Standing on the edge of one of the world’s largest natural harbour’s its structure dominates to skyline and compels you towards it to have a closer look. The massive white sales of Sydney Opera House rise into the air as boats leave the harbour passing the iconic building that has never been seen complete by it’s architect.

On January 29 1957 Jorn Utzon was named as the winner in a competition to design a new concert hall and opera theatre for Sydney. Work began in 1959 despite the architects warning that the plans hadn’t yet been finalised, then later that year the commission was changed and they had to provide four theatres not two! During the construction costs escalates and eventually Jorn Utzon resigned from the project, leaving Australia shortly afterwards and never returned to see his completed design.

Approaching this iconic structure, that is a must for anyone visiting Sydney it wasn’t quite what I’d been expecting. The approach is a mass of brown concrete steps giving the area a 70s feel. The white ‘sails’ rising into the sky are more an off-white cream colour and look as though they could do with a lick of paint. Standing in front of the Opera House it wasn’t quite the bright white structure I’d seen so many times in pictures, although I’m assured it looks much whiter when the sun shines on it.

Despite all this it was still well worth going to see. If only for the essential I’ve been to Sydney and had my picture taken in front of the opera house photograph.

Look to the left of the Opera House and there stands the imposing ironwork of Sydney Harbour bridge. An undertaking of similar proportions to the Opera House the bridge is the highest steel arch bridge in the world with the top standing at 134 meters above ground level.

Naomi and I decided it would therefore be a good idea to climb to the top of that bridge for a look over Sydney and its famous harbour. Climbing up the bridge was one of the more scary things I’ve done of late. Walking along wooden planks and across seemingly unsteady metal floors – that you could see through – added to the fear factor. Luckily Naomi was much more scared that I was, I soon forgot my fear and was too busy laughing at her clenching her hand into a claw shape every time she got nervous and clinging onto the hand rails for dear life.

The tour was lead by a professional and we were attached to the bridge by a harness throughout. But walking over narrow walkways looking down on water or eight lanes of moving traffic and two train lines can be a bit unnerving for those not fond of heights. Despite the fear I really enjoyed the climb, the fear adding to the excitement – I think I may be becoming an adrenaline junkie. By the end of the climb I was deliberately looking down through the floor at the cars rushing beneath me just to get the adrenaline pumping!

Much of the rest of our time in Sydney was spent chilling out …. oh and watching England knock the Aussie’s out of the Rugby world cup – celebrating loudly we weren’t the most popular people in the pub that night.

Hopefully I’ll get time to write some more soon. I’ve just got back from a few days in Cape Tribulation and still need to write about Cairns. You never know I may actually get this thing properly up to date soon. Nah that would make life too easy!

* Posted by j150vsc on 12/10/2007.