Sydney Specialty Attractions

The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's busiest arts venues. It is open to the public, and guided tours are also available. It is the product of an international design contest that was won by Joern Utzon in 1956. The structure, inspired by sails, palm trees, madarins and more, took 17 years to complete, and came in at a cost of $102 million. There are five performance spaces, with the Concert Hall being used primarily for orchestral performances, the Opera Hall for opera and dance, and there is also spaces for theatrical performances.

ScreenSound Australia is the home of the national Screen and Sound Archive. There are several permananent exhibits, including one featuring 100 years of Australian film, television, radio, and recorded sound pieces. There are film clips, sound bites, interactives, photographs, and historical objects highlighting the transitions in the country's recorded history.

More than 200 years ago, Captain Arthur Phillip decided that Sydney Cove was the most suitable place to site the new penal colony. Parts of the original Rocks area are preserved including the historic Susannah Place and Cadman's Cottage, one of Sydney's oldest surviving buildings.

Sydney Harbour, officially called Port Jackson, has been an important part of this city since it's inception. In addition to being Sydney's main port, the harbour also hosts a variety of recreational opportunities. The harbour includes the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and several beaches and inlets. The best way to view the entire harbour is to join a sightseeing cruise.

Built between 1815 and 1816, Cadman's Cottage is Sydney's oldest house. The building's survival is attributed to constant government or institutional ownership.