Sydney House, London

Advantages: It is a wonder of the World
Disadvantages: Not Applicable

...The Sydney Opera House, is an absolutely fantastic spectacle of the southern hemisphere and really just outlines how great Australia is. The Sydney opera house with its distinctive sculptural shells, must be one of the architectural masterpieces of the modern era. Every year, around 4.5 million tourists come to see it which istwice the number that visit the White House. It is the result of an international design contest won by Danish architect Joern Utzon in 1956, the massive structure perched on Bennelong Point (where an Aborigine named Bennelong held concerts for early colonists and natives) took nearly 17 years and $102 million to complete. Utzon, inspired by sails, mandarins, palm leaves and such, wasn't too concerned with mundanities like budgets, and left mid-project before his grand interior vision was realised. Hence... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: If you've not been there you've not been to Australia
Disadvantages: Every other tourist in Australia is there

...Sydney opera house is a wonder of the modern world. It was built in 1973, cost over $100 millian Austrailian dollars and was paid for in 18months by the the 'Lotto' obsessed australian public. Walking tours take about 30 minutes, you need to be able to climb steps and it costs about £5 to £10. The tours are very interesting and sitting in a couple of the theatres is amazing. You also get amazing views of sydney harbour. Just after the shell was built the builders fell out with the architect who until very recently would have nothing to do with the opera house. The interior is built independant of its famous exterior and they are now in the middle of renovations to complete it as it should have been now that the orignial architect is back working with them. It a pretty amazing building to say the least. When I was out in Oz about... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Awesome place/great photo opportunities!
Disadvantages: I was jet lagged when we saw it!

..., me and a small group went right up to Sydney opera house and were just standing there admiring it when a pleasant Aussie chap came over and offered to take a group picture of all of us. He also insisted on taking a picture with all 6 of our camera's, which was really nice of him and it just makes the experience so much more enjoyable. I'm sure if this was in London, you wouldn't just give a local stranger 6 smart camera's which really does show the trust and community spirit which Sydney has! Although a bit expensive walking around Sydney is an awesome experience everything seems so laid back and relaxed, there isn't much pollution/rough areas and it just seems like everyone is happy there. We then walked up to the top of a little hill, again wonderful views, and a chance for us to paddle our feet in the warm waters of the Pacific... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful