See The Sydney Opera House
Ticked off in March 2008
The white sails of the world's most recognisable building, glowing over Sydney Harbour as ferries criss-cross below.
The adventure
Arrive by ferry into Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House rises right out of the harbour, its shell-shaped roofs gleaming white against the blue water, with the arch of the Harbour Bridge just behind. It looks just like every photo you have seen, and then even better, because up close you notice the roof is covered in more than a million cream and white tiles that shift colour with the light.
Take a guided tour to step inside the concert hall, all soaring white birch timber, and hear the story of Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who left the project before it was finished and never returned to see it. Better still, book a show and climb the grand steps in the evening, or come in late May or June for Vivid Sydney, when the sails are lit with giant projections.
Why it’s epic
- Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973.
- The roof is covered in more than a million self-cleaning tiles.
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, one of the youngest buildings ever listed.
- During Vivid Sydney the sails become a giant canvas for light projections.
What it is
The Sydney Opera House, with its sail-shaped roofs, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to do it
Take a guided tour inside or book a performance, then walk around Circular Quay to the Harbour Bridge.
Top tip
Mrs Macquarie's Chair gives the classic view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge together.
Need to know
- Guided tours run daily, but performances and backstage tours sell out, so book ahead.
- UK visitors need an Australian eVisitor visa or ETA before travelling.
- Sydney's summer (December to February) is hot and busy; spring and autumn are milder and quieter.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- £2,000 to £5,000 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time to go
- All year
- Fly into
- SYD airport
Flights to Australia are the main cost; tours and many shows are reasonably priced.
Do it yourself
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My experience
Ticked off, but the full story is still to be written up.
Over to you
Is “See The Sydney Opera House” on your bucket list, or have you already done it? Tell me in the comments, and if you've got a question about it, ask away and I'll answer.