Of all the Australian cities, Sydney has by far one of the most easily identifiable skylines in the world. Its many different styles give it a unique and distinctive look, from the Harbor Bridge and Opera House in Darling Harbor to The Rocks and North Sydney. If you are in the city and you are a fan of architecture, these are just some of the most spectacular buildings and places of interest that you should not miss.
Sydney Harbor is said to be one of the most beautiful places you have ever seen, and they are not wrong. Stretching 240 km of coastline, it features large areas of parks, reserves and gardens, and the harbor on a sunny day is a dazzling blue dotted with colorful sailing ships, cruise ships and ferries.
In the harbor you will find the Sydney Opera House, as famous as the Empire State Building and the Leaning Tower of Pisa and, although not yet 40 years old, the most famous symbol of Australia. Stretching out into the harbor with its uniquely shaped ship’s sail roof, it was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, and its contrast with the Harbor Bridge is an incredibly beautiful sight to behold. The Opera House was placed on the National Heritage List in 2005 and inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007.
The Sydney Harbor Bridge was proposed in 1815 to provide access between the north and south coast, although it was not actually built until 1932. Designed by Sir Ralph Freeman, it is another of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks and the steel building biggest in the world. arch bridge, which reaches 134 m above the port at its highest point. Affectionately called the ‘Coahanger’ by locals, when it was first built the two eastern lanes were streetcar tracks, they have since become eight travel lanes and two rail lines. The view from the bridge is stunning and the Bridge Climb was started in 1998, where anyone who wants can join in to climb the monument, day, sunset or night.
Sydney has more than 130 skyscrapers, including the Sydney Tower, The MLC Centre, Deutsche Bank Place, Chifley Tower, Aurora Place, Governor Phillip Tower and the AMP Centre. Sydney Tower is the tallest structure with a height of 309m and one of the tallest observation towers in the southern hemisphere. The tower sits atop Centrepoint, an office and shopping center development, and, one of the city’s main tourist attractions, can be seen from various vantage points throughout the city and neighboring suburbs.
The MLC Center reaches a height of 228m and has 67 floors. Far ahead of its time in its design, it was the first building in the Sydney CBD to provide a large open space in the city center for the entertainment of tenants, shoppers and visitors. Harry Seidler was responsible for its design, along with a few other well-known Australian buildings.
St. Mary’s Cathedral is located in the heart of the city and represents the spiritual origins of the Catholic Church in Australia. Artists have donated wonderful gifts in stone and glass since it was first built and what has evolved is a unique place to find solace and prayer within the city. One of Sydney’s most treasured historic buildings, it is built from local sandstone and is a fine example of the Gothic style that evokes the great medieval cathedrals of Europe.
Designed by 19th-century architect William Wilkinson Wardell, it was completed 100 years after his death and is the largest church in Australia. Its location on College Street means that it is surrounded by the high-rise development of the CBD, yet its impressive structure and twin towers ensure that it is a landmark that can be seen from all directions.
Sydney organizes several walks for the general public that tour some of the most contemporary buildings in the city. These architecture walks are a mix of architectural styles and designs and often follow a certain theme – they are a great way to see the city from a different perspective and are an enjoyable event whatever your interest.
Every year there is an Architecture Festival that celebrates the city’s buildings and tries to make the public interested in and appreciate their local environment. It has architectural tours of the city, activities at the Sydney Opera House, declared a World Heritage Site, talks, exhibitions and children’s activities; and attracts around 6,000 people from all walks of life.
Take a look at Sydney hotels online and experience the natural beauty of the city and the magnificent harbor area. Stay at a nearby hotel and you’ll be within walking distance of world-renowned Australian icons such as the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens.