This photo exhibit provides a visual display of aspects of Sydney and the surrounding regions. It is recommended that photographs are viewed in their larger format by clicking directly on the images.

Danish architect Jorn Utzon won an international competition to design the Opera House in 1957. From the onset, construction was plagued with difficulties and conflict raged between different interest groups. Utzon resigned from the project before it was completed and has never been back to view the finished Opera House. Originally estimated to cost $7 million AU, the project ended up costing $102 million and was finally opened in 1973. The Opera House today is seen as a spectacular architectural achievement with its magnificence escalated by the glistening blue backdrop of Sydney Harbour. The Harbour is as functional as it is beautiful. Ferries are a significant transportation route from the lower north shore and northern districts to the CBD. And what a fabulous way to get to work.

Sydney's city or CBD is a mix of modern and 19th century architecture. It is a compact city and can easily be negotiated by foot. One of its more notable historic buildings is the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) depicted in the photograph on the right. The QVB underwent major refurbishment in the 1980s when its potential was finally recognized. It now stands as one of the best examples of Victorian architecture in the city and is packed with up-market shops to browse.

The photographs below are examples of Sydney's city streets. The AMP tower is the tallest building in the city and provides a great way to get a panoramic view and orientation of Sydney. The central photograph is of Martin Place which lies in the heart of the city and is a wide pedestrianized thoroughfare which regularly holds lunchtime concerts and entertainment.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are located just minutes walk from the Opera House and Circular Quay, where ferries alight from the northern suburbs. The Gardens are packed with a variety of diverse flora and fauna. Their beauty and spectacular setting make them a favourite during the week and on weekends. The most well-known area of the gardens is the tropical section which has become home to a large number of fruit bats. It is easy to both hear and view the bats in the tall trees during the day and they can also be seen flying over the harbour at night. Black and white ibis wander around the gardens looking for snacks and flocks of white cockatoos and rainbow laurakeets add to the incredible spectacle.

Sydney's flora is at its most spectacular in spring where colours beyond the rainbow litter gardens and parks. Jacaranda trees line residential avenues with lilac blossom leaving a smile of satisfaction. Palm trees are among the many tropical flora abundant in Sydney. Often they are strikingly tall such as those seen in the photographs below which were taken at a park on the north shore.

The photographs below are taken on the north side of the harbour in front of the old Luna Park funfair in North Sydney. The boardwalk runs from underneath the Harbour bridge around the bay to McMahons point. It skirts alongside the North Sydney open air swimming pool whose view whilst doing laps rivals most. North Sydney itself has grown into a thriving second CBD with technology companies being a dominant force.

One of the impressive things about Sydney is that it has not privatized all of its amazing harbourside land and made it exclusive only to the rich and famous. There are abundant public parks dotted along the front where families can come and play, picnic, and of course barbecue. There are also picturesque harbourside walks such as the Spit to Manly walk and the Bondi to Coogee trail.

Darling Harbour was an old industrial slum in the 1970s. However in the 80s, the government and private enterprise saw the potential of the area and combined forces to turn it into a successful entourage of restaurants and entertainment. From Star City casino to the spectacular aquarium, to after work drinks in one of the trendy bars, Darling Harbour attracts thousands of people each day. The Chinese Garden situated at the back of Darling Harbour is well worth a visit. The monorail that links Darling Harbour to the city is a sorepoint amongst many Sydneysiders who view it as a huge waste of money and time.

Watsons bay is located east of the CBD and can be accessed by road or boat from the city centre. It is renowned for its seafood restaurant Doyles where patrons can have sumptuous seafood dinner whilst watching the sunset over Sydney. Besides this there is a circular walk around the headland which offers inspiring views of both the harbour and out to sea.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is in the northern suburbs about 45 minutes drive from the CBD. There are dozens of walks to take through the park and many beauty spots to drive to. A sensational lookout can be found at West Head which looks across at Broken Bay including Lion Island. Boats can be hired at Akuna Bay and provide an unbeatable way to enjoy secluded relaxation. Aboriginal carvings can also be found at various points in the park. The photographs below show carvings found at a clearing.

An hour and a half drive west of Sydney are the ancient Blue Mountains. They derived such a name because they often appear to have a blue shimmer, a result of the refraction of eucalyptus oil droplets with sunlight. The mountains hold many attractions including walks into the ancient untouched valleys stretching back to the Jurassic era, the Wentworth Falls, the Jenolan caves, historic houses and a scenic railway offering death-defying views. They are a popular weekend break from Sydney all year round.

This exhibit touches on a handful of attractions present in Sydney. There are dozens of other fascinating aspects to the city that both the visitor and resident can indulge in. Sydney stands out as one of the premier cities of the 21st Century.