Travel to Sydney

Sydney is a diverse and multicultural city located on the southeast coast of Australia. It was here that the first British colony was created in 1788. From this small beginning has grown one of the world's most interesting countries. For many, Australia is synonymous with Steve Irwin and crocodile hunting.

For any traveler seeking a destination with diverse offerings, Sydney is hard to beat. Sydney's tourism product runs the gamut from high class hotels to world famous beaches and a vibrant nightlife. The city, unlike so many travel destinations really does offer something for everyone, from the business traveler to the vacationer on a budget. To visit Sydney is to explore much of Australia's history, coupled with modern conveniences and attractions. As a vacation experience it is hard to beat.

A Vacation for the Family

If the entire family wants to travel together, there is no need to create a list of possible destinations. If you've never been to Sydney, you will find it to be the ideal place to make great memories. Given that Australia is known for its wildlife, it should come as no surprise that Sydney features fantastic wildlife parks and zoos. Kids will also be happy to know that Sydney is home to the popular entertainers "The Wiggles." There are also specialized tours just for children, enabling them to learn more about Sydney's culture and history.

The Beaches

Sydney's beaches offer more than just the typical sun and sand. You can take a ferry from Palm Beach and visit the isolated bays. Another option is to take a ride on a seaplane from Rose Bay to Whale Beach followed by a fantastic lunch. Surfing enthusiasts will also find many ideal spots along the coast. If you're interested in something a bit more laid back, take a walk along the coast while you soak up the amazing scenery.

Things to See in Sydney

In a city so rich with history, it's not surprising that there are many places worth visiting as part of your Sydney experience. Aboriginal rock carvings can be seen on the Bondi Golf Course, which is close to Bondi Beach. While the Sydney Botanical Gardens should be on your itinerary, be sure to check out the Government House as well. It was designed in 1835 and features fine examples of 19th century furniture. Government House is now open to the public.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge is another site of historical value. Opened in 1932, it took nine years to complete. The Bridge accommodates both vehicular traffic and trains and has a walkway for pedestrians. Great views of the bridge can be had from any of the ferries in Circular Quay. Sydney also has world class art galleries, such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Gaval Aboriginal Art Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sydney's Nightlife

Like any major cosmopolitan area, Sydney offers many activities for anyone who likes to be out late. If you are interested in visiting the local bars and pubs or the hottest nightspots, there will be something to your liking. The rotating restaurant/bar, Orbit Bar, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offers fantastic 360 degree views. Other popular spots include The Victoria Room, Hemmesphere and Bayswater Brasserie. Club Parada, The World Bar, Slip Inn & Chinese Laundry and the Tank Nightclub are all highly rated.

The Sydney Opera House

One of, if not the most famous of Sydney's attractions, the Sydney Opera House is admired around the world for its architecture. It was designed by Jorn Utzon of Denmark in 1957 when his design was chosen in a competition. Utzon was involved in the construction of the venue at the beginning. In 1966 after a falling out with government officials, he left the project. The name does not depict the whole picture of this magnificent structure. Aside from the Opera Theater, it also houses a Concert Hall that seats 2,679, a Drama Theater with 1,507 seats and the open air Forecourt, which can be used for any number of purposes. Fittingly it also holds the Utzon room, the only section in the interior designed by Utzon, which seats 210.

Sadly, Utzon never returned to Australia to see the completion of his finest work. The Sydney Opera House represented his first design outside of his home country. In the 1970s he and his wife Lis built a home on the island of Majorca. Nearly 20 years after, they built and moved to another home there, partially for health reasons on his part. Utzon passed away on November 29, 2008.

The Sydney Opera House remains not only one the world's most distinctive structures, but a symbol of Australia. Its design is hailed as a masterpiece of modern architecture.

The Sydney Opera House is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of its time, hence making it one of the most innovative buildings of the 20th Century. The Sydney Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site ensuring this magnificent structure remains timelessly vigilant overlooking the Sydney Harbor.

The Sydney Opera House concept was first proposed in the 1940s by the then director of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music Eugene Goossens. The need for a purpose built Opera House was immediate due to the current location the Sydney Townhall being too cramped and ill equipped. After gaining the support from the then NSW Premiere Joseph Cahill it was decided that an international design competition be held to choose the most innovative design for the new Opera House.

The competition was launched on the 13th of September 1955 and a flood of 233 entries flowed in from 32 countries. Ranging from independent architects to prestigious design firms the eventual winner was a highly imaginative architect from Denmark named Jorn Utzon who proposed the now famous shell based design for the Sydney Opera House.

It was decided that the Sydney Opera House would be built on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour so that all passenger liners of the day that entered the harbour would be awed by this amazing design ahead of its time. Similarly the opera house can be seen from angles on opposite ends of the harbour and is easily accessible by rail and bus.

There are seven functional areas that make up the Sydney Opera House, the Concert Hall is the largest of these spaces, it seats 2,678 and is the home of the famous Sydney Symphony, the second largest space is the Opera Theatre, this hall with its wide swooping arch is home to Opera Australia, the Australian Ballet and Sydney Opera House. The Opera Theatre is constantly booked throughout they year ensuring there are a variety of plays and events to satisfy everyone’s taste.

The Drama Theatre, Playhouse and the Studio are all found beneath the main Concert Hall. Companies such as the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Festival and Bell Shakespeare Group perform within the Drama Theatre. The Playhouse is one of the more intimate venues within the Sydney Opera House and is ideal for chamber music, single-set productions and film screenings. The Studio is the smallest of the performance halls and is mainly utilized for contemporary performances.

The Utzon Room is the only interior space designed by Jorn Utzon the original architect of the Sydney Opera House. Its refurbishment that was completed recently was the last active work done by Utzon before his passing in 2008. The room is an architectural marvel with brilliant acoustics and dappled light effects from the surrounding harbor. Finally the Forecourt is an open air venue that is used for a multitude of small gatherings and events.

Situated in a separate series of small shells away from the main opera house complex is the Bennelong Restaurant, enjoy fine cuisine from one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, while overlooking the calm waters of the harbor and the cityscape behind it. In addition there are a variety of theatre bars that are ideal to meet up before or after a show for a quick chat and wind down.

The Sydney Opera House is a vibrant, timeless structure that promotes unique design, arts and culture. The Taj Hotels are located throughout the world including Australia, via a prominent Sydney 5 star hotel.  This luxury abode affords picturesque views of the harbour and the Central Shopping and Business District.