Tag: Sydney Australia

Where in the World Are We?

In Sydney, Australia in the South Pacific Ocean

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE: AN ICON OF THE CITY

Since its inauguration in 1973, the Sydney Opera House has caught the eye of the world thanks to its bold design.
Dreamt up by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this monumental building has quickly become an iconic symbol of Australia
and modern architecture. Its genesis dates back to the 1950s when the New South Wales government launched an
international competition to design a new opera house for Sydney. Of the 255 proposals received, that of Danish
architect Jørn Utzon was chosen. Construction began in 1959, but it was not without its problems. Technical challenges,
cost overruns, and political disputes marred the construction process, even leading to Utzon’s resignation in 1966 and
the resumption of the project by local architects. In the end, the building cost 102 million Australian dollars: a far cry
from the 7 million predicted in 1957, but paid for in full before 1975 by a public lottery.

An architectural masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House is made up of several white hulls in the shape of a sail or shell
that seem to float on the water, creating an instantly recognizable silhouette that has become emblematic of the city of
Sydney. These concrete shells are covered with more than a million self-cleaning white or beige ceramic tiles made in
Sweden. But the Sydney Opera House is first and foremost… an opera house and the building is home to several world-renowned theatres and is the headquarters of the Australian Opera House, the Sydney Theatre Company, and the Sydney
Symphony Orchestra.

When it was inaugurated in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was played, but this work was far from the first to be heard within its walls: during construction, from 1960 onwards, musical lunch breaks were scheduled for the workers.

Over the decades, the Sydney Opera House has become much more than just a place of entertainment. Today, it is a
symbol of Australian identity, a cultural landmark, and an economic driver for the region attracting millions of visitors
every year from all over the world to admire the work.

QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING
The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) a heritage-listed late-nineteenth-century building contains a five-level shopping mall located in the heart of Sydney.

Opened in 1898, glorious stained glass windows and splendid architecture endure throughout the building and an original 19th-century staircase sits alongside a mighty center dome, consisting of an inner glass dome and an exterior copper-sheathed dome.

SIGHTS

• Darling Harbour
• Royal Botanic Garden
• Art Gallery of New South Wales
• Taronga Zoo Sydney
• Chinese Garden of Friendship
• Sydney Tower Eye
• Bondi Beach

Today’s Excursion – Sydney Sights, Opera House & Bondi Beach
We visited three icons of this one great city – its imposing skyline and city heart, its famous Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera
House. We took in the history and stunning views and learned about the fashionable suburbs in the east of the city.

Sightseeing Drive
We departed the pier in White’s Bay for an orientation drive through the city to a visit to the Sydney Opera House, officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 20, 1973, and one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks. We walked to the Sydney Opera House Forecourt – one of the world’s most spectacular views set below the famous white sails and the granite Monumental Steps.

The Rocks
We travelled through Sydney’s oldest village, The Rocks. This historic enclave is nestled in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and depicts the heritage of two centuries along its narrow twisting streets. We saw a splendid mix of Victorian-era buildings alongside modern-day structures.

Sydney Harbor
We continued east of the city to the most sought-after residential areas in Sydney. From Darling Point to Watson’s Bay,
the shoreline is fringed by vast mansions and expensive apartments overlooking a flotilla of yachts and cruising boats moored
along the harbor’s edge. We took in the spectacular views at The Gap at Watson’s Bay, the southern head of the entrance to Sydney Harbour.

Bondi Beach
We traveled on to Bondi Beach, a world-renowned surfing haven featuring delightful cafés and restaurants along its main streets.
We strolled along the famous promenade and enjoyed a coffee at one of the many cafés. We admired the views as we headed down the narrow streets of Paddington, which are lined with picturesque terraces framed with iron-laced balconies, sandstone houses, designer boutiques, art galleries, and cafés.

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Where in the World Are We?

In Sydney, Australia in the South Pacific Ocean

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
A VIBRANT CITY FULL OF CULTURAL SIGHTS AND EXCITING ATTRACTIONS TO EXPLORE

With its glorious harbor, lavish golden beaches, and iconic landmarks Sydney is Australia’s showpiece city. The creative
and the curious discover the world-class cuisine, indigenous culture, and irresistible beach life that make Sydney one of the
world’s most dynamic and exciting destinations.

Sydney’s sparkling harbor is the heart of a richly cultural city. Overlooked by the metallic curves of the masterpiece of
an Opera House and that grand arched harbor bridge. Take it all in from the water and admire the iconic landmarks
that are set before the city’s gleaming skyline backdrop. If you’re feeling adventurous take the legendary climb
up the smooth curve of the bridge – nicknamed the Coathanger – to soak in the shining city’s spread from a unique
perspective.

Spread out to tan on one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand – Bondi Beach. Restaurants and bars burble
away in the background while the sun beams down and surfers curl and leap over pure rollers. Swim in spectacular
salty ocean pools or wander the beautiful Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for more of this sun-gorged stretch of prime
coastline.

Leaving the thrills of Australia’s largest city behind is surprisingly simple – take to the skies to be flown above
skyscrapers and rippling ribbons of waves out to majestic peaks sheer cliffs and iconic rock formations – like the Three
Sisters of the Blue Mountains. Or drop in on wildlife sanctuaries caring for the country’s animals – from hopping
kangaroos to adorably cute cuddly koalas.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
One of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world, and listed as a World Heritage site in 2007, the Sydney Opera House is a multivenue performing arts center and a unique architectural sight that wows more than 8 million visitors annually.

SIGHTS

• Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• The Rocks
• Darling Harbour
• Queen Victoria Building
• Sydney Tower Eye

Today’s Excursion – Aussie Wildlife Express

We experienced the scenic natural beauty and wildlife of Australia during this half-day tour to Featherdale Wildlife Park, one of
Australia’s largest private collections of Australian native animals and bird life.
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Operating since 1972, Featherdale Wildlife Park houses a great variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, Australian reptiles, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and various species of Australian birds.
Billy Tea Break
On arrival at the park, we were offered a Billy Tea Break, an Aussie tea consisting of lamingtons, Anzac biscuits, and a vegemite
sampler. The Tea Break features a ‘Swaggie Talk’ which will give you a brief insight into some of our Australian traditions.
Australian Wildlife
After the tea break, we got up close and personal with the animals and hand-feed a kangaroo, a wallaby, and an emu. We saw could include dingoes, possums, owls, foxes, and Tasmanian Devils.

Circular Quay and Manly

After our exciting visit to the park, went to King’s Wharf and took the ferry to Circular Quay. Later, we took the ferry to Manly to meet a 20-year-old business friend at the Wharf Bar for a beer to catch up on the last 20 years.

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