Plan Your Visit to Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most-visited landmarks in Australia, and also the most photographed tourist attraction in the world. More than 10 million tourists visit Sydney Opera House each year. The white sail-shaped shell roof is home to the iconic Concert Hall, known to host an array of performances like ballet, theatres, symphony orchestras, etc. To avoid an end minute rush to attend a Sydney Opera House event — be it a concert or an opera, you will have to plan ahead. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit Sydney Opera House.
Sydney Opera House opening hours
- What are the Sydney Opera House opening hours?
The Sydney Opera House opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday-Saturday and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays. - Which days is the Sydney Opera House closed?
The Sydney Opera House is closed only on Easter Sunday and Christmas each year.
Knowledge Graph
- Designed by: The Sydney Opera House was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon.
- Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Get directions here.
- Opening: Sydney Opera House was opened to the public on 20 October 1973.
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM Monday-Saturday and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays
- Sydney Opera House height: 183 m (600 ft)
- Sydney Opera House width: 120 m (394 ft)
- Number of visitors per year: The Sydney Opera House was visited by over 10 million people annually.
Sydney Opera House Location
- Sydney Opera House is located right next to the Sydney Harbour and is easy to reach via public transport.
- Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
Best time to visit Sydney Opera House
The peak time to visit Sydney is between September to November when the weather is relatively pleasant. Avoid the Australian summer and visit the Sydney Opera House between March to May, which is relatively less crowded than the peak tourist season.
Opt for a Sydney Opera House tour at sunset when the setting sun casts its gleaming rays on the sail-shaped roofs, an ideal time to visit the Sydney Opera House. A night-time visit offers a lit-up view of the interiors and the exterior facade of the Sydney Opera House. Also attend the Badu Gili, a spectacular seven-minute light and music projection, where the sails light up at night. If that’s not enough, enjoy a view of the glittering skyline of Sydney from one of the multiple restaurants at the Opera House. If you’re looking to avoid the flocks of tourists who populate this iconic landmark, an early morning or a late evening visit will help.
Getting there
Metro
Metro lines T2, T3, and T8, from the Circular Quay Station will take you to the Sydney Opera House, at single metro ticket fares starting at AUS$2.52. Sign up for an Opal card and gain access to the bus, metro, rail, and ferry systems. If you choose to walk up to the Opera House from the station, the short walk will not take you more than 8-10 minutes.
Bus
The nearest bus stop to the Sydney Opera House is at Circular Quay, with a number of buses plying from the station to the venue. Single bus ticket fares start at AUS$ 2.24, a relatively cheaper option than the metro! If you’re with an elderly person, you can use the courtesy buses that operate between Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House on a first-come-first-served basis.
Car
The Sydney Opera House Car Park is operated by Wilson Parking, and serves as the perfect spot to park your car should you wish to drive to the Opera House. Located at 2 Macquarie Street, the car park is 700 m away from the Sydney Opera House. The hourly parking rates begin at AUS$9.
Other modes
You can also cycle up to the Opera House or just use scooters and bicycles instead. Even though you can't use these on the premises of the Opera House, you can park your them at designated parking spaces. Booking a water-taxi takes you directly in front of the Sydney Opera House.
Know Before You Go
- The Opera House and its restaurants are COVID-Safe businesses. However, it is mandatory for patrons, aged 12 and above, to wear a face mask at all times, even in performance venues.
- Areas receiving high-traffic and surfaces touched frequently by visitors are disinfected regularly.
- Patrons are advised to regularly follow hygiene practise- washing of hands and using hand sanitizers, that have been set up in all paths of travel and near bathroom facilities.
- Venues at the Sydney Opera House- the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Studio, Playhouse, Drama Theatre and the Utzon Room are operating at a reduced capacity (75%), and following social distancing practises between groups, in each row. Plan your Sydney Opera House tour in advance as tickets for performances are subject to availability.
- It is advisable to do contactless payments at the Sydney Opera House, so please carry your credit or debit cards.
- There is no facility to store suitcases or large bags currently.
FAQs: Visiting Sydney Opera House
Yes, you can purchase the Sydney Opera House tickets online. SydneyOperaHouseTickets.com offers Sydney Opera House tour tickets at great prices with exclusive deals and offers.
There are two types of Sydney Opera House tickets available: Sydney Opera House tour tickets and Sydney Opera House show tickets.
Yes, you can either opt for a Sydney Opera House guided walking tour or the Sydney Opera House Tour and Dine at Opera Kitchen ticket. Each tour is conducted in the company of an expert guide.
The Sydney Opera House tours are currently available only in English.
Your Sydney Opera House tour takes between 45 minutes to an hour.
This depends on the show chosen. Most shows go on for between 2-3 hours. There are some exceptions to this — for example, Il viaggio a Reims and Don Giovanni go on for 3 hours and 20 minutes. Do note that there will be a break during the performances.
You can choose either of the slots for a Sydney Opera House tour: 10:30 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM Sunday through Friday. On Saturdays, the tour slots available are 9 AM, 10:30 AM, and 12 PM.
You can use public transport (metro/bus) from the Circular Quay Station, or even walk from there to get to the Sydney Opera House. You can also hire a cab or a water taxi to get to the venue.
Early mornings an late evenings are the best time to visit Sydney Opera House, as this is usually when the venue is less crowded.