I've been in Sydney for more than 2 years but hardly go to Sydney Centre. Simply because I don't like noisy and crowded places, especially around this area with a lot of tourists and restaurants. Due to the pandemic, while Sydney centre is fairly quiet at the moment, with the majority of people being locals or people who have come here to study and work, I would like to spend more time wandering around the central area and admiring the city's typical beauty. Here at this place, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge should definitely be on the check-in list, which I would like to introduce to you today. A local friend once told me, if you come to Sydney and haven't been to the Opera House area, it means you haven't really been to Sydney. Up to this point, I believe his statement is true. Sydney Opera House is not only a symbol of the city, but also a source of pride for Sydney. Now let's appreciate the beauty of these two icons with some photos and information that I've consolidated below.
Sydney Opera House
I was always impressed by the images of the Opera House in Australian magazines and advertisements before I ever visited Australia. There is a special thing about this architecture: you can see its unique features from any angle. This is considered a typical symbol of Australia in general and Sydney city in particular. Located in the famous Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House is a unique structure in the world with the shape of a scallop or a sail. This theater is a famous performing arts venue. In addition to being a theater, the venue is also an ideal place for weddings, conferences, events, and parties.
When the Opera House concept design contest was launched in 1965, a lot of ideas from many architects around the world were submitted. It's so interesting to know that it took 17 years to get to the final decision on the Sydney Opera House that exists today. I have consolidated 4 ideas that were in the top 5 as below if you're curious about that.
In 1973, the magnificent Sydney Opera House opened to the public after 10 years of construction. This was designed by the extremely talented and famous Danish architect Jorn Utzon. With its design to let wind blow inside, the whole building is conditioned by natural air. The roof is covered with 1,056 million tiles imported from Sweden with self-cleaning ability. Often called a masterpiece of 20th century architecture, it is one of the most famous and distinctive buildings in the world.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Also located in the heart of Sydney, from the Harbour Bridge, we can admire the impressive view of the Sydney Opera House. Sydney is known as one of the largest fireworks display venues in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year. And this bridge is the place which is celebrated New Year's Fireworks annually.
Harbour Bridge is considered Australia's most prominent feature. It is also one of the largest steel bridges (though not the longest) in the world. Visitors to Australia always wish to take a picture with this ancient structure. Built on July 28, 1923, with more than 1500 workers working on this project each year. It took nearly 8 years to complete the construction. Harbour bridge was put into operation on March 19, 1932.
Painting the bridge has become an endless task. The amount of paint needed for one coat is about 80,000 litres (21,000 gallons), which is enough to cover about 60 soccer fields. After construction is completed, the bridge has a total length of 1,149 meters for both access points and a length of 503 meters for the arch. The top of the arch is 134 meters above sea level and the bridge width for transport is 49 meters wide. There are plenty of views of this iconic landmark from Sydney's CBD side if you walk through areas such as the Opera House, The Rocks, and Barangaroo Reserve. To fully experience the bridge, we can also walk along the bridge, book a tour to climb the bridge, or drive along the bridge. Each option will bring different views which are all interesting, and at some point, it is breathtaking.
It is not surprising that there are so many restaurants around this area with a view overlooking the Harbour Bridge. Imagine sitting there with a cool beer in a hot summer day, with a view of the Parramatta river, and the ancient bridge with its unique architecture. Having just that much to relax after a long day at work is more than enough.
These days Sydney is quite deserted because there are no tourists and the pandemic situation is also quite stressful. If someone asked me if I liked this quiet before, I would not hesitate to reply yes, but at the moment, I just hope the epidemic ends soon so that all the businesses and activities can return to normal so everyone can hang out freely and enjoy the festive atmosphere together.
Thank you for visiting my Blog. Wherever you are on the world, I also wish you safe and sound!!!
