sydney opera house free tour

Best Free and Paid Ways to See the Sydney Opera House

by Sharyn McCullum | Last updated Nov 28, 2023 | Sydney | 22 comments

When visiting Sydney , a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sydney Opera House is surely on your list. Now there are different ways you can choose to see the Opera House, some ways are free and others will cost you. So in this post, I am going to give you the rundown on the best free and paid ways to see the Sydney Opera House. So no matter your budget, you have options to spend time here.

Table of Contents

Why Visit the Sydney Opera House?

The Sydney Opera House sits proudly on Sydney’s harbour foreshore on Bennelong Point, and has done so since it was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on the 20th October, 1973. It is an Australian icon and whether it is your first visit to Sydney or you are a local Sydney-sider, everyone pays a visit to the Sydney Opera House. Even though it was built as a musical facility, there is more to it than that and you will discover them on a visit. And there are a number of ways you can visit and enjoy this icon of Sydney.  

How to Choose the Best Way to See the Sydney Opera House?

As mentioned, there are free and paid options to see the Sydney Opera House. Depending on your budget and your time will influence how you visit the Sydney Opera House.

Free Options to See the Sydney Opera House

There are a few free ways to see the Sydney Opera House.

Walk around the Sydney Opera House

Yep, even if you are flat broke, it costs nothing to walk around the Opera House and Sydney Harbour foreshore . Walk up the paved reddy brown granite pebbly steps while gazing at the 89m high white tiled scallop shells above you – just wonderful! And the views of Sydney Harbour as you walk around the perimeter of the Sydney Opera House are spectacular! You can even go inside to some of the public areas that are open, including the toilets and the gift shop.  

See the Opera House from the water

Walking around the Sydney Opera House is great, but jump on a ferry or go on a boat tour and you will get a different view of the Opera House from the water. It will only cost a couple of dollars for the ferry ride.

Be invited to an event inside

This can be a tricky one as you need to know someone who is having an event there. I was once invited to main music hall for my sister’s graduation from Teachers College. It was so big inside and the organ is extremely large.

Paid Options to See the Sydney Opera House

Pay to see a show.

There are always shows at the Opera House and not just opera or music. I once went to see a comedian, Bob Downe , who was performing there. We had a drink in the bar overlooking the harbour before the show – how decadent!

Go on a tour of the Sydney Opera House

There are different tours available to experience the Sydney Opera House. All Opera House tours can be booked at the ticket counters inside the Sydney Opera House or online. Tours include:

Guided tour – Discover the stories, history, and magic of Sydney Opera House with a guided tour. Step beneath the world-famous sails and be shown around the building visiting the main spaces including the Concert Hall.

You can book a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House here .

Guided tour with lunch nearby – yep, after a tour of the Sydney Opera House indulge in a meal at one of the restaurants nearby.

You can book a guided tour with lunch here .

VIP Backstage tour with breakfast . This tour is run daily at 7am. See the Opera House’s backstage areas including the dressing rooms and orchestra pits before enjoying breakfast.

You can book a VIP Backstage tour with breakfast here .

Experience an opera performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House . There is no better way to appreciate the Sydney Opera House than seeing and hearing a performance in the Concert Hall.

You can book to see a performance here .

Dine at Bennelong Restaurant. Having a meal at Bennelong Restaurant is quite an indulgent experience. You can eat for around $250 for 2 course meal and $290 for a 3 course meal. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Wed through Sunday – check out the menu and book your table here .

How to Get to the Sydney Opera House

Now you know the free and paid things to do at the Sydney Opera House, how will you get there. If you are staying in accommodation nearby Sydney Harbour, then you could walk however, many catch a train, bus or ferry to Circular Quay. From here, it is a further 5-10 minutes walk to reach the Opera House.  

Now, there’s only one more thing to say, enjoy your visit to Sydney’s Opera House, no matter how you choose to visit. I’d love to hear about your planned visit or your visit in the comments.

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22 comments.

It’s been a while since I’ve been to the Opera House, I think just over 10 years ago now! It was incredible though, you’ve provided great information on how to see it 🙂

The Opera House hasn’t changed much in 10 years – it’s just as iconic as ever! I hope you can get back there one day in the future.

This is a great place for my family to visit. They really love opera so much. Thank you for this information =)

Then you will love visiting the Sydney Opera House because they have many opera performances for you to enjoy.

It’s pretty awesome that walking up and visited the Sydney Opera house is free! I like the idea of seeing it from the water, but it does make me happy when buildings that are as iconic as this are free to get up close!

Absolutely, but it is what tourism in Sydney wants – it wants an inclusive Sydney so it makes all the icons easy to see.

What an insightful article on tips for seeing the Sydney Opera House! Great for those on a budget travelling to Sydney. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips!

Yes, it doesn’t matter what budget you have on a visit to Sydney – there are ways to discover the Sydney Opera House.

The Sydney Opera House is so iconic! Great tips on how to see it for free but would gladly pay for the experience.

