Go beyond the façade with expert guides who share fascinating stories, insider secrets, and access to areas closed to the public.
Book Sydney Opera House Tours
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Step inside the Sydney Opera House
With its striking sail-shaped design and harbourfront setting, the Sydney Opera House is Australia’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its architecture, the Opera House offers guided tours, an exciting line-up of performances, and several ways to explore its cultural heartbeat. Read on to discover how to make the most of your visit.
Why go on a Sydney Opera House tour?
Architecture
Admire Jorn Utzon’s visionary design, from the soaring sails to the ingenious construction, and see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage icon.
World-class shows
Catch a live performance—opera, ballet, theatre, comedy, or concerts—in one of the busiest performing arts centres on the planet.
Dining in style
Eat at award-winning restaurants and try bars inside the Opera House, like Bennelong, House Canteen, or Opera Bar, which pair gourmet flavours with unbeatable Sydney Harbour views.
Picture-perfect views
Find the ultimate photo spots, whether it’s the Opera House at golden hour or framed perfectly against the Harbour Bridge.
Things to know before booking your Sydney Opera House tickets
- Multilingual guided tours: Aside from the architecture and the behind-the-scenes tours, all guided tours of the Opera House come in 7 different languages—English, Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese—so you can explore in your preferred language. Tours start at AU$35.
- Considering a backstage tour? Children under 10 are not permitted on backstage tours. If you plan to visit with younger kids, a great alternative is the guided walking tour with a meal & drink starting at just AU$76. This 1-hour tour covers the Opera House’s main theatres, foyers, and iconic architecture, making it perfect for families.
- Early bird access: Backstage tours begin at 7am and include breakfast in the Green Room, making them ideal for guests who want to beat the crowds and enjoy a unique morning experience. Tours start at AU$199.
- Architecture lovers take note: The Opera House architecture tour is a must for design enthusiasts. Led by experts, it explores Jørn Utzon’s vision and the building’s groundbreaking design. Tours start at AU$60 and are only available on Saturdays.
- Accessibility: The Opera House has many stairs throughout its venues. Most tours, including guided and backstage experiences, are not suitable for guests requiring wheelchairs or mobility assistance.
- Discounted prices: Concession pricing is available for most performances (excluding Saturday evenings) for full Australian pensioners, full-time Australian students, and children aged 16 years and under in both Sydney and Melbourne. Please bring a valid ID to the box office, as proof of eligibility is required for ticket collection.
All your Sydney Opera House tour options
Guided tour
- Duration: 1 hour
- Price: From AU$35
- Explore the Opera House on a guided walking tour and uncover its stories and architectural secrets. Includes entry and expert commentary in 7 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese. Perfect for first-time visitors and culture lovers.
- Upgrades: Add a meal and drink at Midden by Mark Olive, House Canteen, or Opera Bar.
Guided walking tour with meal & drinks
Backstage tour
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Price: AU$199
- Behind-the-scenes access to rehearsal spaces, the orchestra pit, and other hidden areas. Includes expert commentary and breakfast in the Green Room. Ideal for theatre lovers and curious explorers who want a rare, all-access pass into the world behind the curtain.
Backstage tour with breakfast
Architecture tour
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Price: AU$60
- See the vision of Jørn Utzon and the innovative design of the Opera House. Includes access to select venues, theatres, and expert architectural commentary. Designed for architecture fans and those who appreciate design.
Architecture tour
Sydney Opera House highlights
Concert Hall
Step inside the Opera House’s largest performance space, renowned for its exceptional acoustics, grand organ, and striking architectural details.
Sydney Opera House shows
From operas to ballets and thought-provoking theatre, the Sydney Opera House hosts a world-class range of shows for all kinds of audiences.
Opera
The Opera Theatre features timeless classics like Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and contemporary works performed by internationally acclaimed artists.
Ballet
Watch breathtaking ballet in the Concert Hall, from iconic productions like Swan Lake to innovative contemporary choreography.
Theatre
Enjoy a theatre show at the Drama Theatre and Playhouse, showcasing diverse performances from drama and comedy to experimental productions.
Music
Experience world-class concerts in the Concert Hall, including symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, and solo recitals with perfect acoustics.
Plan your visit to the Sydney Opera House
Welcome Centre
- Open daily: 8:45am – 5pm
- Closed: Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve
Tour schedules
- Guided tours: Daily, 9am – 5pm
- Architecture tours: Saturdays, 8:15am or 10am
- Backstage tour: Daily, 7am only
- Best time to visit: September to October, as the weather is mild and crowds are few.
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
- Car: Around 10 mins from Sydney CBD via Cahill Expressway. Paid parking is available at the Sydney Opera House Wilson Car Park.
