Sydney Things to Do Tips by robertgaz

View from harbour cruise

The Sydney Opera House is situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point and is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world.

It was designed by a Dane, J�rn Utzon and was constructed under some controversy and was first opened in October 1973.

The Opera House is one of Sydney's most enduring and popular icons with tourists and travellers from all over the world who come to visit, photograph and stand diminitutively under the sail like structures of the cultural centre of Sydney.

I couldn't quite stand in complete awe of it as the Opera House was very heavily guarded during my short visit which happened to coincide with the 2007 APEC Summit.

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Address: Bennelong Point
Directions: Near Sydney Harbour.
Website: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/

Harbour Bridge / Anzac Bridge: Sydney Harbour Bridge

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Updated by robertgaz

on Sep 18, 2007

The "coathanger" from Darling

Harbour cruise

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's most well known and photographed landmarks. It is the world's largest (but not the longest) steel arch bridge with the top of the bridge standing 134 metres above the harbour.

Fondly known by the locals as the 'Coathanger', the Sydney Harbour Bridge celebrated its 70th birthday in 2002, with its official opening in March 1932.

For the adventurous and intrepid it is possible to climb to the top of the bridge under strict supervision. Don't take any liquid courage before the climb because you will be breath tested for alcohol before being allowed to participate.

For anyone interested, here are some interesting facts and figures -

Length of arch span 503m
Height of top of arch 134m above mean sea level
Height to top of aircraft beacon 141m above mean sea level
Width of deck 49m
Clearance for shipping 49m
Height of pylons 89 metres above mean sea level
Base of each abutment tower 68m across and 48m long (two pylons rest on each abutment tower)
Total length of bridge 1149m including approach spans
Bearing pins Each of the four pins measures 4.2m long and 368mm in diameter
Thrust on bearings Under maximum load approximately 20,000 tonnes on each bearing
Number of rivets Approximately 6,000,000
Largest rivet Weighed 3.5 kilograms and was 395mm long
Longest hanger 58.8m
Shortest hanger 7.3m
Total weight of steelwork 52,800 tonnes including arch and mild steel approach spans
Weight of arch 39,000 tonnes
Rock excavated for foundations 122,000 cubic metres
Concrete used for bridge 95,000 cubic metres
Granite facing used on pylons and piers 17,000 cubic metres
Allowance for deck expansion 420mm
Allowance for arch expansion The arch may rise or fall 18cm due to heating or cooling
Number of panels in arch 28, each 18.28m wide
Record tonnage erected 589 tonnes of steelwork was erected on the arch in one day on 26 November 1929
Paint required 272,000 litres of paint were required to give the Bridge its initial three coats

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Website: http://www.harbourbridge.com.au/

Luna Park: Luna Park

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Updated by robertgaz

on Sep 18, 2007

Luna Park entrance

Take walk through Sydney's most famous funny face and enter into a magical kids world of 1930's style amusements.

Take on crazy rides such as the Tango Train and Tumble Bug, and nostalgic favourites like the superbly restored Carousel.

The littlies just love the Space Shuttle and everyone will have the time of their life on the Giant Slides in Coney Island.

The views of the SydneyOpera House, Harbour Bridge, the city skylineand North Sydney from the Ferris Wheel are truly spectacular.

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Address: Milsons Point
Directions: The northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Website: http://www.shfa.nsw.gov.au/sydney-Our_Places-Major_projects-Luna_Park.htm

Chinatown: Chinatown

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Updated by robertgaz

on Sep 18, 2007

Chinatown entrance

Sydney's Chinatown is a colourful mixture of Asian culture, shopping and cuisine. There is distinct Oriental architecture with colourful street lanterns and archways at the entrances.

The eateries around Chinatown serve up authentic Asian dishes throughout the day and all the way until 4am in some cases.

Unfortunately I didn't truly get to experience the local atmosphere because most of the shops were closed during my visit which happened to coincide with the 2007 APEC Summit.

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Phone: +612 9267 8891
Address: Near the CBD
Directions: Chinatown is an easy 15 minute walk from Central railway station and is bounded by George Street in the east and Darling Harbour in the west..
Website: http://www.chinatownsydney.com.au/
Other Contact: email:inquiry@chinatown.com.au

AMP Building / Centre Point: AMP Tower

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Updated by robertgaz

on Sep 18, 2007

AMP Tower from Pitt Street