I would gladly pay for the experience also but seeing it as much as I do, walking around it suffices.

The opera house looks so amazing! I really wanna go one day – thanks for the guide 🙂

I hope you can, the Sydney Opera House is amazing to see.

I recently visited Western Australia and was so sad I couldn’t make it east – but I really hope to soon! Visiting the Sydney Opera House is definitely on much bucket list.

Yes, I hope you can too – Sydney is so beautiful and visiting the Sydney Opera House is a must on any visit to Australia.

It’s my dream to see this extraordinary building. Tell me, did the people of Sydney immediately appreciate the architecture or did it grow on them, as the Eiffel Tower did in Paris?

I don’t remember when it was first built – but I think it was a controversial design and of course, you have the lovers of it, and the haters. But I think it has grown on everyone and IS just apart of Sydney Harbour. The harbour would look strange without it!

I studied abroad in Sydney and was elated to see the Sydney Opera in person for the first time. I was a student on a budget but enjoyed walking around it and seeing it from the ferry! Great tips – so many options.

There are a number of options to see the Sydney Opera House. I’m glad you had a chance to see it.

Such a comprehensive list! I recently went to Sydney again after about 8 years and just walked around, but next time I’d like to see the Opera House by the water!

Yes, what a treat to see the Opera House from the water. I hope you get to see it from the water next visit to Sydney.

My husband has been to Sydney a few times. While he hasn’t toured inside the Opera House, he has marveled at the light shows projected on and around it.

The Opera House is beautiful at night with the different light shows.

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G’Day! Sharyn here, an Aussie loving discovering Australia. Let me show you around so you can discover Australia too.  Read my story here.

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Sydney Opera House celebrates 50th birthday with light show and free tours

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Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast.

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Alasdair leads the team covering breaking news in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Before moving to Sydney, he covered general news in New Delhi, where he reported from the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic in India and the insurgency in Kashmir, as well as extended periods in Pakistan and, most recently, in Sri Lanka covering its ongoing economic crisis. His reporting on Islamic State suicide bombings in Sri Lanka in 2019 was highly commended as the Society of Publishers in Asia awards. He previously worked as a financial reporter in London, with a particular interest in hedge funds and accounting frauds. Signal app phone number: +61439529540

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Sydney Opera House Tour

The Sydney Opera House Tour has been reimagined and we’re excited to take you on a journey to uncover untold stories, anecdotes, and history – it has a story to tell, and now’s your chance to discover the magic beneath the sails.

Watch unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances, learning about the history and future of this world-famous hall in an immersive digital experience. Experience the future within our newly purpose-built venue that boasts heritage-inspired interiors, and state-of-the-art technology, including 270-degree visuals and surround sound.

From the jaw-dropping sweep of the sails to our soaring cathedral interiors, it is impossible to complete a tour of the Sydney Opera House without being compelled to look up.

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Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour

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Sydney Opera House 50th Anniversary Free Events

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To celebrate the huge milestone, here are four free and fabulous events you don’t want to miss

For five decades now, the Sydney Opera House has dominated the Circular Quay landscape. It has been a place for people to come together, connect, create and celebrate art and culture in all its many forms. So to honour this iconic landmark’s 50th anniversary, there’s going to be a big party – and everyone is invited. 

The free festivities kick off on October 19 with From the Sails: Light Years   – a film that will be projected onto the Opera House sails. This fascinating flick provides an insight into the original design and construction process, the grand opening in 1973, and its ongoing contribution to the community. It will be accompanied by a live-sync soundscape, and run nightly from sunset to 11pm until October 30.

From October 20-30, be sure to catch From the Steps: Voices at Dusk , a free daily event where community choirs will perform live at the Monumental Steps. Curated by resident company Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ artistic director Brett Weymark OAM, it’s set to be a magical showcase of the talent and creativity that thrives in the local community.

In a rare, one-off performance on November 10, catch Aria Award-nominated artist Ngaiire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of music, art and power. Held on the Forecourt, the set list will be packed with soulful pop bangers from Ngaiire’s critically acclaimed album 3 , which have been beautifully reimagined and arranged for orchestra by composer Alex Turley.

Finally, be transported to the Top End with Wanha! Journey to Arnhem , a musical trip through Yolŋu Country that’s taking place on November 17. Starring some of Arnhem Land’s most talented musicians – including Djakapurra Munyarryun, Dhapanbal Yunupingu, Juran Adams and Andrew Gurruwiwi – it will feature stunning visuals, narration and a combination of sung traditional language and English .

Free celebrations for the Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary begin on October 19. Ngaiire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Wanha! Journey to Arnhem are free with registration.  For  more information on the line-up of events and registration, head to the website .

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Sydney Opera House Celebrates 50th Birthday With Light Show and Free Tours

FILE PHOTO: Former architect and tour guide Peter Sekules poses for a photo at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia September 29, 2023. REUTERS/Alasdair Pal/File Photo

By Alasdair Pal

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Sydney Opera House celebrated its 50th birthday on Friday, with a laser show planned to illuminate the iconic building.

Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973, the Opera House is widely regarded as one of the greatest architectural designs of the 20th century, with 10.9 million people visiting every year.

The building will be illuminated on Friday evening by a light show created by Australian audio-visual artist Robin Fox, before welcoming an expected 37,000 people on Saturday for free tours, its first open day in eight years.

"A symbol around the world and a national treasure turns 50," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Happy Birthday to an Australian icon."

As part of the 1956 Opera House international design competition, 233 designs were submitted by architects from around the world with Jorn Utzon from Denmark chosen as the winner.

Construction began in 1959 with the project meant to take four years to complete, but after Utzon resigned due to a change in government, design differences and a blow out in costs, the structure took 14 years to complete.

The Sydney Opera House was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2007.

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

Copyright 2023 Thomson Reuters .

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Sydney Opera House | Tours & Free Light Show at Australia’s Top Landmark

Sydney Opera House in Sydney , Australia, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Situated on Sydney Harbour , it serves as an important landmark and cultural hub. The iconic building and its white shell-like roof structures occupy an outcrop of land known as Bennelong Point , which juts out into the harbor. It is located just a short walk away from other famous landmarks, like Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Bridge . No trip to Sydney would be complete without a visit to Sydney Opera House .

Sydney Opera House | An Overview

A multi-venue performing arts center, Sydney Opera House is considered to be among the greatest architectural works of the 20th century. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and was noted for being “one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity.” The structure, which brings together both ancient and modernist influences, was well ahead of its time – even ahead of the construction technology that was available at the time. It is also connected to the past by a location considered sacred for thousands of years by the local Gadigal people.

History of Sydney Opera House

The idea to build an opera house in Sydney first started to gain traction in the mid-1950s. In February of 1956, the New South Wales premier decided to hold an international competition for the design of a new opera house at Bennelong Point . A Danish architect named Jørn Utzon, who was living north of Copenhagen at the time, sent off his designs just before the competition closed in December of that year. Though he was an unknown name, Utzon’s unique design was announced as the winner in January of 1957.

• Construction began on March 2nd, 1959, and almost immediately ran into problems. Utzon himself resigned from the project in 1966. Nevertheless, work continued, and the project was finally completed in 1973, a decade past the original completion date and 1,357% over budget.

Today, Sydney Opera House is the top tourist destination in the entire country and one of the busiest performing arts venues in the world. It sees more than 8 million visitors a year, 1.5 million of whom attend a show. About 350,000 visitors opt to take a guided tour of the incredible building as well.

Check In to Four Seasons Hotel Sydney , Step Out to Sydney Opera House

Badu Gili – Free Light Show at Sydney Opera House

Badu Gili is a free experience that takes place every evening at Sydney Opera House . During the performances, the eastern sail is illuminated with spectacular light projections depicting First Nation stories. “Badu Gili” means “water light” in the language of the traditional inhabitants of Bennelong Point . There are two different projections, each around seven minutes in length. The first one is shown at sunset and the second one at 7 p.m. The two projections are repeated at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. The best spot for viewing the performances is at the top of the Monumental Steps.

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Sydney Opera House Tours

While you are welcome to walk around Sydney Opera House , signing up for a guided tour is a great way to really take it all in. A knowledgeable tour guide will lead you under the sails and through the fascinating venues, regaling your group with stories about the history and magic of the place. Tours operate every day of the year except for Christmas Day and Good Friday. They depart regularly throughout the day, starting at 9 a.m., with the last tour leaving at 5 p.m.

• Tickets for a Sydney Opera House tour cost $42 for adults and $22 for children. Tours last about an hour, and it is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for the duration. It is also recommended that you book your tickets ahead of time, as spots do tend to sell out early.

If you want to get a peek at what goes on behind the curtain at Sydney Opera House , then sign up for a Backstage Tour. Explore rehearsal spaces and get the inside scoop on operations from expert guides. Tours depart every day at 7 a.m. and last for about two and a half hours. Tickets cost $175 per person, and children must be 10 years of age or older to take the Backstage Tour. You must book your spot on a tour in advance. Guests are also advised to wear enclosed, rubber-soled shoes for comfort and safety.

Check In to InterContinental Sydney , Step Out to Sydney Opera House

Seeing a Show at Sydney Opera House

The best and most memorable way to experience Sydney Opera House is, of course, to catch a show. There are more than 2,000 shows a year to choose from, so chances are that you can find a production that appeals to you during your visit. Plus, the world-class live music venues offer unparalleled acoustics and ambiance. While Sydney Opera House regularly hosts operas, you can also see concerts, symphony orchestras, Broadway shows, ballets, stand-up comedy shows, and much more. A number of theatrical companies also hold regular performances at Sydney Opera House , including Sydney Theatre Company, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Opera Australia, and The Australian Ballet. It is advisable to book your tickets for a show you are interested in well in advance.

