian and elsewhere from the United States.

An open-air section offers several vessels tied up at the wharves nearby the museum, including a WWII destroyer and the HMAS Vampire, a Royal Australian Navy destroyer. There’s an Oberon Class submarine from 1968 as well as the lightship Carpentaria from 1917. A merchant ship, the James Craig, built in 1874 is housed there, too.

Not all the works are original, but even the replicas are fascinating. Captain James Cook’s ship Discovery has been re-created and has recently returned after an 11 year voyage around the seas.

Another, the Endeavour, has also recently come home after a trip to Melbourne. Entries from the captain’s log are available at the website.

Visitors can get a feel for what life was like on the convict ships that sailed from Britain to Australia. They can see how Australia’s first submarine fought at Gallipoli in WWI. Tourists can see a Vietnamese refugee boat that carried its passengers all the way to the shores of Australia and a racing cutter from 1888.

The James Craig, an iron-hulled, square rigger is open to visitors. Carefully restored over the last 20 years it still sails the harbor from time to time.

The history of Australia goes back much further than the landing of Captain Cook’s ship at Port Jackson, however. The museum also has many displays depicting how the native Aborigines traded with their Asian ‘neighbors’.

There are videos and guided tours that both educate and entertain along with photographic exhibits and computer games. Kids can find out how a lighthouse works with a hands-on display of the lens and light mechanism.

The ANNM is located at 2 Murray Street Darling Harbour. Visit www.anmm.gov.au for details on hours and admission prices. Basic admission is free, but there are varying charges depending on which and how many ships you want to explore.

For ideas on things to do in Sydney, check out these Sydney Sightseeing Tour ideas.