First published: 24/03/18.

Clyde 3.5

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House (Inscribed)

Sydney Opera House by Clyde

I visited this WHS in January 2018 and literally viewed this landmark from every angle imaginable over 5 days I spent in Sydney. My better half spoilt me rotten for my birthday by booking a great room with a view just opposite the Sydney Opera House (SOH) so I had an excellent view at different times of the day. Sunset and Nighttime views were my favourite.

Already when landing from Uluru, I had a great view of Sydney Harbour and the SOH. There are several viewpoints of this rather modern building but my favourite were from Mrs Macquarie's Chair Lookout, from the Circular Quay Station or the Overseas Passenger Terminal and from the ferry itself (heading towards Cockatoo Island or just opposite to the Luna Park) and from the Pylon Lookout (the view from the entrance - 200 steps below - is just as fabulous and free of charge) on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

While heading towards Mrs Macquarie's Chair Lookout I followed the interesting Sydney Heritage Walk and while heading towards the Harbour Bridge I followed Cahill Walk. Every day at sunset and at 9pm there's a year-round free spectacular seven minute projection, illuminating the Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sail at sunset and 9pm. It's called Badu Gili and it is best viewed from the Podium at the top of the Monumental Steps.

The Sydney Opera House started to be built in 1957 and it opened officially on 20th October 1973. The site had been occupied previously by Fort Macquarie, completed in 1821, and by a train depot which opened in 1903. The interior surely does not match its spectacular and iconic exterior. It's also quite expensive for a 45 minute to 1 hour guided tour and always pretty busy. Strangely enough, there's no UNESCO inscription plaque but only an information board displaying the SOH's inscription on the WH list. This is just in front of one of the lamp-posts before reaching the SOH itself (when coming from the Circular Quay Station).

Apart from the mindboggling views from our room, other unforgettable moments were the cool outdoor cinema at sunset with the SOH and harbour as a gorgeous background as well as kayaking in Sydney Harbour (photo) - luckily avoiding any close encounters with the countless jellyfish and the occasional/rare bull shark.

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