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SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
No building on earth looks like the Sydney Opera House. Popularly known as the "Opera House" long before the building was complete, it is, in fact, a complex of theatres and halls linked beneath its famous shells. Its birth was long and complicated. Many of the construction problems had not been faced before, resulting in an architectural adventure which lasted 14 years. An appeal fund was set up, eventually raising $900,000, while the Opera House Lottery raised the balance of the $102 million final cost. As well as being the city's most popular tourist attraction, The Sydney Opera House is also one of the world's busiest performing arts centres.
OPERA THEATRE
Mainly used for opera and ballet, this 1,507-seat theatre is big enough to stage grand operas such as Verdi's Aida. Ceiling and walls are painted black to focus attention on the stage.
DETAIL OF THE POSSUM DREAMING (1988)
The mural in the Opera Theatre foyer is by Michael Tjakamarra Nelson, an artist from the central Australian desert.
OPERA HOUSE WALKWAY
Extensive public walkways around the building offer the visitor views from many different vantage points.
NORTHERN FOYERS
With spectacular views over the harbour, the Reception Hall and the large northern foyers of the Opera Theatre and Concert Hall can be hired for conferences, lunches, parties and weddings.
CONCERT HALL
This is the largest hall, with seating for 2,679. It is used for symphony, choral, jazz, folk and pop concerts, chamber music, opera, dance and everything from body building to fashion parades.
THE MONUMENTAL STEPS
These steps and forecourt are used for outdoor performances.
GUILLAUME AT BENNELONG
This dramatic and elegant venue is one of the finest restaurants in Sydney.
THE ROOFS
Although apocryphal, the theory that Jorn Utzon's arched roof design came to him while peeling an orange is appealing. The highest point is 67m (221ft) above sea level.
THE PLAYHOUSE
Seating almost 400, is ideal for intimate productions while also able to present plays with larger casts.
DETAIL OF UTZON'S TAPESTRY (2004)
Jorn Utzon's original design for this Gobelin-style tapestry, which hangs floor to ceiling in the remodelled Reception Hall, was inspired by the music of Carl Phillipp Emanuel Bach.
EXPLORING SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
The Sydney Opera House covers almost 2 ha (4.5 acres), and is the fourth building to stand on this prominent site. Underneath the ten spectacular roofs of varying planes and textures lies a complex maze of more that 1,000 rooms of all shapes and sizes. It is constantly evolving: the newest space is The Studio, dedicated to innovative, contemporary performing arts.
OPERA THEATRE
The relatively compact size of this venue is a bonus for patrons who savour intimacy. Stage designers continue to demonstrate the opera theatre's great versatility for both opera and dance. The proscenium opening is 12m (39ft) wide, and the stage extends back 25m (82ft), while the orchestra pit accommodates up to 70 - 80 musicians. It is rumoured that Box C plays host of a resident ghost.
CONCERT HALL
The rich concert acoustics under the vaulted ceiling of this venue are much admired. Sumptuous Australian wood panelling and the 18 acoustic rings above the stage clearly reflect back the sound. The 10,500 pipe Grand Organ was designed and built by Ronald Sharp from 1969 - 1979.
DRAMA THEATRE AND PLAYHOUSE
The Drama Theatre was not in the original building plan, so jackhammers were brought in to hack it out of the concrete. Its stage is 15m (160ft) square, and can be clearly viewed from every seat in the auditorium. Refrigerated aluminium panels in the ceiling control the temperature.
The Playhouse is used for small cast plays, lectures and seminars, and is also a fully-equipped cinema. The Sydney Theatre Company puts on at least one performance here every year.
BACKSTAGE
Artists performing at the Opera House have the use of five rehearsal studios, 60 dressing rooms and suites and a green room complete with restaurant, bar and lounge.
The scene-changing machinery works on very well-oiled wheels; most crucial in the Opera Theatre where there is regularly a nightly change of performance, with an average of 14 operas being performed in repertoire each year.
THE DESIGN OF THE OPERA HOUSE
In 1957, Jorn Utzon won the international competition to design the Sydney Opera House. He envisaged a living sculpture that could be viewed from any angle - land, air or sea - with the roofs as a "fifth facade". It was boldly conceived, posing architectural and engineering problems that Utzon's initial compendium of sketches did not begin to solve. When construction began in 1959, the intricate design proved impossible to execute and had to be greatly modified. The project remained so controversial that Utzon resigned in 1966 and an Australian design team completed the building's interior. In 1999 Sydney Opera House was delighted when Utzon agreed to be involved in guiding future changes to the building.