- Train: Lines T2, T3, and T8
- Nearest Station: Circular Quay
- Bus: Routes B1, L90, L94, 333, 370, 392, 400, 422, 423, and 490
- Nearest stop: Circular Quay, Young St, Stand D stop
- Water taxi: Routes F1 and MF. 8-minute walk from the ferry station
- Midden by Mark Olive: Experience native Australian ingredients reimagined by celebrated Indigenous chef Mark Olive, with a menu rooted in culture and connection.
- House Canteen: A laid-back dining spot perfect for casual eats, serving Asian-inspired dishes with unbeatable harbour views.
- Bennelong Restaurant and Bar: One of Australia’s most iconic fine dining venues, offering exquisite local produce in a striking cathedral-like space.
- Aria Restaurant: A glass-walled dining room by Matt Moran, known for contemporary Australian haute cuisine with sweeping harbour views.
- Opera Bar: A vibrant open-air bar and dining hub, famous for cocktails, bites for all budgets, and front-row views of Sydney Harbour.
- There are ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets available throughout the facility for wheelchair access.
- You can access the Concert Hall via a staff-operated lift available at the box office foyer and connecting to the southern foyer and stall doors 4, 5, 11, and 12.
- You can reach the John Sutherland Theatre through a staff-operated lift in the box office foyer that is linked to the southern foyer and stall doors 21 and 26.
- You can also take a public lift from the lower concourse to the box office.
- Access to the Western Theatre (Playhouse and Drama Theatre) is available through the Western Foyers.
- The Playhouse can be reached via a platform stairlift, while the Utzon Room is accessible via a platform lift at the entrance.
- Restrooms: Accessible toilets are available at the Box Office Foyer and Western Theatre Foyer.
- Bars: Each performance venue has a well-stocked bar. Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre bars open 90 minutes before shows and during intermissions. The Western Foyer Theatre bar also opens pre-show.
- Cloakroom: Guests can store small bags, prams, and personal belongings safely while exploring or attending performances.
- Visitor amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, seating is provided in foyers, and all venues have wheelchair access (except certain backstage areas).
- Assistance services: Hearing loops are installed in major performance spaces; guides and staff are available for accessibility support and general inquiries.
- Gift shop: Browse souvenirs, books, and Opera House merchandise to remember your visit.
- Madame Tussauds: Meet your favourite celebrities and characters with their life-like wax models at Madame Tussauds Sydney.
- SEA LIFE Sydney: Take a marine walk as you discover magnificent aquatic creatures native to Sydney living in their habitat. Learn about conservation measures as you interact with these fascinating animals.
- Sydney Harbour Cruise: Take a relaxing cruise along the Sydney Harbour and discover the city's most popular landmarks from the water. Take a Vivid Sydney cruise to witness the city being illuminated by mesmerising lights.
- Blue Mountain Tours: Escape the city's bustle and take a day trip to the Blue Mountains to indulge your nature enthusiast in the serene mountains, lush forests, deep canyons, and beautiful waterfalls.
- Courtesy bus: A free bus runs between Circular Quay (opposite Wharf 2) and the Opera House Forecourt. It’s designed for elderly and less mobile guests, with limited seating on a first come, first served basis.
- Best photo spot: For the best views of the harbour with the sails in frame, head to the Royal Botanic Gardens side — a favourite for iconic shots.
- Upgrade smart: Some tour tickets include a meal at places like Opera Bar or Midden by Mark Olive. These book out quickly, so pick this option in advance if you’d like to dine after your tour.
- Be weather-ready: Parts of the tour may take you outdoors, so bring a hat, jacket, or water depending on the season.
- Opening date: The Sydney Opera House officially opened on 20 October 1973 and was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II.
- Architect & design: Danish architect Jørn Utzon designed the Opera House. Its sail-like shape was inspired by maritime motifs, reflecting Sydney’s rich nautical heritage.
- Construction duration: Construction took 14 years, from 1959 to 1973, overcoming many engineering and financial challenges.
- Roof tiles: The roof is covered with over 1 million glossy white and matte cream ceramic tiles, giving the sails their distinctive gleaming appearance.
- Visitor numbers: It attracts more than 8 million visitors each year and hosts over 1,500 performances annually, making it one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks.
- Cultural significance: The Opera House was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and continues to be an enduring symbol of Australia’s cultural identity.
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Opera House tickets
You’ll find options like Midden by Mark Olive, Opera Bar, House Canteen, Bennelong, and Aria Restaurant nearby.
Located at Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, it’s easily reached by train, bus, ferry, or car.
The Welcome Centre opens daily from 8:45am to 5pm, with tours running at scheduled times.
Choose from guided walking tours with optional dining upgrades, architecture tours, or backstage tours. See our Guided Tours page for more information.
Yes, advance booking is recommended as tours and performances often sell out.
Smart casual is best for shows, while comfortable clothing and shoes are ideal for walking tours.
Enjoy opera, ballet, theatre, concerts, and more, with over 1,500 performances staged annually. Check our Shows page for schedules.
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About Sydney Opera House
About Sydney Opera House
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
