Latest news with #SydneyOperaHouse
Sydney Morning Herald
21 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Sydney Morning Herald
PM must begin to address his legacy - what will he leave us?
Recently, I went into the Sydney Opera House, where my partner was briefly working, for the first time in years. I had passed it, of course, travelled by on ferry, on my visits to the city in which I spent most of my youth. On such returns, there are always things you have not noticed – or perhaps forgotten. I had certainly never properly appreciated the shade of carpet in one of its bars, a gentle red that lies perfectly at the intersection of luridness, elegance and nostalgia. And I had not for years trod its inside concrete steps. The feel of those stairs, their exact width and hardness, somehow recalled me to my childhood, the bag of Minties my grandfather shared with me when he and his wife Jo took me to hear the orchestra. Staying in the CBD, I became dependent on the city's public spaces. I worked in the State Library of NSW, became accustomed to its rhythms; I spotted kookaburras with my son in the Domain. These places I know from my youth and so there was the shock, too, of just how different much of the city feels even compared to a decade ago. It feels more exciting, mostly – which also means busy. A friend told me about the squash to get onto the Metro in the morning, the aggressiveness that can come out, the simultaneously intimate and impersonal experience of being pressed against other human beings. And these things made me feel that the denser Australian cities everybody has talked about for years – a little nervously – are upon us. Of course, we don't know that this trend towards greater density will continue. It is possible, say, that the work-from-home shift is only getting started; that employers' recent push for more days in the office is merely a brief reversal, and that the fading of the importance of cities that seemed to begin during the pandemic will continue. One thing to remember is that nothing pans out quite as expected. A report in The Australian Financial Review last week suggested that work-from-home has not, as many predicted, drastically decreased the need for office space. As Challenger's chief economist told the paper, even if people only spend three days in the office, 'You still need pretty much the same amount of space.' Cafes, though, are doing awfully. What will governments do about these 'third places', neither work nor home but necessary? If commercial 'third places' are dying, will we get more parks? Some new type of hybrid space? This reminded me of one of those pandemic-era conversations – like so many now forgotten – about infrastructure created through Depression public works programs. Instead of our generation's version of ocean pools – something visionary and beautiful, both useful and communal – we got HomeBuilder. In all this I was reminded of that constant push-pull of Australian identity: the desire to mix with the 'big world' out there, to compare ourselves with the largest cities, the most powerful countries, and yet to retain whatever is unique about ourselves. Have we achieved either to our satisfaction? Is it possible to do both? This was the subtext of Anthony Albanese's trip to China last week, as it is of all prime ministerial engagements with other powers. The ever-growing rivalry between China and America reminds us of our great luck in being stuck at the bottom of the globe. Have Australians ever been more conscious than they are, right now, of the upside of isolation? And yet our public debate about foreign affairs seems driven by the linked ideas that we are more central than we are and have more control than we do. And so our news becomes dominated by questions such as when will Albanese meet Donald Trump and whether we should commit to wars that haven't happened.
The Age
21 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Age
PM must begin to address his legacy - what will he leave us?
Recently, I went into the Sydney Opera House, where my partner was briefly working, for the first time in years. I had passed it, of course, travelled by on ferry, on my visits to the city in which I spent most of my youth. On such returns, there are always things you have not noticed – or perhaps forgotten. I had certainly never properly appreciated the shade of carpet in one of its bars, a gentle red that lies perfectly at the intersection of luridness, elegance and nostalgia. And I had not for years trod its inside concrete steps. The feel of those stairs, their exact width and hardness, somehow recalled me to my childhood, the bag of Minties my grandfather shared with me when he and his wife Jo took me to hear the orchestra. Staying in the CBD, I became dependent on the city's public spaces. I worked in the State Library of NSW, became accustomed to its rhythms; I spotted kookaburras with my son in the Domain. These places I know from my youth and so there was the shock, too, of just how different much of the city feels even compared to a decade ago. It feels more exciting, mostly – which also means busy. A friend told me about the squash to get onto the Metro in the morning, the aggressiveness that can come out, the simultaneously intimate and impersonal experience of being pressed against other human beings. And these things made me feel that the denser Australian cities everybody has talked about for years – a little nervously – are upon us. Of course, we don't know that this trend towards greater density will continue. It is possible, say, that the work-from-home shift is only getting started; that employers' recent push for more days in the office is merely a brief reversal, and that the fading of the importance of cities that seemed to begin during the pandemic will continue. One thing to remember is that nothing pans out quite as expected. A report in The Australian Financial Review last week suggested that work-from-home has not, as many predicted, drastically decreased the need for office space. As Challenger's chief economist told the paper, even if people only spend three days in the office, 'You still need pretty much the same amount of space.' Cafes, though, are doing awfully. What will governments do about these 'third places', neither work nor home but necessary? If commercial 'third places' are dying, will we get more parks? Some new type of hybrid space? This reminded me of one of those pandemic-era conversations – like so many now forgotten – about infrastructure created through Depression public works programs. Instead of our generation's version of ocean pools – something visionary and beautiful, both useful and communal – we got HomeBuilder. In all this I was reminded of that constant push-pull of Australian identity: the desire to mix with the 'big world' out there, to compare ourselves with the largest cities, the most powerful countries, and yet to retain whatever is unique about ourselves. Have we achieved either to our satisfaction? Is it possible to do both? This was the subtext of Anthony Albanese's trip to China last week, as it is of all prime ministerial engagements with other powers. The ever-growing rivalry between China and America reminds us of our great luck in being stuck at the bottom of the globe. Have Australians ever been more conscious than they are, right now, of the upside of isolation? And yet our public debate about foreign affairs seems driven by the linked ideas that we are more central than we are and have more control than we do. And so our news becomes dominated by questions such as when will Albanese meet Donald Trump and whether we should commit to wars that haven't happened.
