Sydney Opera House

Lonely Planet review

Gloriously white and brilliantly sharp, Australia's most recognisable icon sits dramatically at the tip of Bennelong Point. On a sunny day the Opera House is postcard-perfect; its startling curves and points a pinnacle of architectural genius inspired by the segments of a mandarin. It's a truly memorable place to see a performance, listen to a free outdoor concert or sit under a cafe umbrella and watch harbour life go by.

The Opera House is so unique that it has been photographed a zillion times, appears on an army of cheap T-shirts (and every other Sydney postcard) and decorates the frames of Dame Edna's dramatic glasses. The construction was itself truly operatic - it was even dramatised as The Eighth Wonder, performed here by Opera Australia in 1995. The interiors don't live up to the promise of the dazzling exterior, but if you're curious to see inside there's an informative, hour-long tour (9250 7250; Guided Tours Office, Lower Concourse; adult/concession around A$26 /around A$18 ; ; 09:00 - 17:00 ); not all tours can visit all theatres because of rehearsals, but you're more likely to see everything if you go early.

It was built between 1959 and 1973, but was plagued with construction delays and political difficulties culminating in the resignation of architect Jørn Utzon in 1966. The interior was designed by a consortium of Australians after Utzon quit.