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The Sydney Opera House has achieved World Heritage listing.
Prime Minister John Howard says he is delighted, calling the site "an iconic and treasured place".
"The Sydney Opera House, as an outstanding example of 20th century architecture, is a testament to the daring of architect Jorn Utzon, and to those who brought about his vision,' he said in a statement.
"It is also, of course, testament to the openness of the people of Sydney and Australia, and an enduring legacy for our place in the world.'
A meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee meeting in Christchurch has today voted to add the Australian icon to the list.
The Opera House has joined more than 800 other sites including the Taj Mahal, the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China and Egypt's pyramids as UNESCO-listed sites.
UNESCO spokesman Roni Amelan said the decision was made by the committee without a single dissenting voice.
The Opera House is visited by about 4.5 million people each year.
"There was absolutely no voices against it. It was unanimous," Amelan said.
"There was consensus that it was a truly outstanding, iconic building that was a defining moment in 20 century architecture."
It was a case of third time lucky for the Opera House, which has failed in bids to be included in the register in 1981 and 1996.
Historic buildings and sites around the globe were in the spotlight with more than 850 international delegates in the city for the 10 day meeting.
- AAP
