An architectural icon, its iconic sail-like roofs rising proudly on the shores of Sydney Harbor, the Sydney Opera House this year commemorates its 50th anniversary. Enveloped by the shimmering harbor waters, the Sydney Opera House it is a symbol of cultural prestige and the city’s everlasting allure, showcasing world-class performances and exceptional dining.

A design winner

The Sydney Opera House is the result of a visionary collaboration between Danish architect Jørn Utzon and the Australian government. Utzon in fact won an international design competition in 1957 with his striking and unconventional concept. Construction commenced in 1959, and Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Opera House on October 20, 1973.

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A unique architectural marvel

A masterpiece of modern architecture, the Sydney Opera House is characterized by its iconic sail-shaped shells. Seeming to float above the harbor, they comprise of over 1 million glazed ceramic tiles. These reflect the sunlight in a stunning interplay of colors. The design takes its inspiration from nature, demonstrated through its fusion of light, shadow and curves.

These shells form a series of concrete vaults, home to multiple performance venues. These include the Concert Hall, Opera Theatre, Drama Theatre, Playhouse and Utzon Room. Each is meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional acoustics.

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Unforgettable moments

A world-renowned performance venue, the Sydney Opera House has hosted some of the most famous artists on the globe. It serves as a revered venue for classical music and opera. Legendary sopranos Maria Callas, Renée Fleming and Angela Gheorghiu have all graced the stage for memorable performances. The venue is also home to the Sydney Film Festival and Sydney Writers festival.

Legendary Australian soprano Joan Sutherland graced the opera house with her sublime voice, performing in the inaugural concert in 1973. Also that year, the iconic Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti’s performed, solidified the Sydney Opera House’s reputation as a world-class opera venue. He also united with Plácido Domingo and José Carreras (The Three Tenors) in 1997 for a historic concert under the sails.

In 1990, Nelson Mandela, recently freed from prison after 27 years, spoke of forgiveness to a crowd of 40,000 on the Opera House’s Monumental Steps. And in 2014 the Rolling Stones, delivered a memorable performance, attracting music enthusiasts from across the globe.

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Sydney Opera House 50^th anniversary

This October everyone will be able to celebrate the Sydney Opera House anniversary at a month-long festival featuring top artists in music, dance, theatre and art. In keeping with its role as a cultural and artistic hub for both the city and the country, there will also be a host of free events for all the family. There will also be 50 consecutive days of rare and unseen recordings shown from the archive, spanning opera, classical, dance, theatre, contemporary music and documentaries. This offers a special opportunity to relive the spectacular performance history of this famous institution.

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Much more than performances

Beyond its renowned performances, the Sydney Opera House is a treasure trove of delights. Travel with Luxury Gold on  Inspiring Australia and spend two days around this amazing venue. On your first day in the city, join a lunch cruise for a decadent way to explore the city’s harbor. Sip a chardonnay as you pass iconic sights, including a first look at the Sydney Opera House sitting proudly on the water’s edge, and the magnificent Harbour Bridge.

The following day embark on a behind the scenes VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, architecture aficionado or just a curious traveler, you’ll depart with a deeper appreciation for the building’s cultural significance and its status as an enduring symbol of Australia’s creative spirit.

Afterward, you can enjoy an unforgettable Celebration Dinner at creative chef Peter Gilmore’s Bennelong restaurant, set in the building’s iconic sails.

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Exceptional Dining

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To dine under the sails at Bennelong is to experience the best of Australian fine dining. The acclaimed restaurant is nestled within the Sydney Opera House – a breathtaking setting to feast along with stunning views of Sydney Harbour.

Offering a culinary experience like no other, embracing both artistry and sustainability, Bennelong’s menu showcases an array of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Traditional Australian flavors are elevated with inventive techniques and presentations. Diners can savor exquisite dishes like Gilmore’s signature Snow Egg dessert, while enjoying impeccable service and an extensive wine selection.

Beyond its gastronomic delights, Bennelong embraces the arts, hosting performances at the adjacent Bennelong Lawn and providing a perfect synergy between food and culture.

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An economic powerhouse

The Sydney Opera House has also played a pivotal role in the economic growth of the city. Attracting millions of visitors annually, both locals and international tourists, the venue contributes significantly to the country’s tourism industry. As well as establishing Sydney as a global cultural and artistic hub, the Opera House’s iconic status has made the city a must-visit destination, with its image gracing countless postcards, brochures and travel advertisements.

