Sydney on the world stage as iconic opera house turns 40

SYDNEY - 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.

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase said, "Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most recognisable and adored buildings. Its 40th 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."

Vision available for media usage includes:

Sourced: TravelDailyNews

    Flotilla arrival and welcome involving 40 lifesavers from Surf Life Saving NSW, the Royal Australian Navy Band, Australian Girls Choir as well as Aboriginal dancers
    Happy Birthday moment featuring an oversized cupcake
    Happy Birthday crowd sing-a-long led by Australian music legend Jimmy Barnes.