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Dining and Drinks at Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House offers some of the best dining experiences in the city, complete with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour . Enjoy a meal or a drink before catching a show or after taking a tour at any of the following spots.

• Bennelong – One of the most highly regarded fine-dining restaurants in Australia, Bennelong features a menu inspired by authentic Australian ingredients and flavors.
• Opera Bar – Located along the edge of the water, Opera Bar provides excellent views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and serves up local flavors.
• Opera Kitchen – Situated right under the famous sails, Opera Kitchen offers burgers, sandwiches, and Asian-inspired dishes like poke bowls.
• Portside – A casual and family-friendly spot, Portside is perfect for a light meal and a glass of wine. Diners are also treated to views over Circular Quay .
• Theatre Bars – Sydney Opera House has three bars where you can also have a drink or light snack before a show. They are found in the Western Foyers, Joan Sutherland Theatre, and Concert Hall.
• The Lounge – Another fantastic spot where you can relax before a show, The Lounge offers lobby-style seating and a cafe-style menu of quick and tasty nibbles.

There are three different tours available at Sydney Opera House that incorporate the venue’s fantastic restaurants. Taste of the Opera House is a four-hour experience where visitors wine and dine their way through Bennelong , Opera Bar , Opera Kitchen , and Portside . Tour and Tasting Plate incorporates a regular tour with a tasting plate at Opera Kitchen , while Tour and Dine incorporates a regular tour with a meal at Opera Bar .

Check In to Rydges Sydney Harbour , Step Out to Opera Bar

How to Get to Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House is just a quick, six-minute walk from Circular Quay , a Sydney transport hub accessible via ferries, buses, and trains from all over the city. The world-famous sails will be instantly visible from wherever you arrive, making it easy to know where to go.

If you are driving to Sydney Opera House , then you can park in the multi-level Sydney Opera House Car Park, which is accessible from the northern end of 2 Macquarie Street. The car park is owned and operated by Wilson Parking and has space for 1,200 vehicles. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can take advantage of prepaid discounted parking by booking a spot online ahead of time, but there are convenient pay machines on-site as well.

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The 5 Best Sydney Opera House Tours [2024 Reviews]

I don’t know about you, but whenever I think of Sydney, Australia, the first thing that comes to mind is its unique opera house.

As one of the most iconic buildings in the world, it’s not only great to look at, but also offers some incredible views of the harbor and surrounding skyline. One of the best ways to experience it is on a proper tour, with each one offering something a bit different.

I’ve carefully curated a guide of the 5 top Sydney Opera House tours, that I find offer great quality and are worth the time and money. Let’s jump right in!

Best Tours of the Sydney Opera House

Quick answer: the 5 best rated sydney opera house tours for 2024.

• Sydney Opera House Guided Backstage Tour
• Private Sydney Full Day Tour Including Sydney Opera House, Bondi and Manly
• Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Opera House VIP Guided Tour Ticket, Two Course Dinner and Drinks
• Sydney Opera House Tour & Meal + Drink at Opera Bar or House Canteen

Sydney Opera House Tour Reviews

1. sydney opera house guided backstage tour.

• Duration:  3 hours
• Departure: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes:  Behind-the-scenes tour with a professional guide, breakfast

Sitting like a white gem right on the shores of the legendary Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House stands as an iconic symbol of Australia’s varied heritage and architectural prowess.

While it’s undoubtedly captivating with its impressive exterior, very few visitors have the opportunity to actually head behind the curtain and discover the structure’s secrets!

With the Sydney Opera House Guided Backstage Tour , you’ll be able to get a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the globe’s most renowned performing arts venues!

We met up with our guide, who was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about all things “Sydney”, offering plenty of educational opportunities regarding Australian history.

I didn’t know it was a UNESCO World Heritage-listed marvel, and I learned so much about the way it was designed, including the Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Theatre, and why they decided on the sail imagery.

Another interesting thing I learned was that it has been around since 1973, so quite a bit older than I’d imagined for the modern look it sports!

We entered the areas that regularly only staff and performers are able to access, complete with the stage and dressing rooms while listening to some of the biggest “dramas” that have taken place here!

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The small-group setting makes it much easier to move around the relatively “secret” spaces, as well as receive more customized attention from our guide. One of my favorite parts was getting to walk through the Stage Door, where countless famous names have passed through!

Our guide did a fantastic job at keeping our attention with intriguing stories and a great sense of humor, taking us to all kinds of cool vantage points most people don’t get to see.

After the tour, we headed to the cafe for a delicious complimentary lunch to laugh and chat about the tour with our guide and rest of our group members!

We also had the chance to buy some symphony tickets for later in the day, which only adds to the cool-factor knowing we were just on the stage hours earlier!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. private sydney full day tour including sydney opera house, bondi and manly.

• Duration:  8 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: 9:00 or 10:00 AM
• Includes:  Expert driver/guide, private transportation, bottled water

If you’re on the hunt for a more “complete” Sydney tour that also includes the iconic Opera House, look no further than our next tour!