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For the best Australian food make a reservation at Sydney’s iconic Opera House where Bennelong offers a unique fine dining experience described as ‘Australia on a plate.’ Here a culturally significant and seasonal menu showcases the magnificence of Australian produce and celebrates the country’s bounty of top-quality wines.

The award-winning restaurant is renowned for constantly pushing the boundaries of Australian food and cuisine, while still staying true to the terroir. A visit to Bennelong will serve to tantalize both the taste buds and the inquisitive mind.

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The endless possibilities of Australian cuisine

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To define Australian food is not a simple task. Stereotypical views of ‘shrimps on the barbie’ fall short of the mark, although the country’s barbeque talent is legendary. A multicultural country, modern Australian cuisine reflects the people with an eclectic offering. Prepare to taste Greek, Chinese, English, Japanese, Lebanese, Indian, Indigenous and French influences amongst others, both in technique and taste. Australian dishes are often presented as thoughtful yet unpretentious plates that let produce and flavors do the talking.

Peter Gilmore, Executive Chef at Bennelong, once described Australian cuisine as “Reflecting our unique land where you can grow just about any product. It’s a modern society drawing on multicultural influences. We’re able to interpret with freedom and an open mind.”

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Hearts close to the terroir

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Executive Chef Peter Gilmore leads the team in the Bennelong kitchen. One of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Peter describes his cuisine as ‘food inspired by nature’. A passionate gardener, he is hailed as one of the first chefs in Australia to embrace heirloom varieties of vegetables.

Together with Head Chef Rob Cockerill, Peter works closely to build invaluable relationships with producers as the centrepiece of the cuisine. These include Australian farmers, fishermen and growers many of whom cultivate produce exclusively for Bennelong and its sister restaurant Quay. Both are among Australia’s most awarded fine dining restaurants.

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A love for all seasons

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The crux of modern Australian food is using the right produce at the right time.

“We will look at what produce is in its prime, and not just vegetables and fruits. We ask ourselves; What fish and seafood are swimming off the coast at the moment? What meat are at the peak of their seasons?,” says Head Chef Rob Cockerill.

“This is something that traditionally the Indigenous people, have been doing forever. Following the seasons and maintaining the environment, so that the next season will be just as plentiful as the last.”

While the change of the seasons in Australia might be subtle in comparison to Europe or the United States, throughout the years the chefs at Bennelong have gained a deeper understanding of the country’s seasons. This also includes how seasonal changes affect the produce that lives and grows locally.

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A delectable menu

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Sophisticated, relaxed and rooted in the local terroir, the dishes at Bennelong celebrate the complex mix of cultures that form modern Australia and Australian food. The menu celebrates seasonal and local produce that promotes Australian flavors.

Depending on the season, try smoked mackerel with a preserved lemon puree, green wheat and a swordfish bone marrow consommé. Or savor mud crab congee with chawanmushi and palm heart. Maremma pasture-raised duck with hunter sausage, cherries and Kampot pepper, and a smoked eggplant salad with young pistachios, roasted pine nuts, labneh, and crisp falafel on top of baba ghanoush could also tempt your tastes.

Dishes served at this Australian luxury restaurant are built on complex flavors that that you on a journey. At the ground roots of the menu is a desire to showcase quality, predominantly Australian ingredients in pure yet creative form.

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A site of historical significance

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Bennelong is set in arguably one of the most spectacular buildings in one of the world’s most beautiful city locations. The Sydney Opera House, the most famous piece of architecture on Sydney’s Circular Quay, holds an important place in history. And the Bennelong Restaurant is built on a site enriched with history of communal eating and telling stories.

The site is named after an Aboriginal man named Bennelong who had his hut on this historic spot around 200 years ago. Bennelong became a figurehead for relations between Aborigines and the colonists at Government House, which was once located at this point.

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You can enjoy fine Australian food at Bennelong on our Inspiring Australia luxury guided tour. With each day bookended by exquisite cuisine and magnificent hotels, this is the ultimate way to discover the delights of Australia.

The spa is inarguably one of the best parts of any luxury hotel experience. It’s the place you go to truly relax and unwind with sumptuous saunas, massages, and endless treatments to soothe and rejuvenate. We asked the Luxury Gold Travel Experiences team for their best hotel spas. From St. Moritz to Sydney, mountain views to mineral wraps, here are their recommendations.