Sydney Opera House in Australia

Sydney Opera House must be one of the most recognisable images of the modern world - up there with the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building - and one of the most photographed. Although only having been open since 1973, it is as representative of Australia as the pyramids are of Egypt and the Coliseum of Rome. The Opera House is situated on Bennelong Point, which reaches out into the harbour. The skyline of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the blue water of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House, viewed from a ferry or from the air, is dramatic and unforgettable.

Ironic, perhaps, that this Australian icon - the Opera House with a roof evocative of a ship at full sail - was designed by renowned Danish architect - Jorn Utzon. In the late 1950s the New South Wales (NSW) Government established an appeal fund to finance the construction of the Sydney Opera House, and conducted a competition for its design. Utzon's design was chosen. The irony was that his design was, arguably, beyond the capabilities of engineering of the time. Utzon spent a couple of years reworking the design and it was 1961 before he had solved the problem of how to build the distinguishing feature - the 'sails' of the roof.

The venture experienced cost blow-outs and there were occasions when the NSW Government was tempted to call a halt. In 1966 the situation - with arguments about cost and the interior design, and the Government withholding progress payments - reached crisis point and Jorn Utzon resigned from the project. The building was eventually completed by others in 1973. After more than 30 years, the Sydney Opera House has its first interior designed by Utzon. The Utzon Room, a transformed reception hall that brings to life Jorn Utzon's original vision for his masterpiece, was officially opened on September 16 2004.

Source from: www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au

Ledger Leaving Australia Permanently

Australian actor Heath Ledger has decided to leave his homeland for good after paparazzi squirted him with water pistols at Brokeback Mountain's Sydney premiere. The actor has homes in Brooklyn, New York City, and in Bronte, a suburb of Sydney - and he has decided the Big Apple is the best place to settle down with girlfriend Michellie Williams and their baby daughter Matilda. He says, "Bronte is scaring me at the moment. I don't feel like living there anymore. It's a shame because I obviously love it. It's breaking my heart because you can't go back there. You can't do anything. You don't want to go with your wife and kids down to the beach and swim when there are 10 people photographing you. It really is awful so...that's keeping me away from Australia. The star bought his beachfront home in the posh Sydney suburb two years ago (04) and spent almost an entire year renovating it, including installing dark grey tinted windows to keep the prying lenses of the paparazzi out.

Source from: static.viacomlocalnetworks.com

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel is Delightfully Different, Five Star Deluxe

The delightfully different, five-star deluxe, The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel in Australia sits at Circular Quay in the heart of Sydney is financial and tourist district. The serene, friendly atmosphere makes it a welcome oasis in this exciting city. The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Roomproudly and proactively supports three organizations as a part of an ongoing sponsorship program called "Marriott Spirit to Serve our Communities". these are: the environmental organisation, Clean Up Australia, the children's wish granting charity, Starlight Children's Foundation and as official and preferred hotel for the world famous Sydney Opera House.

Accommodation at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, Australia

These Hotels has 579 guest rooms, including 4 Club floors (executive levels), all with stunning views of the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House or the city. Each room is beautifully appointed and the 35 suites offer space as well as luxury. Nonsmoking and wheelchair accessible rooms as wel as inter-connecting rooms (ideal for families) are also available.

Facility at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, Australia

The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel has all the services and facilities expect from a world class hotel, The Marriott Body (indoor heated pool, gym, sauna, solarium, massage and beauty therapist), Business Centre, 24-hour room service, 24-hour laundry, dry cleaning, pressing and shoe shine, valet parking and undercover security car park, concierge, car hire desk, early arrivals lounge and gift shops.

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay Address: 30 Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia