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The Opera House and other Famous Sydney Landmarks

Opera House

Captain Arthur Philip could never have dreamt that his tiny penal colony set up to house British convicts would eventually develop into one of the most beautiful harbor side cities in the world. The First Fleet under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip entered Port Jackson on the 21st of January 1788 and anchored at a place the British called Sydney Cove later ‘Sydney’. The large beautifully proportioned harbor was considered a safe haven for the little fleet whose commander decided to set up a colony near what is now known as ‘The Rocks’.

The seeds of growth had indeed been sown with the arrival of ‘The First Fleet’ enabling Sydney to become a melting pot of cultures. The new arrivals to the colony brought a vision for the land that would see a legacy of Sydney’s growth remain in the form of a number of world famous and at times iconic landmarks.

Famous Sydney Landmarks

brown wooden bridge over water under blue sky and white clouds during daytime

Two internationally recognized landmarks stand high above the Sydney skyline. They are representative of all that is Sydney, indeed all that is Australian. The Sydney Harbor Bridge overlooks the Sydney Opera House, both structures add to the overall beauty of the cityscape and harbor view.

Other iconic landmarks that make Sydney the unique city that is are Luna Park located on the northern side of the harbor was built just prior to the completion of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Another area of significant historical interest is the area known as ‘The Rocks’. The Rocks is a kaleidescope of restored homes and business that gives visitors a glimpse into the time line of the growth and development of Sydney. Cadman’s Cottage is in an area known as Australia’s First Place and houses other significant buildings such as, Circular Quay (Sydney Ferry Terminal) and the Museum of Contemporary Arts.

Sydney’s Botanical Gardens alongside The Sydney Opera House displays flora unique to Australia and overlooks Mat-te-wan-ye, better known as Fort Denison or ‘Pinch gut’ an historic naval and navigational landmark situated in the middle of Sydney Harbor.

Another landmark has built within recent times is Darling Harbor within the inner harbor of Port Jackson. Darling Harbor is home to Sydney’s Maritime Museum as well as the largest Imax theater in the world, Sydney Aquarium and Motor World Sydney. The Powerhouse Museum is just a short distance from Darling Harbor.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay is the jumping off point for a number of tours of Sydney’s famous landmarks, offering visitors the choice of either walking tours, ferry trips or bus tours to see and explore all of the places previously mentioned.

Sydney visitors have a unique opportunity to view a city that places a great deal of importance in it’s famous landmarks both from a tourism perspective and from an historical aspect. When visiting Sydney make take time to view these landmarks for yourself.