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GMA Network
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Legaspi family explores Sydney Opera House on Australian getaway
Carmina Villarroel and Zoren Legaspi's family made a picture-perfect stop at one of Australia's most iconic landmarks, the Sydney Opera House. On Instagram, Mavy posted photos from their visit, sharing some of the stunning views from the world-renowned structure. 'Wish you were here,' Mavy wrote in the caption. They also visited Bondi beach, and took a cute photo of their shadows on the sand. Earlier, the family met the cast of 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and posed for photos with the cast. The Legaspi family is set to star in the series 'Hating Kapatid.' It is their first series as a family. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Flavours, lights & culture — Why Vivid is the perfect time to visit Sydney
While the world heads to Europe for summer break, we decided to give Sydney, Australia a try during this summers. And we were in for one of the best vacations. It's not every day you find yourself halfway across the world and feel instantly at home — but that's exactly what happened on this recent trip to Sydney. We've always heard stories about Australia's magnetic blend of nature, culture, and culinary brilliance, but being there in person during Vivid Sydney was experiencing all of this firsthand. Why visit now? For one, it's winter down under — which means cool, comfortable weather. Second, fewer crowds. You're not jostling for food and drinks, paying through your nose for stay and travel. Sydney was just the perfect setting for long walks, long lunches, and slow sips of great wine or coffee. Australia, at this time of the year, is in that sweet travel spot — calm yet buzzing, inviting yet laidback. Read more: 7 stunning South Indian temples that are also a UNESCO site My journey began with an Aboriginal cultural tour by Dreamtime Southern X. It was a grounding and powerful introduction to the First Nations people, the history and culture and a reminder of the deep stories that shape this land. From there, it was time to explore the iconic Sydney Opera House, understand what led to the making of one of the most iconic landmarks and how it has remained a place to enjoy best of music performances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Spacious 4 BHK Homes starting @ ₹5.25 Cr* on Dwarka E-Way Emaar India Get Quote Undo This was followed by a native ingredient-focused lunch at Midden by Mark Olive, a restaurant that celebrates Indigenous Australian flavours in the most elegant way. One of my favourite discoveries was The Rocks precinct and its creative new space, The Collective. I dined at The Diner, had cocktails inspired by fabrics at The Tailor Room (yes, the drinks matched textures like silk and linen!), and felt so charmed, returned for breakfasted there at The Garden. Each corner had its own personality — thoughtful, quirky, and welcoming. Vivid Sydney lit up the city — not just with lights but with a cultural charge that flowed through galleries, streets, and kitchens. To get know the contemporary art scene in Australia, head to Museum of Contemporary Arts Australia. After admiring various displays at the museum, we had a breathtaking lunch at Canvas there. Read more: US Embassy warns of visa consequences after shoplifting incident involving Indian woman If you're looking for a whole new perspective of Sydney, try BridgeClimb. Every step that takes your atop the iconic Harbour Bridge is full if stories on how the city and this icon came up. One at the top, you'd be greeted with unmatched views. Take a moment to soak it all in. Evenings were for the Fire Kitchens at Darling Harbour, where smoke, fire, beats, and brilliant bites came together. A highlight? Meeting Kabir Singh of Pocket Rocketz — yes, the man behind the viral Butter Chicken Jaffle. Singh is a chef who lost his job during the Covid pandemic and decided to start something of his own. He fused best of India and Australia and came up with this creation that became a sensation. Of course, no visit to Sydney is complete without deep dives into coffee and bakeries. Coffee Cupping experience at The Grounds Coffee Factory is a good way to understand how serious is the city about its coffee. We sipped award-winning blends at Toby's Estate, and devoured that viral Watermelon Cake by Black Star Pastry and had croissants at Lune Croissant that deserves every bit of its hype. For families, Hay St Market is a new food precinct where family-style dining meets buzzing energy. Harris Park is the Little India of Sydney. If you're craving home flavours, that's the area to explore. I satiated my cravings at Adyar Ananda Bhawan. Other favourites? A relaxed, flavoursome meal at Three Blue Ducks. A refined gin tasting at Archie Rose Distillery. Rounded off this memorable trip with a final dinner at Altitude Restaurant at Shangri-La Sydney overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This was a perfect time to sit back and soak in all the memorable experiences of last few days. I missed Maybe Sammy and Don't Tell Aunty this time — but that just means I have reasons to return. I came for the lights, but left deeply moved by the food, people, and soul of the city. If you're planning a trip, Vivid is truly the time to experience Sydney at its most magical.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Seeing Sydney in a 'new light'