The Private Sydney Full Day Tour Including Sydney Opera House, Bondi and Manley experience is perfect if you have the entire day free to explore some of the best destinations in the city. In fact, I don’t know if I’d ever be able to get to know Sydney as well as I did if not for this tour!

The tour starts off early in the morning with a hotel pickup, so make sure you bring a jacket and some comfortable walking shoes as you’re going to see quite a lot!

The private transportation was comfortable, with air-conditioning and large windows to admire the natural and man-made beauty all around the city. Another factor I thought was well worth the money was the fact that it’s a completely-customizable private tour so we were able to pick and choose what we wanted to see.

Of course, if you aren’t familiar with the city you can tell your guide your interests and they can create an itinerary based around them to make it particularly interesting!

We of course got to see the exterior of the Sydney Opera House, taking photos and videos while learning all about its history from our guide (you can also opt to take an interior tour). Next up was Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for a breathtaking view of the harbour while learning about the stone chair!

Next up, we saw the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Royal Botanical Gardens, along with the contrasting “sketchy” Kings Cross which was once the Red Light District of Sydney!

You better believe there are some crazy stories about this place! After that, we headed up to the magnificent Watson’s Bay, which is one of the deepest and biggest harbours in the world, before heading to the world-famous Bondi Beach to stroll and take a dip in the water!

3. Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House

• Duration:  2 to 4 hours
• Departure: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
• Departure Time: Contact tour operator
• Includes:  Performance ticket to the Opera

Perhaps you’re looking for more of a dedicated Sydney Opera House tour, or you simply need a shorter tour to fit into your busy schedule. This tour is the perfect option, clocking in at around just 2 to 4 hours and 4 different seating options ideal for any budget.

The  Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House tour offers both matinee and evening performances, which make it that much easier to fit into a packed itinerary, too! I’ll be upfront and say that you can also obviously just book the show that you want to see, individually.

However, this tour is a bit more comprehensive, and I felt like we had some opportunities with this tour that we wouldn’t have had we solely booked the tour. For example, it seemed like we had better seating and were just taken into consideration more by staff as we cruised around the interior of this legendary building.

I’d never seen an opera before, so I didn’t know what to expect, but the staff helped explain the history to me and offered specific insight into the opera we were about to attend.

The vast majority are performed in Italian, though they conveniently have the English subtitles projected right about the stage for easy viewing. We went to a bar inside the opera house first, so we could enjoy a tasty cocktail before going inside.

The performances do vary on the season, so if you do have any questions about the shows, don’t hesitate to reach out to the staff with any questions you may have. I recommend La Bohéme and Otello, but I’ve heard that all of them are great!

If you’d like an authentic opera experience at one of the best venues in the world, do give this one a good look!

4. Sydney Opera House VIP Guided Tour Ticket, Two Course Dinner and Drinks

• Departure:  Sydney Opera House
• Departure Time: 4:15 PM
• Includes:  VIP 1-hour behind-the-scenes guided evening tour of the Opera House, dinner, alcoholic beverages

Sydney’s iconic Opera House requires zero introduction and while seeing its exterior is a must, I highly recommend also checking out a proper tour that shows you the inside in a way few get to see.

The Sydney Opera House VIP Guided Tour Ticket, Two Course Dinner and Drinks is one of the best options and makes for the perfect date night outing instead of just going to a restaurant. T

his luxurious experience promises a true “VIP” treatment where you’ll not only see exclusive parts of the Opera House, but will also get to indulge in grade-A wines and delectable dishes crafted from the best local produce.

Whether you’re a complete newbie to opera or a seasoned vet, I can assure you that you’re going to love this evening of luxury and culture!

Start off the night by meeting your guide right in front of the Sydney Opera House, where you’ll receive a briefing and some insight into the history and architecture. Our guide seemed to know all its ins and outs, and was able to easily answer every question I threw at them.

The tour started at 4:15 pm, which I found to be the ideal time after we’d already gone sightseeing and on other tours during the day, but wasn’t so late that we were already tired.

We headed inside to enjoy a VIP 1-hour guided tour of the Opera House, where we got to go behind the scenes to see how all of the performances are put together! I had no idea so much work went into a single performance, with countless employees working seamlessly to make sure everything goes as planned.

After learning so much about the history of the beautiful Opera House, we all went over to a beautiful restaurant where we sat on the patio to enjoy the ships pass by under the harbour bridge as we enjoyed some delicious food and drink.

The 2-course dinner and 2 different drinks were divine, and as previously mentioned, made for a nice little date night activity. I can’t recommend this evening tour enough – especially if you’re looking to go out with your significant other or a group of friends.

5. Sydney Opera House Tour & Meal + Drink at Opera Bar or House Canteen

• Duration:  2 hours
• Departure: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point Easy walk from Circular Quay Train Station, Sydney
• Departure Time: Between 9:00 AM & 3:30 PM
• Includes:  Guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, lunch

Sydney has some of the most incredible spring and summer weather of anywhere in the world I’ve traveled, and if you’re going to be in the city you have to partake in this next tour.

