With its unique architecture and beautiful location the Sydney Opera House is possibly one of the most photographed Australian icons. For those visiting Sydney a guided tour of this architectural marvel should be considered a definite. Even for those local Sydneysiders seeking to make the most of their own city, these tours offer a fresh insight into this national treasure.
For this reporter the one hour long Opera House tour was able to cater for most curious travellers. It is very much a "behind the scenes" look at the impressive make up of Sydney's most famous performing arts centre.
The tour guide directed the twenty or so of us through the numerous areas of the Opera House and offered plenty of "did you know" for what was to be an enjoyable and interactive show and tell. For myself being Sydney born and bred I was gladly surprised that the tour turned out to be an eye opener.
Among the offerings of history from the guide were facts and snippets such as how the 1973 completion of the Sydney Opera House was ultimately funded by a lottery. We were told about a rare boxing match, sumo wrestling and were given details about the wealth of traditional opera and arts performed in the Opera House's five theatres. Another distinguishing fact about the Sydney Opera House is that the Concert Hall has the world's largest known mechanical action organ. Even knowing the organ has over 10,000 pipes; its visible presence to the naked eye is deceiving since much of the instrument is humbly hidden by the interior design.
The immensity and the complexity of the Opera House's design with its dramatic and beautiful backdrops and dinosaur size elevators, gave me the impression at times it was in itself a self-contained city.
After the tour finished, a harbour-side lunch at Café West proved a great way to talk away the Opera House experience. The café has a delightful choice of East meets West cuisine – a quality restaurant with seafood dim sims, good size servings of Thai fish cakes and to finish off with a rich chocolate cake or a fulfilling cheese cake that is like a prelude to an evening of culture and performance.
Catching one of the Opera House performances would be a great way to make the day complete.
With that in mind the Opera House has a variety of tours – it can offer private tours, an up-market Back Stage tour and has a broad range of packages which can include dinner, tours, performances and even a twilight cocktail cruise.
Visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com – you can also go on a virtual tour. The website has a wealth of information about the Opera House. Phone (02) 9250 7250 for tour details and bookings.
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