Sydney on The World Stage as Iconic Opera House Turns 40

Australia's most famous building, Sydney Opera House, today celebrated 40 years with an official Happy Birthday spectacular set on beautiful Sydney Harbour.

The free, public event featured 40 lifeguards from Surf Life Saving NSW arriving by flotilla, as well as performances by the Royal Australian Navy Band and Aboriginal dancers. The festivities also included an oversized cupcake presented by celebrity chef Matt Moran and a Happy Birthday crowd sing-a-long led by Australian music legend Jimmy Barnes.

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase said, "Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most recognisable and adored buildings. Its 40 th Anniversary is an important opportunity to celebrate the history of this iconic landmark, as well as its contribution to cultural landscape of Australia."

"As one of the world's busiest cultural precincts, the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House welcomes more than 8.2 million visitors every year and plays host to more than 1,800 performances."

Australia - Sydney Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. MJ THE MUSICAL (Sydney Lyric Theatre)

8.1% of votes

2. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Gosford Musical Society)

6.9% of votes

3. A CHORUS LINE (Curtain Bounce)

6.4% of votes

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