The Sydney Opera House Tour & Meal + Drink at Opera Bar or House Canteen  is my most recommended tour for the entire family – even if you’re traveling with young children or teenagers who have short attention spans!

If you don’t mind a bit of exercise, put on your walking shoes and sign up for one of the most in-demand excursions in Sydney!

This is also one of the most brief tours, combined with plenty of different start times available to make it one of the easiest to fit into a busy itinerary.

The tour starts by meeting up with your guide and the rest of your small group at the Opera House, who offers a fun little briefing before heading inside. The digital experience was also pretty cool and taught me a lot about the history of the building, along with some relevant info about Australia’s origins.

The area surrounding the Opera House was surprisingly beautiful, making for some great photo ops to print out later on as a nice memento.

Our tour guide perfectly balanced knowledge with humor, keeping all of us at the edge of our seats waiting for what was to come next.

Learning about the architecture and unique design required to pull this building off was fascinating, along with the mass amounts of people needed to make it happen!

After learning and exploring, we headed over to a lovely restaurant at one of the best restaurants I’ve been to in Sydney! You do get to choose from the Opera Bar or the House Canteen, though I love the latter for its amazing views and general “beachy” kind of vibe.

The food was incredible, and they also included an alcoholic beverage to sip on while soaking in the expansive scenery surrounding us.

Tour Guides

The Sydney Opera House Guided Backstage Tour is our Editors Choice for the best Sydney Opera House tour

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, 🐋 the 5 best sydney whale watching tours – [2024 reviews], the 5 best blue mountains tours from sydney – [2024 reviews], the 5 best moreton island tours from brisbane – [2024 reviews], the 4 best wine tours in australia from melbourne [2024 reviews].

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Should you do a Sydney Opera House Tour?

A Sydney Opera House tour is near the top of every Sydney visitor’s to-do list. Regardless of your budget, spending time here is a must. I often get asked, “Should I book a Opera House Tour or just walk around the outside”? My standard answer is, “Well, that depends.” So let’s go find out what “that depends” on!

Travelling on a tight budget

Interested in the opera house’s history and architecture, interested in seeing a theatre performance, someone who loves to see how the place works – backstage tours, opera house tours for someone who loves good food, don’t forget the gift shop.

This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy  is here .

Ways to see the Sydney Opera House

Whether you should do an Opera House tour depends on your interest in architecture, performing arts, your budget and the time you have available for your visit. So let’s explore the varioius options and find out the best way for you to see Sydney’s iconic white sails.

If you are flat broke, you can still walk around the Opera House – head inside via the Drama Theatre staircase and even use the toilets.

Make sure you walk around the building and take photos from different angles, climb the front stairs and touch the tiles .

Well, the next option is probably going to suit you. The Architectural Essentials Tour is a one-hour tour covering all the main public spaces and gives you the history of the building, the design, and the architect. You can take photos of any areas that are not dressed for performances. I recently did this tour – for the 5 th time –and the new to me video segments that cover the construction are a great addition.

Each guide seems to tell slightly different stories; ours shared a story of Pavarotti refusing to attend a reception in the Concert Hall foyer area because of his phobia of purple carpet. 

She also told us about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s visit to compete in a Mr Universe competition on the Concert Hall stage in the 1970s.

I have enjoyed my tours, and all the guides have been excellent, but apparently, this is not always the case and like anywhere you visit, the tour is only as good as the person giving it. I would think the majority are doing an excellent job.

Opera singer Pavarotti has a phobia of purple and would not attend an event in this foyer unless they covered the carpet. They did!

Some areas included in the Essentials tour are the Drama Theatre, Concert Hall, Utzon Room, and the Northern Foyer, although this may vary on the timing of your visit. If any areas are being dressed for performances or are being used for private functions, you will bypass them. To give you an idea of how often this happens is impossible, however, on my five tours I have only missed the concert hall once. I have also always been allowed to take photos. The Essentials tours are currently $43 for adults.

An alternative to taking the tour and next best budget-wise is to attend a performance. There are over 40 shows a week, and a quick check of this month’s tickets discovered the Bangarra Dance Theatre performing in the Drama Theatre.

If you want to see the Concert Hall, and it is very impressive, I suggest a symphony concert. Opera Australia packages are also available, and you can even include dinner and a show if you like.

I have not done one of these tours, so I sadly have no photos to share, but if you are a performer yourself or a passionate arts fan, the backstage tour   will probably appeal to you. Run daily at 7am; only twelve people can join each tour, allowing you to get up close to the action.

You need to book in advance for these and bookings close two days before. This two-hour tour visits the stages and orchestra pits, dressing rooms and breakfast in the green room on the conclusion. This tour costs $175, and children under 12 are not permitted. Tours are available in several languages, including tours for the hearing impaired.

