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Visit Sydney Opera House | Timings, Location, Tips & More

Visiting Sydney Opera House

Built among the brimming waves of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House in Australia attracts millions of people for its magnificent sail-like design. Designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this architectural marvel has a huge amphitheatre on the outside and multiple interior halls with differing designs and capacities for all kinds of artistic performances or formal gatherings. 

A visit to wild Australia is surely incomplete without exploring its artistic side at the Sydney Opera House. Here’s everything you need to know before you plan your visit.

Sydney Opera House Opening Hours

Welcome Centre timings

For in-person tour enquiry and bookings

Monday to Sunday: 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM

For virtual enquiry and bookings

Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Closed on: Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve 

Tour Timings

Architecture Tour: Saturdays from 1 PM onward

Guided Tours: Daily from 9 AM to 3:30 PM

Box Office timings

Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; or later if a performance is scheduled.




Book Your Sydney Opera House Tour

Guided Walking Tour of Sydney Opera House
Free cancellation
Mobile ticket
30 min. - 1 hr.
Guided tour
More details
Sydney Opera House Architecture Tour
Free cancellation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. 15 min.
Guided tour
More details
Guided Back Stage Tour of Sydney Opera House
Free cancellation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Meals included
More details
Guided Tour of Sydney Opera House with Meals and Drink
Mobile ticket
30 min. - 1 hr.
Guided tour
Meals included
More details

Best Time to Visit Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

Peak Season - September to October

The ideal time to visit the Sydney Opera House is during the non-peak season of September and October, as the weather is mild and the crowd is relatively less. Crowds are lesser in November as well but the weather may be a little chilly. The holiday season starts in December and the crowds are much larger at this time. 

June to August, being a bit rainy, has fewer visitors, but do be prepared for rain. Since the Opera House is open on all seven days, you can visit during the weekdays to avoid the weekend local crowd. You can also visit earlier in the day or late evening to avoid peak afternoon crowds.  

Sydney Opera House Location

Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Find On Maps

The Sydney Opera House occupies the entire headland on Bennelong Point and is located between Sydney Cove and Farm Cove in the Sydney Harbour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site can be found right next to Sydney CBD and just a 5-min walk from the Royal Botanic Garden.

Getting to Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

By Train: The nearest train station is Circular Quay, which is a 6-min walk from the Sydney Opera House. Trains T3, T4, and T8 stop here.

By Bus: Bus lines 115, 293, 304, 343, 333, 373X, 396X, 374X, and 165X stop at Circular Quay or near the Sydney Opera House.

By Light Rail: Take the light rail L2 to the Circular Quay. 

By Ferry: Take the ferries F3 and MFF to Circular Quay. 

Courtesy Bus: This is a free wheelchair-accessible bus that operates from the Circular Quay to the Western Foyer of the Sydney Opera House, which is also connected to an accessible lift. You can board this bus at Wharf 2.

Parking at Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

Paid Car Parking Facility

Sydney Opera House has a paid car parking facility available at Wilson Parking located at the northern end of 2 Macquarie Street. This car park is open at all times and has access to the Lower Concourse at the Sydney Opera House. 

There are 1200 parking spaces here for the Sydney Opera House. There are also accessible parking spaces available on Levels 1 and 6, along with direct wheelchair access lifts present on Level 6. 

If you’re travelling to Sydney Opera House by car, do ensure that you book a parking bay online and beforehand to get discounts on prepaid parking.

Know Before You Go to Sydney Opera House

Facilities
Dining
Stay
Nearby
Sydney Opera House
  • Lockers: Cloaking or locker room facilities are available at the Sydney Opera House for any large items (bigger than an A4 size sheet).
  • Telephone: Public telephone is available at Lower Concourse and outside the Stage Door. 
  • Shop: You can pick a souvenir for your home and friends from the Opera House shop next to the Welcome Centre present on the Lower Concourse. 
  • Baby changing facilities: Baby changing tables along with the nappy bins are available at Western Foyers, Lower Concourse, Near the Drama Theatre, and Playhouse.
Sydney Opera House

Opera Bar serves delicious local Sydney-based cuisine and is located at the Lower Concourse level.

Bennelong restaurant is apt for people looking for formal dining and enjoying the Australian main course and wine.  

Portside Sydney lets you enjoy sumptuous Australian food and beverages and has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Sydney Harbour. 

House Canteen is a preferred option for all-day dining, late-night snack, and enjoying Australian and Asian delicacies.  

The Lounge allows you to sip your favourite cup of coffee or other delectable beverages right before your show starts at the Opera House. 

Sydney Opera House

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay is a 5-star property for those looking for the luxury factor during their visit to Sydney. 

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at the Circular Quay is another 5-star hotel with an indoor pool, pub, eatery, and luxurious rooms. 

Nomads Sydney provides a decent and budgeted stay near Kent Street for those who do not want to spend a fortune for stays in Sydney. 

