Sydney - Central Business District
During our time here in Sydney, we have explored the Central Business District, which is mostly referred to as "CDB" or "the city." CDB is considered a suburb that extends southwards for about 3 km (2 mi) from Sydney Cove, the point of first European settlement in which the Sydney region was initially established. Due to its pivotal role in Australia's early history, it is one of the oldest established areas in the country. The main attraction is obviously the Sydney Opera House that was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. The Opera formally opened on 20 October 1973 after a gestation beginning with Utzon's 1957 selection as winner of an international design competition.
Sydney Opera House
It combines the concert halls at the top under the "shells" and the opera bar, a large entertaining area with multiple restaurants and bars below.
The second most photographed structure in Sydney is probably the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a steel through arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between the CBD and the North Shore. The bridge is nicknamed "The Coathanger" because of its arch-based design.
The CDB is dominated Port Jackson, consisting of the waters of Sydney Harbour, Middle Harbour, North Harbour and the Lane Cove and Parramatta River. There are permanent cruise ship terminals at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, Sydney Cove and at the new White Bay Cruise Terminal at White Bay.
White Bay and adjacent Glebe Island have been working ports since the mid-1800s, handling just about everything from timber, coal, containers, cement, and cars to sugar and paper.
The streets of the CDB are lined with examples of historical as well as contemporary architecture.
Watch the three-minute video with more Sydney impressions:
More CB pictures here.