Sydney Opera House
Fourteen troubled years in the building, and AUD95 million
over budget, the controversial sail-like roofs of Sydney's
most recognizable icon glisten against the backdrop of Sydney
Harbour. Danish architect Jorn Utzon has reportedly never
laid eyes on his masterpiece, resigning in 1966 due to political
difficulties and construction delays—it was finally
finished in 1973. It now has an impressive yearly program
of up to 3,000 contemporary and classical performances and
is a truly memorable place for theatre, opera and ballet.
Bondi Beach
A trip to Sydney is not complete without seeing this stunning
landmark, with its surfers and lifeguards who patrol the
beach every day of the week between the yellow and red flags.
The beach, roughly a kilometre long, is enclosed at the
north and south ends by headlands. Take a stroll along the
promenade and check out the pavement life--rollerbladers,
dogs with attitude, and the coolest dudes around. There
are numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as hostels,
hotels, shops, and even a small golf course.
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo has embarked on the largest single venture in
the Zoo's 87 year history - raising $10 million to build
an Asian Elephant Rainforest. Due for completion in 2005,
the huge recreation of an Asian rainforest will provide
a unique insight into the majesty and wonder of the jungle
homes of an amazing array of rare Asian wildlife including
Asian Elephants, Silvery Gibbons, Francoise Langurs, Asian
turtles and Fishing Cats. Now, by donating to the Zoo's
Asian Elephant Rainforest Appeal, you have the chance to
be as magnificent as the endangered creatures you're helping.
To become a magnificent creature or to find out more, please
visit; www.tarongafoundation.org.
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is one big showcase of fun and entertainment.
Once a thriving dockland, it was redeveloped in 1988 to
coincide with the 200th anniversary of European settlement
in Australia and began with the construction of a large
exhibition and conference centre, which has been complemented
with the addition of shops, restaurants and other attractions.
The huge waterfront tourist and leisure park literally hums
with its emphasis on family entertainment. Highlights include
Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum,
Sega World, the Chinese Garden, Star City Casino, the enormous
IMAX Cinema and the Powerhouse Museum.
Kings Cross
Best known to most Australians as the drug and red light
capital of Australia, the "Cross" is a sleazy
collection of strip clubs, adult bookshops, and tacky nightclubs.
Over the years many attempts have been made to transform
the area into something a little more "respectable":
small trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops have sprung up
on the fringes, but the area still attracts a different
type of visitor. Potts Point is perhaps the most desirable
location, at the lower end of the Cross. It is here you
will find the glamorous townhouses, hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
This bit of adventure is a must for all visitors to Sydney.
The Pylon lookout at the top Sydney Harbour Bridge is a
harrowing 200 steps to the top. But those who brave vertigo
and the often windy days are treated to the most amazing
views of the city, the harbour, and the Sydney Opera House.
Plus, you will touch the very monumental structure itself
and have a new understanding of roosting pigeons. Inside
the pylon, there is also a museum with displays relating
to the construction of the bridge, including some great
photographs.
AMP Tower (Centrepoint)
Far above the maddening crowds, AMP Tower (or Centrepoint,
as it is called by locals) has 360 degrees of Sydney's best
views. It takes just 40 seconds for the double-decker lifts
to reach the 304-metre summit, where you can take advantage
of free guided tours. Or, for a real treat, dine out on
the view, in the a la carte or buffet-style revolving restaurants.
Rocks (The)
This is the oldest and most historic area of Sydney. Named
after its rough terrain, it survived for nearly two centuries
as Sydney's main working class area. Amongst the warren
of lanes and pebbled streets there is plenty to see and
do, including Susannah Place, The Garrison Gallery, The
Military Museum, and Cadman's Cottage; the Museum of Contemporary
Art and the S H Ervin Gallery offer something a little more
"contemporary". If you have had enough history,
there is always an endless array of restaurants, pubs, shops
and a crafty weekend market.
Glebe Street Fair
This mega festival could easily be called the Taste of Glebe
considering it is all about food. It takes place on Glebe
Point Road, one of Sydney's longest dining strips. There
are restaurants lining the road shoulder to shoulder and
once a year they take the cuisines to the streets for masses
(more than 100,000) to sample. Add some arts and crafts,
decorate the street a bit, throw in a few rides, have some
buskers and clowns entertain the crowds and you have a genuine
festival. Cuisine samples include Malaysian, Greek, Japanese,
Lebanese, Italian and a ton of Thai. Wine sampling is also
a big hit.
City to Surf Fun Run
When the starter's gun goes off, 50,000 runners head for
Bondi Beach on this 14 kilometre fun run. Runners are split
into three groups: the serious professionals, the semi-serious
who actually train for the event, and the "back of
the pack" walkers and on-the-day entrants. Despite
the crowds of fellow runners and some killer hills, the
run takes a scenic route from College Street in the CBD
through the leafy eastern suburbs and is something of a
Sydney institution.
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