THE RED BOOK
As submitted for the 1957 design competition, contains Utzon's original concept sketches for the Sydney Opera House.
SEVERAL PIECES
Cut out of a globe were used in an ingenious manner by architect Jorn Utzon to make up the now familiar shell roof structure.
UTZON'S ORIGINAL INTERIORS
Many of his design features now exist only in model form. The architect donated his models and plans to the State Library of NSW.
THE PRE-CAST ROOF
Has its inspiration in nature. The basic idea for the formwork of the roof was taken from the fanlike ribs of a palm. Realizing this deceptively simple idea took Utzon six years of design work.
THE ROOF TILES
Were not fixed in place individually, but installed in panels to create the smooth and continuous roof surface.
WHERE TO STAY
With Australia's recent emergence as a major tourist destination, the urgent need for more high-quality and good-value accommodation became apparent. Previously, most Sydney hotels and guesthouses had been regarded as expensive and of varying standard. There has since been an enormous improvement in both quality and value, and there are excellent choices for visitors ranging from five-star luxury to the homeliness of a small, unpretentious hotel. In addition to hotels, Sydney has self-catering apartments, homestay accommodation and budget and backpacker hostels for those traveling on a budget. Information on these alternatives is given below. From a survey of various types of accommodation in different areas and varying price brackets, we have selected those offering good value for money.
WHERE TO LOOK
Most of the expensive hotels are in or near the city centre, but it is possible to find accommodation within most price ranges throughout Sydney. The city centre has the advantage of having many of the larger theatres, galleries and shops at hand, as well as easy transport access to more distant sights and attractions.
Cheaper accommodation can be found in the vibrant Kings Cross district. Choices here range from backpacker hostels to the small "boutique" hotels where the emphasis is on quality and personal service.
In The Rocks area, with its beautifully restored colonial buildings, you can choose from bed and breakfast in a traditional Sydney pub or the opulence of a five-star luxury hotel with good views of the Sydney Opera House.
The hotels around Darling Harbour and Chinatown offer good value for shoppers and are also within easy reach of the city centre. Paddington has smaller hotels and self-catering apartments, while to the east are the up-market hotels of Double Bay. On the other side of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the leafy North Shore provides a more relaxed look at Sydney, and you can travel to and from the city centre by ferry.
The popular beachside suburbs of Bondi and Manly are a little way out of the centre of Sydney, but some visitors may like the opportunity to be close to superb beaches and yet still be reasonably near to the city.
You should also remember that in Australia a hotel can be a pub or a place to drink. Pubs do not always provide accommodation.
HOW TO BOOK
It is advisable to book well in advance, especially for the Christmas school holidays in December and January, the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival in February and Mardi Gras Parade in early March, the Easter holidays and July and September school holidays.
Bookings can be made by letter, phone, fax, e-mail or through your local international travel agent. A credit card number of bank cheque in Australian dollars is usually required to secure your booking. Check cancellation requirements and reconfirm before you arrive in Sydney.
The Sydney Visitors Centre books certain hotels and will send a brochure pack. Australian Accommodation Services does not charge for bookings. If you belong to a motoring association, ask your travel agent to check which NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) affiliated hotels offer a discount. Countrylink agencies at major railway stations offer a comprehensive service and AFTA travel agencies will book most hotels. Some travel agencies specialize in specific areas. Tourist information centres can also offer valuable advice about where to stay in Sydney.
DISCOUNT RATES
With fewer visitors staying in Sydney from April to October (except during the school holiday periods), some of the more expensive hotels may be willing to negotiate a better rate. This is particularly so if they think you will look elsewhere for accommodation. It is always worth asking for the corporate rate at which hotels give discounts for group or company bookings. Most hotels give these without question.
At the weekend there are fewer business clients around, so this is the time when prices are frequently cheaper in the top hotels. Money can also be saved by booking for a week at a time. Asking for a room without a harbour or ocean view is another good way of reducing the costs.
The Travellers Information Service in the city can often arrange up to 50 per cent off the price of regular hotel accommodation rates (this does not normally apply to budget hotels) for those who book in person on the day a room is required.
HIDDEN EXTRAS
Breakfast is usually charged on top of the room rate in the more expensive hotels. It is best to avoid consuming any of the contents of the mini-bar until you have checked the price. Alcohol is usually much more expensive here than in shops. Also, be wary of the telephone charges. There will almost certainly be a considerable mark-up on any calls you make from your room. In general, tipping is not widespread, but it is expected in the more expensive hotels. You should make a note of the check-out time when you arrive, or negotiate a late check-out, as a surcharge may be incurred if you stay late.
