Home to the Australian Ballet and Opera Australia, the Joan Sutherland Theatre is the second-largest indoor space within the iconic Sydney Opera House. Famously known as the Opera Theatre until 2012, Joan Sutherland can seat up to 1507 spectators at a time and accommodate approximately 70 musicians in the orchestra pit. Find out everything that makes this theatre worth visiting!

1507 Seats

Wheelchair Accessible

Washrooms

Cloakroom

Bar

Security Check

Lift

Accessible Toilets

Assistive Listening System

About Joan Sutherland Theatre

Seating plan
History
Architecture
Popular productions

The Joan Sutherland Theatre has a seating capacity of up to 1507 spread across three main sections; the Stalls, Dress Circle, and the Box.

Stalls 

  • The middle seats in the Stalls, particularly between rows D and S offer the best and unobstructed views of the performances and are perfect for an immersive experience. 
  • You can also consider the middle seats in the front three rows (A, B, C) if you are okay with being closer to the stage. 

Dress Circle

  • There are 13 rows in the Dress Circle from rows A to P and the middle seats in the first few rows of this section from rows A and F offer great views of the stage due to the slight elevation and favourable angle. 

Box

  • The Loge/Box section has around 12 to 14 rows with around two to three seats in each row. The viewing experience may not be as optimal as those in the Stalls or the Dress Circle as the seats are at an angle. 

Joan Sutherland Theatre seating plan >

Seatmap
Legend Image

Know before you go

Getting there
Facilities
Accessibility
Tips & guidelines
Nearby restaurants
  • Bus: Take buses 396, 343, 304, and 441 from SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to reach the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Buses 333 and 392N also connect the Joan Sutherland Theatre and other landmarks like the St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Australian Museum, etc.  The nearest bus stop is Circular Quay, Young St, Stand D, around 850 meters from the venue. That said, you can also take the wheelchair-accessible Sydney Opera House Courtesy bus which operates between Circular Quay and the western foyer of the Sydney Opera House.  
  • Lightrail: Hop on light rail L2 or L3 from platform 1 in Wynyard station to Circular Quay Station which is around 950 metres from the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Take the free Courtesy bus to reach the venue from here. 
  • Train: You can take trains T8 and T3 from platform 6 in Wynyard station to reach the Circular Quay station – the nearest train station to the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Look for the Courtesy bus to reach the theatre for free from the station. 
  • Ferry: Taking a ferry to the Joan Sutherland Theatre is a good option if you want to avoid the traffic and see the picturesque views of the Sydney harbour and nearby areas. Hop on ferry 3 from Barangaroo, Wharf 1, and get down at Circular Quay, Wharf 4, which is around a 10-minute walk away from the venue. 

Frequently asked questions about Joan Sutherland Theatre

How old is the Joan Sutherland Theatre in Sydney?

Joan Sutherland Theatre in Sydney is 51 years old.

When was the Joan Sutherland Theatre Sydney built?

Joan Sutherland Theatre, inside the Sydney Opera House, was built in 1973.

What is the address of the Joan Sutherland Theatre?

The address of Joan Sutherland Theatre is Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.

What is the seating capacity of Joan Sutherland Theatre?

The seating capacity of Joan Sutherland Theatre is 1507.

Is there a dress code for Joan Sutherland Theatre?

No, there is no formal dress code for Joan Sutherland Theatre. However, you are requested to dress appropriately and wear comfortable clothes to ensure you and everyone around you have a pleasant experience.

Past shows