Every May since 2009, the Australian city of Sydney in New South Wales will go all out to stage a city-level party. Vivid Sydney is a light and sound extravaganza which has evolved over the years to become one of the most important events in Australia, as well as an icon of the country's creative culture. It's embarrassing to say that despite my many trips to the city, I have customarily given Vivid Sydney a miss. Nevertheless, I am aware of what the event entails. Vivid Sydney blends light-and-sound art with low-carbon technology, used to create a globally impactful art festival. Today, this festival is a full-scale global level that woos over 3.28 million visitors each year, bringing in an astounding AU$268mil (RM738.5mil) in tourist revenue. And the numbers break new thresholds every year. The 'main stage' of Vivid Sydney actually comprises the city's most iconic landmarks – the Sydney Opera House, the riverside high-rise towers and the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge – transformed into glittering, dream-like neon monuments by blinding lights. Vivid Sydney is indeed a festive celebration everyone must make an effort to attend at least once in their lifetime, on par in scale and grandeur with the Brazilian Carnival (or Carnaval), or Japan's Gion Matsuri. I can't help but think about Rovaniemi, a tiny Finnish town of only 50,000 residents known for its Santa Claus village that draws close to five million visitors annually. The magic of tourism nevertheless does not lie with sheer numbers but the creativity and unique cultural vibe, and Vivid Sydney is an exemplary instance of such a magical appeal. It is more than just a short-lived light-and-sound show, but a tinder that creatively lights up the economy, empowers its youth, and bridges the world. The 15th Vivid Sydney was held over four weekends recently, and I knew I wasn't going to give it a miss this time around. Together with 12 travel buddies, we flew into Sydney, sat in the private balcony of The Quay – one of Australia's top three restaurants – and enjoyed an exquisite omakase dinner prepared by an 18-Hat chef (Australia's equivalent of a Michelin star). We gazed into the breathtaking spectacular show lighting up Sydney's night sky while savouring our delightful meal. According to the state tourism agency Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney can be divided into these four broad categories: The General Post Office and clock tower, built in 1866, is officially listed as a cultural heritage site. It is also a major space for Vivid Sydney. 1. Vivid Light The Opera House, Harbour Bridge, The Rock, Darling Harbour and other city landmarks are transformed into massive light monuments, creating a visual impact integrating the best in art and technology. 2. Vivid Music Featuring local and international artists encompassing a variety of musical styles such as techno, jazz and independent bands. Imagine yourself bumping into an unexpected live show on the street. 3. Vivid Ideas There are over a hundred forums, talks, and creative workshops held throughout the festival, anchored by designers, tech leaders and social innovators. 4. Vivid Food This is a festival favourite and continues to grow in excellence. It celebrates the state's vibrant culinary culture and world-renowned produce. The Sydney Opera House is well-known all over the world, and since 2009, has been a major site for Vivid Sydney. Vivid Sydney is held in the southern hemisphere's cool early winter, a peak season for outdoor markets and trade shows that coincides with the local fishery and agricultural harvest season. This is absolutely the perfect time to visit Sydney, in my opinion. I always believe that the success of a creative tourism project should not stop at just triggering 'first visits', but also galvanising 'repeated visits'. For example, Formula One racing, the Harbin Ice & Snow Festival in China, and other events that perfectly blend culture, climate and green tourism. Where this is concerned, I feel that our 'Visit Malaysia' organisers and stakeholder should perhaps learn something in order to create that wow factor. Even though I missed last year's Vivid Sydney, I did watch a clip of a black-and-white projection paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth on the exterior wall of the Opera House. I remember it was solemn and heart-moving as the night fell. This year's event featured generous quantities of Indigenous artworks and local creations. They relate the stories of this v ast land Down Under through captivating visuals, sound and light display. Creative tourism is not about gaudy display of technology but serves as an extension of the locality's culture and revival of local memories. Our trip was not just about being at the festival and snapping photos or capturing videos. It gave us an interesting experience that penetrated deep into Sydney's urban fabric. When the night fell, Vivid Sydney not only had the city's buildings brightly lit up, but the passion and imagination of its participants as well. The laughter, melodies, good food, the entire city was brought back to life instantly. Vivid Sydney painted the city's unique creative proclamation with dazzling light against the backdrop of the night sky. The success of Vivid Sydney stakes the claim that the festival is not just a tourism marketing gimmick but an expression of the city's culture, driving the local economy and deepening the city's sense of identity. Vivid Sydney has surely placed the city on the world map of creativity. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own. Leesan, the globe-trotting traveller who has visited seven continents and 149 countries, enjoys sharing his travel stories and insights. He has also authored six books.