SPECIAL OFFERS
Hotels often cooperate with airlines, rail services, bus companies, theatres and entertainment promoters to provide package deals that include discounted accommodation. Booking agencies will have brochures with details of these seasonal offers, or ask the hotel for information on any special deals.
"Special Occasion" packages (such as for anniversaries or honeymoons) are available at the top end of the market.
DISABLED TRAVELLERS
The information regarding wheelchair access relies very much on each hotel's own assessment of its facilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia supplies a booklet called Access Sydney for people with mobility problems. It details accessible locations around Sydney and is available from their office in Little Bay, or it can be delivered by post.
SELF-CATERING FLATS
Accommodation including full kitchen laundry facilities offers the traveller greater independence. Such self-catering apartments are the latest accommodation trend in Australia. In addition to comfort, they also provide good value because the living space is larger than standard hotel rooms and the prices are competitive: although rates can vary, they are generally on a par with the major chain hotels.
The choice ranges form one to three-bedroom luxury apartments in the inner city to basic flats at the beach. Some apartments cater for business travellers, complete with fax and other communications amenities. They are also ideal for families, especially those with young children, who appreciate not only the greater amount of space but also the flexibility provided by self-catering.
All the "apartment" hotels in the listings offer self-catering facilities. In addition, Sydney has several agencies that can help visitors to arrange self-catering accommodation.
PRIVATE HOMES
European-style bed-and-breakfast accommodation in a private home can be an ideal way to experience a city. It is fast becoming a popular alternative to more impersonal hotel rooms for many people who choose to visit Sydney.
People from all walks of life offer rooms in a wide variety of house styles and locations. Agencies such as Bed and Breakfast Sydney Central and The Homestay Network make every effort to match the host and guest if possible, so ring to discuss any preferences before making a reservation.
BUDGET ACCOMMODATION
As a favoured destination for many young travellers, Sydney has a large number of hostels that cater specifically for their needs. Despite fierce competition, standards vary widely. At their best, hostels offer excellent value.
While it is necessary to book in advance at some hostels, others do not take bookings and beds are on a first come, first served basis. Apartments, rooms and dormitories are all available, but dormitories are often mixed sex; check before arriving. The backpacker scene changes quickly, so ask other travellers for the latest developments. Kings Cross and Glebe have the largest concentration of cheap accommodation.
Wake Up backpacker hostel is one of the best of the bunch, with clean, modern facilities, including a bistro, cafe, bar and Internet connection. It is also well located right next to Central Railway Station and offers a free orientation morning to all guests. If required, staff can also provide a list of suitable employment agencies for those who would like to work during their stay in Sydney.
Forbes Terrace and Pink House are smaller hostels offering good facilities in restored buildings close to Kings Cross. Pink House also provides plenty of help if you need to find work in Sydney.
Sydney Central combines modern facilities, such as a swimming pool, sauna and 24-hour security access, with old-world charm and is very conveniently situated right opposite Sydney Central Railway Station.
Wattle House Travellers' Accommodation in Glebe is a restored Victorian residence, offering quiet, budget-priced rooms for adults only. They are also a good source of recommendations for other budget places to stay further afield in New South Wales and throughout Australia.
YHA Australia is a useful source of information when planning your trip, offering advice about travel deals as well as helping you decide on your itinerary and find places to stay.
HALLS OF RESIDENCE
Student rooms, with shared bathroom facilities, are available at the University of Sydney over the summer break form December to February. The university is conveniently close to the city and to public transport, and the moderate price includes breakfast.
GAY AND LESBIAN ACCOMMODATION
Lesbian and gay visitors are welcome in all of Sydney's hotels. In fact, quite a number of places cater primarily, if not exclusively, for same-sex couples. Many of the small hotels in the inner city areas of Darlinghurst, Paddington, Newtown and Surry Hills are geared specifically towards gay and lesbian visitors, although most of them also welcome heterosexual guests.
CHOOSING A HOTEL
These hotels have been selected across a wide price range for their good value, excellent facilities and location.
THE ROCKS AND CIRCULAR QUAY
MERCANTILE HOTEL, 25 George Street, 15 Rooms.