You can, of course, skip the tour altogether and spend the money eating and drinking instead. On our last wedding anniversary, my husband surprised me with dinner at the Opera House fine dining restaurant Bennelong.

We opted for the pre-theatre menu, which is excellent value; with the right seating, you get to watch the sunset while eating dinner inside one of the shells. They also do a mean Negroni. Bookings are essential here, often a few weeks in advance, but they take walk-ins for the bar menu. I am not much of a food reviewer, so check out this blog post for more.

There are also a few outdoor dining options – perfect spots to watch the sunset.

If you need to take a gift home for someone you love, I think a Lego Opera House beats a t-shirt every time!

So there you go… all you need to plan a great day at the Opera House. While you can buy a ticket for most tours on the day, if you want to do one of the specialist tours or have a limited budget, I would suggest booking in advance .

If you are interested in taking photos of this iconic building, check out the Best Places to photograph the Sydney Opera House .

While you are here, why not explore the Royal Botanic Gardens or take a self-guided walk around the Rocks, Sydney’s oldest quarter?

1 thought on “Should you do a Sydney Opera House Tour?”

I’ve done the backstage tour many times and it is fantastic. It’s great to see how everything works behind the scenes. In fact I haven’t done the other tour! From what you have said I need to do one, they sound great. Also great tip on grabbing a copy of SMH 😉

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Honest tourism information about Australia

How to go inside the Sydney Opera House without seeing a show

• David Whitley
• Attractions

Sydney Opera House guided tours take you inside the Opera House without seeing a show. They also take you to parts of the building that most visitors never see.

The Sydney Opera House is Australia’s most famous building. Its prime position on Sydney Harbour and sails-like roof make it an instant architectural icon.

Book in advance to secure your place on the Sydney Opera House walking tour .

Most visitors are content to admire the Sydney Opera House from outside. It is easily seen from the Rocks or Circular Quay, while it’s also possible to build it into to a fabulous walk around the harbour. You can walk around Bennelong Point on the way to the Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquaries Point.

Shows at the Sydney Opera House

But of course, the Sydney Opera House is more than just a piece of architecture to be admired. It is a multi-venue performance space, and not just for opera. Theatre, dance, classical music and pop productions all take place here.

The easiest way to get inside the Opera House, therefore, is buying a ticket for a show. However, you can go inside the Sydney Opera House without seeing a show. There are guided tours of the building available.

Skip the queues – and get the best prices – with mobile-friendly advance tickets for these top Sydney attractions .

• Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
• Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
• Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
• Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
• Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.

Sydney Opera House tour prices

The official Sydney Opera House tour costs $43 at time of writing, and should be booked online .

These guided walking tours not only take you inside the building, but cover sections that are usually off-limits to visitors.

The knowledgeable guide also talks about the venue’s history and architectural inspiration, while visiting one of the biggest pillar-free chambers on earth.

Visitors should be aware that there are around 200 steps on the tour route.

Sydney Opera House tour including meal

There are also tour options, costing $80, that include a meal either at the House canteen or the neighbouring Opera Bar.

These come up as booking options when you check availability on your preferred date .

Other things to do in Sydney nearby include whale-watching by speed boat and taking a Sydney Harbour walking tour .

13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book

• (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour .
• Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour .
• Save money with a multi-attraction pass .
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour .
• Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
• See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise .
• (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour .
• Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour .
• Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
• Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons .
• Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
• Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk .
• (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure .

More New South Wales travel

Tackle the Sublime Point Track in Wollongong .

Camp in Byron Bay at the Clarkes Beach caravan park .

Go surfing at Blueys Beach .

Swim at Bayview Park in Sydney.

What to do on a Newcastle to Yamba road trip .

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The Sydney Opera House turns 50

• Stephen Snyder

The iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House are recognized worldwide as a symbol of bold, free expression. The World’s Carol Hills tells the story of “the people’s house” that has hosted opera, yes, but also music and entertainment of all kinds, and it has served as the backdrop for visits from royalty, Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela and several US presidents.

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Anthony Callea & Tim Campbell with John Foreman & the Australian Pops Orchestra The Songs of Elton & George

16 november 2024.

In the Concert Hall

Join Anthony Callea & Tim Campbell with John Foreman & the Australian Pops Orchestra for an evening of musical brilliance as they pay tribute to the genius of Elton John and George Michael !

$8.95 booking fee applies per transaction

Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

The only authorised ticket agency for this event is  Sydney Opera House . For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.

Sydney Opera House Insiders pre-sale 9am, Tuesday 9 April 2024 B ecome a Sydney Opera House Insider to receive exclusive pre-sale access Artist pre-sales 9am, Tuesday 9 April 2024 What’s On e-newsletter pre-sale 9am, Wednesday 10 April 2024 General Public tickets on-sale 9am, Thursday 11 April 2024

Wheelchair accessible

Find out more about  accessibility at Sydney Opera House

Run time 140 minutes, including a 20 minute interval Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.

Age Recommended 15+ Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.

