Sydney Opera House
Visiting the Sydney Opera House is a highlight of any trip to the city. This famous landmark, as recognizable as the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty, draws visitors from around the world. We went twice during our stay, taking time to appreciate both its architecture and the beautiful surroundings.
The Opera House looks most impressive from a distance. Its white roof shells – though designed to resemble sails – create a stunning silhouette against the harbor. Up close, the magic fades slightly as you notice the rough texture of the tiles. The real beauty lies in its setting – the sparkling blue water, green parkland, and the imposing Harbour Bridge nearby. Locals call it “The Shell,” which feels more fitting than its official name.
For the best experience, don’t just walk up to it. Cross the bay to a spot called The Rock for perfect photos, or take a ferry along the Parramatta River. From the water, you’ll see the Opera House in all its glory, with the shells looking like a family – large and small – glowing in the sunlight. My wife joked about seeing “parent shells and baby shells” clustered together. The ferry view is unbeatable, and anyone can take great pictures from this angle.
We considered taking the official tour but changed our minds after reading reviews. At AU$37 for an hour, many visitors said it wasn’t worth it – just a quick walk through a performance space and two short films about the building’s history. One reviewer warned bluntly: “Don’t waste your money!” Instead, we enjoyed walking around the exterior.
Nearby, the Harbour Bridge offers its own attraction. Nicknamed “The Coat Hanger” for its shape, you can actually climb it for AU$155-175. It’s expensive, but a traveler told us tickets sell out a month in advance during peak season. If we return, we might try this instead – it sounds more exciting than the Opera House tour.
We noticed some odd details during our visit. Potted lemon trees near the entrance had fruits suspiciously wired to branches – were they fake? A shiny blue Maserati worth over $100,000 was displayed near the entrance with no explanation, just ropes keeping visitors away. It seemed like another way to make money from the landmark.
The Opera House is worth seeing, but the full experience includes the harbor, bridge, and ferry rides. For something truly memorable, consider the bridge climb instead of the Opera House tour. Sydney knows how to showcase its landmarks – and how to charge for the privilege. Next time, we’ll be ready to spend a little more for those breathtaking views.