Its George Street location means that all of The Rocks attractions are nearby, including the Argyle Cut and Garrison Church. The hotel boasts spacious rooms containing period fittings and marble fireplaces. Some even have Jacuzzis. The basic rate is for a room with a shared bathroom; en suites cost a little more. Breakfast is included.
Tel: 92 - 47 - 35 - 70
Fax: 92 - 47 - 70 - 47
Price Range: Under $120
LORD NELSON BREWERY HOTEL, 19 Kent Street, 10 Rooms.
The top floor of the celebrated pub, famous for its home brews, offers cosy bedrooms with stonewalls and rustic furnishings. Basic rooms have shared bathrooms, for those not on a tight budget rooms are available. Breakfast is included in the price. Located close to the trains, buses and ferries of Circular Quay.
Tel: 92 - 51 - 40 - 44
Fax: 92 - 51 - 15 - 32
Price Range: $120 - $200
THE RUSSEL, 143A George Street, 29 Rooms.
This lovely old-fashioned hotel sits above a historic 19th-century pub, The Fortune of War. The Russell offers free breakfast, a quaint sitting room, well-stocked library and sunny rooftop garden overlooking the busy Quay. The interior is decorated with country-style antiques. Some rooms have shared bathrooms.
Tel: 92 - 41 - 35 - 43
Fax: 92 - 52 - 16 - 52
Price Range: $120 - $200
RENDEZVOUS STAFFORD, 75 Harrington Street, 61 Rooms.
There really is something for everyone at his unusual boutique hotel. Most rooms are studio and one-bedroom apartments but suites are available in the seven charmingly restored 1870's terrace houses nearby. Excellent business services, a spa and sauna and Continental breakfasts are available.
Tel: 92 - 51 - 67 - 11
Fax: 92 - 51 - 34 - 58
Price Range: $200 - $280
OLD SYDNEY HOLIDAY INN, 55 George Street, 175 Rooms.
Big enough to offer all the facilities of a grand establishment, this hotel is also small enough to provide personal attention. Great location within the historic Rocks area and close to Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House. The view from the sparkling blue rooftop pool is spectacular. There is also a sauna and a whirlpool.
Tel: 92 - 52 - 05 - 24
Fax: 92 - 51 - 20 - 93
Price Range: $280 - $380
THE OBSERVATORY HOTEL, 89-113 Kent Street, 99 Rooms.
Although its rack rate makes this absolute luxury hotel one of Sydney's most expensive, there are often great Internet deals. It is elegantly furnished, with original antiques and fine artwork. There are excellent facilities for business travellers as well.
Tel: 92 - 56 - 22 - 22
Fax: 92 - 56 - 22 - 33
Price Range: Over $380
PARK HYATT SYDNEY, 7 Hickson Road, 158 Rooms.
Many rooms in this six-star hotel have Opera House views, as does the rooftop swimming pool. Walking up the road for a few minutes takes you to the small park beneath the Harbour Bridge, a few minutes in the other direction to Circular Quay. Well-equipped for business travellers and offers high-speed Internet.
Tel: 92 - 41 - 12 - 34
Fax: 92 - 56 - 15 - 55
Price Range: Over $380
SHANGRI-LA, 176 Cumberland Street, 563 Rooms.
This hotel has just spent a $31 million on a complete refurbishment and it shows. The spacious rooms are now decorated in neutral tones with rich gold brocade highlights, and all offer lovely views of the harbour. On the top floor, Altitude restaurant and the Blu Horizon bar are popular dining and nightspots.
Tel: 92 - 50 - 60 - 00
Fax: 92 - 50 - 62 - 50
Price Range: over $380
QUAY GRAND, 61-69 Macquarie Street, 68 Rooms.
Next door to the Opera House at one of Sydney's premiere addresses, the hotels' bedroom apartments are tastefully furnished. Features include spa baths, kitchen and laundry facilities, televisions and stereos. There is grocery service available, or try Quadrant Restaurant or ECQ, the hotel's dress-circle bar.
Tel: 92 - 56 - 40 - 00
Fax: 92 - 56 - 40 - 40
Price Range: Over $380
WALSH BAY - The Sebel Pier One, 11 Hickson Road, 161 Rooms.
This is Sydney's first over-the-water hotel, built on a 1912 finger wharf in the Walsh Bay World Heritage precinct, beside the Harbour Bridge. The hotel's luxurious rooms combine original features with contemporary design. An extensive room service menu is available, and all the rooms have Internet access.
Tel: 82 - 98 - 99 - 99
Fax: 82 - 98 - 97 - 77
Price Range: Over $380
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