Park Regis City Centre near Park St is a 3-star hotel for people with a medium-range budget located close to the Sydney Opera House. 

Sydney Opera House

Australian National Maritime Museum: This museum showcases maritime exhibits, collections, and archives, including age-old submarines, and the world’s fastest boat, and helps understand maritime customs. 

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium: Enjoy the beauty of the marine world and catch a glimpse of the rare aquatic creatures in the wild distributed over 14 different theme zones. 

Blue Mountain Tours: Take a walk on the Scenic Skyway at the famous Blue Mountains with a day trip from Sydney.

Sydney Skydive: Have an adventure of a lifetime with a tandem skydive that allows you to view the beautiful city of Sydney from above.

Accessibility at Sydney Opera House

Mobility
Hearing
Vision
Accessibility Tips
Sydney Opera House
  • Accessible lift: There is a wheelchair-accessible lift which you can find on the harbour bridge side of the building. All the 3 main levels are connected to this lift. 
  • Accessible seating: There is accessible seating available at each theatre in the Opera House. You can contact the Box Office to book an accessible seat for any show. 
  • Reduced prices: Wheelchair-accessible seats along with one companion seat for any performance can be purchased at the highest concession prices available for the show. You can present your Companion Card at the Box Office to avail a complimentary ticket for the companion of the disabled. 
  • Borrow wheelchairs: Standard wheelchairs can be borrowed up to one hour before the show starts for the events in Joan Sutherland Theatre and Concert Hall. You can get them at the entrance of the Western Foyer atop the escalators.
Sydney Opera House
  • Captioning: Certain performances have open captioning services where text will be displayed on a screen. 
  • Auslan interpretation: Selected performances offer an on-stage interpreter who will translate dialogues and lyrics to Auslan. 
  • Surtitle screens: The Joan Sutherland Theatre has additional screens installed where open captioning or surtitles appear for almost all of the opera productions here. 
  • Assistive hearing systems: There is an FM Augmentation system in all the venues except Ultzon Room and a Hearing Loop system in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Drama Theatre, Playhouse and Concert Hall for better clarity in hearing. 
  • Relay service: Speech and hearing-impaired customers can ask for a speech-to-speech or online relay service at no additional cost.
Sydney Opera House
  • Audio descriptions: The FM Augmented system at the Sydney Opera House provides audio descriptions for selected performances. This is a live description facility and you will receive a free headset to connect to the FM system as well. 
  • Service animals: Guide or service dogs are allowed into any venue of the Sydney Opera House. Do contact the Opera House in advance to book appropriate seating suitable to keep your animal with you.
Sydney Opera House
  • Contact box office: If you need assistance with any kind of disability, we suggest that you contact the Box Office while booking your tickets to get discounted prices and free companion tickets. 
  • Bring companion along: While the House Staff is available to address your queries, it is better if you bring your own companion to move around the building as they will be unable to provide attendant services.  
  • Access maps: There are venue access maps available for each theatre that you can use to get around with ease. 
  • Check beforehand: Only certain shows and performances are accessible. It is better that you check with the box office which performance is accessible to ensure you have the best experience.

Visitor Tips 

  • Pack light. Handbags bigger than an A4-sized sheet, backpacks and umbrellas are not allowed inside the Opera House. 
  • Children younger than 15 should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early for security screening before entering the theatre. 
  • Video recording is prohibited. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Sydney Opera House

Where is the Sydney Opera House located?

Sydney Opera House is located at Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.

Why should I visit the Sydney Opera House?

Known as one of the most photographed locations in the world, the Sydney Opera House gives an identity to Australian tourism globally. Besides, the place is a must-visit to catch the magnificent architecture designed with a creative vision. 

How much does it cost to visit the Sydney Opera House?

Your Sydney Opera House ticket would depend on the inclusions or whether it is for a tour or a show. For a tour of the Opera House, the prices start from AU$43.

What is the best time to visit the Sydney Opera House?

The best time to visit the Sydney Opera House is during the non-peak months of September and October when the crowd is relatively less. 

What are the Sydney Opera House opening hours?

The Sydney Opera House is open from 8:45 AM to 9:00 PM on all days for tour bookings. For box office bookings, the timings are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Can I visit the Sydney Opera House with children?

Yes, you can visit the Sydney Opera House with children as well. There is free entry for children aged 4 years or below. However, children aged 15 years and below must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Is Sydney Opera House wheelchair friendly?

Yes, Sydney Opera House is wheelchair friendly with wheelchair-accessible lifts and maps available for accessible seating in each theatre.

Can I buy food and drinks at the Sydney Opera House?

Sydney Opera House has a variety of dining options like Opera Bar, House Canteen, Bennelong, and much more that offer a wide range of cuisines along with views of the Sydney Harbour. 

How long does it take to visit the Sydney Opera House?

If you’re visiting the Sydney Opera House for a tour, it would take you about an hour or two to cover the place. The show timings, however, will be mentioned on your tickets.