In 1973 , after a long period of planning and construction , the Sydney Opera House was officially opened . The building was from a design by Jørn Utzon . It became a symbol not only of Sydney , but of the Australian nation and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2007 . Sydney has maintained extensive political , economic and cultural influence over Australia as well as international renown in recent decades . The city hosted the 2000 Olympic Games , the 2003 Rugby World Cup and the APEC Leaders conference of 2007 . From 1991 to 2007 , Sydney-siders governed as Prime Minister of Australia — first Paul Keating ( 1991 – 1996 ) and later John Howard ( 1996 – 2007 )
APEC Leaders conference of 2007
APEC Australia 2007
History of New South Wales