Overseas Passenger Terminal

About

The Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT), officially the Sydney Cove Passenger Terminal, is a passenger terminal located on the western side of Sydney Cove in New South Wales, Australia, which serves cruise ships and ocean liners. The terminal forms part of Circular Quay, which comprises the various public wharfs and promenades from The Rocks all the way around to the Sydney Opera House. Whilst commercial shipping operations at and around the site date from 1792, the existing passenger terminal and waterfront promenade date from 1958, with subsequent alterations and land reclamation continuing throughout the late 20th century. The current building retains the black steel portal frame trusses of the original 1958 structure, with major additions completed in 1988 in the Post-War International Style through the collaboration of Sydney-based architects Lawrence Nield and Peter Tonkin.

The building's main structure, the two remaining uniquely designed extendable gangways and an interior mural known as Foundations of European Settlement by Australian artist Arthur Murch are all listed as individual items of significance within the State Heritage Inventory by the New South Wales Heritage Office. Since 2006, the building and its surroundings have also been listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site buffer zone for the Sydney Opera House.