Content Please note smoke machines/theatrical haze will be used for this performance. Latecomers may only be admitted after 2nd number (a medley of 3 songs) The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our  Child Safety Policy . 

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Venue information, covid-safe information.

Frequently asked questions  

Seating map

Download seating map (PDF)

The Songs of Elton & George

In an unmissable celebration of two iconic musical legends, Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell join forces with John Foreman and the Australian Pops Orchestra to present a spectacular concert featuring the timeless hits of Elton John and George Michael . This musical gala is set to captivate audiences creating an unforgettable and entertaining live music concert experience. 

Known for powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence, Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell will take the audience on a musical journey through the hits that have defined generations. Under the direction of musical virtuoso John Foreman, the Australian Pops Orchestra will transform these legendary pop anthems into symphonic masterpieces. With their unparalleled musicality, the 35-piece orchestra will breathe new life into timeless classics from two of the most prolific songwriters of our time in Elton John and George Michael.

Presented by Anthony Callea, Tim Campbell and The Australian Pops Orchestra

Watch the trailer for The Songs of Elton and George

Other information

Frequently asked questions.

Our foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars. All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer.

The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead. Please see  their website  for details.

Please check the  Transport NSW website  for the latest advice and information on travel. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a six min walk to the Opera House. 

The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We’re committed to making your experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable, with a number of measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. We remind our audiences and visitors to please stay home if you feel unwell. If you need to discuss your ticketing or booking options, contact our Box Office team on 02 9250 7777.

The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We have a number of safety measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. While face masks are no longer required, we ask all our patrons and visitors to practise good hygiene. Please stay home if you feel unwell and read more about our flexible ticket options .

The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Ticket purchases and collection at our Box Office is discouraged and eTicket or postal delivery methods should be used, wherever possible. However, if you are collecting your tickets from the Box Office, we recommend doing this at least 60 minutes before the event starts. If you have already received your tickets, the venue doors will be open 45 minutes pre-show for Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and 30 minutes pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Please take your seats as soon as you arrive. 

If you are late, we will seat you as soon as we can and, where possible, in your allocated seat. However, to reduce movement in the venue as well as minimise disruption to the performance and other patrons, ticketholders may be seated in an allocated latecomer’s seat. Please be aware that some events have lock-out periods. In these cases, latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance. On occasions, this may not be until the interval, or at all where there is no interval. 

Details of our right to refuse admission can be found in our  General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Events.

In accordance with our venue security procedures, Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags under the Monumental Stairs, prior to entering the building. Bags will be scanned by an x-ray machine, and staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling your belongings, such as gloves. Cloaking facilities will be open 60 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and 60 minutes pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. However it is strongly encouraged that you travel lightly to minimise contact and queuing. Any bags larger than an A4 piece of paper will need to be checked into the Cloak Room.

The authorised agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House.

Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency such as Ticketmaster Resale, Viagogo, Ticketbis, eBay, Gumtree, Tickets Australia or any other unauthorised seller, you risk that these tickets are fake, void or have previously been cancelled. RESALE RESTRICTION APPLIES. For more details, please refer to our  General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events.

Please contact Box Office on 9250 7777 as soon as possible to advise if you can no longer attend.

Foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars.

The venue doors will be open 45 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and 30 minutes pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances.

Please bring a credit or debit card for any on site purchases to enable contactless payment. You’re welcome to bring your own water bottle but no other food and drinks are permitted inside our venues. Opera Bar, Opera Kitchen and Portside are also available for you to enjoy.

The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Sydney Opera House is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the Opera House became a smoke-free site in January 2022. Read our Smoke-free Environment Policy . 

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Led by enigmatic singer-songwriter Matt Johnson, UK new wave icons THE THE return to the Sydney Opera House for two performances spanning their genre-hopping four-decade career.

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• April 14, 2024 Setlist

Anoushiravan Rohani Setlist at Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

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<div style="text-align: center;" class="setlistImage"><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/anoushiravan-rohani/2024/concert-hall-sydney-opera-house-sydney-australia-53ab3fa1.html" title="Anoushiravan Rohani Setlist Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia 2024" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=53ab3fa1" alt="Anoushiravan Rohani Setlist Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia 2024" style="border: 0;" /></a> <div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=53ab3fa1&amp;step=song">Edit this setlist</a> | <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/anoushiravan-rohani-bc18556.html">More Anoushiravan Rohani setlists</a></div></div>

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[url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/anoushiravan-rohani/2024/concert-hall-sydney-opera-house-sydney-australia-53ab3fa1.html][img]https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=53ab3fa1[/img][/url] [url=https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=53ab3fa1&amp;step=song]Edit this setlist[/url] | [url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/anoushiravan-rohani-bc18556.html]More Anoushiravan Rohani setlists[/url]

Tour Update

Marquee memories: jesse mccartney.

• Jesse McCartney
• Apr 11, 2024
• Apr 10, 2024
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