Sydney Opera house is located on the eastern headland of Circular Quay just a few minutes from the train station. It is made up of 1,056,000 Swedish tiles on the roof, which are off white and are self-cleaning. Construction began in 1959 after a Danish architect Jorn Utzon won an international design competition for the $7 million building. In 1966 Utzon quit after political interference leaving Australian architects to design the interior costing $102million. He has never seen the building completed. Utzon who is now in his eighties has announced to refurbish the interior and he has high hopes that it will be full of colour rather than a black hole. His son comes to Australia to oversee any developments. It was finally was completed against all odds and after several disagreements in 1973. It now is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world with different plays being shown all the time. There is always something new happening at the Opera house. It is an icon of Australia!
To view the outside of the Opera House is free. You can walk around it at Circular Quay and up to it and into the reception and shop for free. If you want to see the interior there is a tour you can take. The best views are early in the morning during the week as there is fewer tourists, in fact some mornings there may be only a handful of people or no-one at all.
You can view the Opera house from several different locations:
The Rocks has a great view especially when the sun it setting as you can view the Opera House from the side. It is also free, you can have some lunch in one of the cafes overlooking the Opera House. There is an observation deck here where there is lots of restaurants, which you can walk up to and get an elevated view.
Taking the boat to Manly cost $12.80 and is cheaper than a cruise. You will get to see the same views of the Opera House only with fewer tourists and at a fraction of the cost. This will give you a 270-degree view of the building and walking around it you can see the rest. You will have the added bonus of being able to see the Harbour Bridge and you can get a photograph of both the bridge and Opera House together.
Personally I didn't get the boat from Parammatta but this is another cheaper option to see it. The boat journey will take you under the bridge. It is a longer journey to do. The reason why I chose to go to Manly as it has a lovely beach to see once you get to the other side.
If you go for a walk in the Botanical Gardens you can see the Opera House along your way it gives some fantastic views. It will give you a view of the right hand side of the building. You will have the Harbour Bridge in your view as well.
The Famous front view of the Opera House can be seen from Luna Park (north sydney). We chose to go here as we got to see the amusement park as well. You will have a closer view of the Harbour Bridge but the Opera House will be in the background.
Walking over the Harbour Bridge gives you great elevated views of the Opera House you will be able to see the Harbour and skyline as well. The walk itself is free but if you want to go up onto the watchtowers on the Bridge there will be a small cost. Or if you dare to do the Bridge climb you will have to pay and it is expensive, plus once you are up there you can't take pictures as you are not allowed to bring a camera with you for health and safety reasons.
The Train Station coming into Circular Quay is where I got my first view of the Opera House. There are lots of newsagents and shops here to keep you occupied. Sometimes outside the station there will be Aboriginal performances held.
When I was in Sydney I did a tour of the inside of the Opera House and I felt it was worthwhile as I had went the whole way to Australia I thought it would be a shame to not see the inside. The tour lasted and hour and gave you some history on the building. Short films were played on the walls of the Opera House telling you its story. You got to see inside some of the theatres where shows to suit everyone's taste and age are performed. Shows from opera to circus, rock and cabaret are staged each year to audiences of around 1.5 million. We got to see the theatre where the Australian Idol's finale is held. To be honest I was surprised how small it was, in fact all of the theatres where smaller than I expected. On the television it looks larger in my opinion. It is very busy with people bustling around getting ready for shows being performed that evening. If I had more time I would have went to see a show as I think this would have made the experience more special. Our 1 hour tour cost $35 (roughly £17) per adult. Concession costs $24 (roughly £10), family price is $74 (roughly £36), an extra child costs $10 (roughly £5). A family ticket is 2 adults and 2 children. Concession is Australian seniors and pensioners, students, and children under 16. Tours depart daily every half an hour between 9am and 5pm.
The Opera House has facilities available for people who may need assistance. For people with poor vision there is audio description available, service animals, Braille and large print if required. People who have hearing difficulties can get assisted hearing systems, TTY and Subtitles. People who have mobility problems can have help. There is access for wheelchairs even in performances with accessible toilets provided. They will be able to get around the Opera House and there are access tours if they want to do them.
You can get to the Opera House by Sydney bus (www.sydneybuses.nsw.gov.au), Train (www.cityrail.info) and Sydney ferries (www.sydneyferries.info). A free shuttle bus is provided for elderly and less mobile customers. Seating is however limited and it is a first come first serve basis. The bus leaves from Circular Quay at Stand E in front of Wharf 2. It is a set down and pick-up point for return trips after performances.
Overall I enjoyed my visit to see the Opera house the tour wasn't as long enough but I got to see 3 theatres and find out some of the history. I'm not really sure what I expected from it in the first place. Inside you can see the great architecture up close. The views from inside are fantastic and even though some of the theatres look ordinary the main one is spectacular! It doesn't cost a lot to go and see the Opera House and I would recommend anyone who is in Sydney to go and see it.
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
