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The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. In addition to representing Sydney, the opera house has also become a symbol for the country of Australia throughout the world. Resting majestically on Bennelong Point as it reaches into Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is truly an unforgettable sight. The original plan to build the opera house was put forth in 1950, and designed by John Utzon. Interestingly enough, his vision was more advanced than architectural and engineering abilities of the decade, and it wasn’t until 1973 that his ideas were finally put into place. The doors were opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 20^thof that year, with its opening show, War and Peace.

Today, the Sydney Opera House provides over 200,000 tours each year, and has over 1000 rooms. A diverse mix of dance, theatre, and musical performances are presented year round, and locals, as well as tourists, make up the over 2 million guests this Australia opera house entertains each year.

Transportation to the opera house in Sydney is generally quite convenient from any place in the city. Many hotels offer shuttle service to the Australia opera house. Or buses, commuter trains, and harbor ferries all makes frequent stops at the Circular Quay, an area for public transport services that is a quick five minute walk to the opera house in Sydney. Car parking is also available for a fee. Guests will find the Sydney Opera House Car Park at the northern end of Macquarie Street, which is fully covered.

If your opera house plans leave time for a meal, there are also a few restaurants and bars on the opera house grounds. The Opera Bar offers a stunning view of the harbor, as well as an array of creative cocktails and delightful cuisine. This is also the best place to stop for a quick snack. Another great option for food is the Guillaume at Bennelong, with service before performances, as well as late night for patrons looking to catch a meal after a show. There are also bistro and espresso stand options, open during the day, as well as during performance intervals.

To book the performance of your choice, it is generally recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased online, or at the Sydney Opera House box office during the day. If you plan to attend more then one show, be sure to take advantage of the discount offered to patrons who purchase tickets to three or more shows all at once. Families traveling to the opera house in Sydney will also find an excellent group of performances for children. The 2006 year marks the first year of the International Children’s Film Festival, showcasing a wide range of fascinating, and often educational, performances for children.

Whether or not you plan to take in a show, this Australia opera house is certainly a must see when traveling to Sydney. Tours are available daily for a moderate fee. The opera house in Sydney has over 1,000 rooms, and is truly a marvel in architectural design and engineering.