- Make your way to one of Australia's most iconic landmarks, the Sydney Opera House.
- Bask in the elegance and grandeur of this beloved attraction that registers over 8 million visitors annually.
- This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Australia's proudest achievements and boasts a modern-expressionist design in its architecture.
- Follow around an expert English-speaking tour guide who will show you the best of the Opera House while filling you in on its significance in Australian history and culture.
- Infants aged 4 and below go free. Children aged 5-15, as well as students aged 16+, enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24hrs before the schedule.
- Soak up the grandeur and elegance of this world-renowned multi-venue performing arts center.
- Gasp at the attraction’s grand architecture: the unique series of glistening white sail-shaped shells will have you reaching for your cameras.
- Enjoy an hour-long guided tour, alongside a tour guide who will expertly navigate your way through the Opera House.
- Pass by venues and theaters as intriguing facts and stories about performances of the past become known to you.
- Visit the new purpose-built space and enjoy immersive digital experiences to help relive unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall Performances.
- Post-tour, make your way to the Opera House’s Opera Kitchen for a gastronomic treat.
- Gorge on a delicious meal as you drink in uninterrupted views of the famed Harbor Bridge and the surrounding city skyline.
- Students aged 16yrs and up with a valid student card enjoy reduced ticket pricing.
- This ticket cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled.
- This tour will take you on a journey of Sydney Opera House's fascinating architectural history.
- It all began back in the 50s when a Danish man, Jørn Utzon, created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that changed the course of 20th-century architecture.
- When it was inaugurated in 1973, Frank Gehry, a US architect, said it "changed the image of an entire country."
- As you walk beneath the shell-like structures of the Sydney Opera House, your guide will tell you about how visionaries, architects, engineers, and artists came together to build this architectural and engineering masterpiece.
- It truly was at the cutting edge of what was possible at the time.
- The tour takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 10 AM.
- You might even see a rehearsal in action, or catch the crew working on a set!
- Infants aged 0-5 can enter for free. Children aged 5-15, as well as students aged 16 and above with student cards, enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
A shining star amongst the many attractions that dot the Emerald City, the Sydney Opera House is instantly recognizable courtesy of its white, sail-shaped shell roof. The performance venue is known for its stunning architecture and glorious views of the Sydney Harbour and is amongst the most visited and photographed tourist attractions worldwide. Your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site can be more than just wandering around and admiring the visual beauty; you can also attend one of the many fantastic concerts and performances hosted at the opera house. Have questions about how to buy Sydney Opera House tickets? We have put together the perfect guide for you.
Visiting Sydney Opera House Post-COVID
Sydney Opera House and its restaurants are presently open, with shows and tours continuing as announced following public health order requirements. The Opera House and its eateries are registered as COVID Safe businesses with the NSW Government. To ensure the Sydney Opera House is a safe and comfortable environment for visitors and staff, the following measures are in place:
- All visitors must check-in via a QR code upon entry.
- All patrons aged 12 and up are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask while inside the theatres, including during the performance.
- High-traffic and touch areas are regularly cleaned with top-quality disinfectants.
- All frequently accessed areas and bathrooms are equipped with hand sanitizer stations.
- All frontline, operational, and contract staff have undergone COVID-19 safety training.
Why Visit the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an extraordinary visual charm and a rich history. During your visit to this iconic performance venue, you can learn more about its design, famous personalities who performed at the concert hall, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour.
With a Sydney Opera House tour, you can learn more about the building's renowned architecture and understand why its construction took over 14 years. Enjoy a sneak peek of all that it takes to mount a dazzling live performance at the Sydney Opera House and appreciate all the effort it takes to live up to the concert hall's legendary reputation. One of the biggest reasons to visit the Sydney Opera House is to witness a show at the iconic concert hall. From symphony orchestra and Broadway shows to contemporary concerts and Hollywood showcases, there are many types of performances organized at the Sydney Opera House, giving you plenty of great options to choose from.
You can also enjoy a gourmet meal overlooking the majestic Sydney skyline by grabbing a table at the Bennelong, a world-class restaurant at the Sydney Opera House. There's nothing quite like a mouth-watering meal to end an eventful day exploring the beautiful opera house and attending a show at the concert hall.
All Your Sydney Opera House Ticket Options
Guided
Explore the Sydney Opera House with a knowledgeable guide as they take you through all the fascinating aspects of the performance venue in glorious detail. The guided tour is perfect for you if you love learning interesting facts about the landmark you're visiting. From fascinating insights into the constitution of the opera house to little known facts that enrich your visit, a guided tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty and majesty of the Sydney Opera House.
Combo
Looking for a complete Sydney Opera House experience? Opt for a special guided tour and meal combo. You will be accompanied by a fun and well-informed guide who will lead your tour through all the interesting aspects of the Sydney Opera House. To make the experience even better, your experience will include a fabulous meal at the Opera Kitchen. This Sydney Opera House tour is one of a kind, and sure to leave you happy and sated!
Sydney Opera House Discounted Tickets
Children aged 5-15 years can book discounted tickets. Students aged 16 and above can get discounts on their tickets provided they present a valid Student ID.
Which Sydney Opera House tickets should you buy?
- Budget-friendly: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to explore the Sydney Opera House, a standard tour is ideal for you. It costs approximately AU$42 for adults and around AU$22 for children.
- Guided tours: Want to experience the best of the Sydney Opera House? A guided walking tour is the best way to do just that. Discover the rich history, fascinating stories, and pure magic of the Sydney Opera House with your English-speaking guide.
- Explore more: Looking for something special to make your trip to the Sydney Opera House memorable? Opt for a guided tour of the performance venue and end your tour with a gastronomic surprise at the Opera Kitchen, where you can pick from a variety of dishes.
Sydney Opera House in a Nutshell
Shows
Sydney Opera House shows are one of a kind and cannot be missed when visiting the city. The monument is home to multiple performance venues including the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Concert Hall, Drama Theatre, Playhouse, Forecourt, and Utzon Room. The Sydney Opera House has hosted renowned artists including Bob Dylan, Massive Attack, Patti Smith, The Cure, Sting, and Björk, along with a plethora of talented local performers. A few of the popular theatre companies that perform at the opera house regularly are Sydney Theatre Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australian Chamber Orchestra, The Australian Ballet, Bell Shakespeare, Opera Australia, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Architecture
One of the biggest highlights of the Sydney Opera House is its stunning architecture. Featuring gleaming white shells that contrast against the bright blue waters of the Sydney Harbour, the performance venue appears traditional and contemporary at the same time. Arguably one of the most well-recognized buildings in the world, the Sydney Opera House features a modern expressionist style with concrete shells that form the roof of the venue and glass curtain walls that form the foyer. The opera house exterior is made up of pink granite panels while the interiors boast brush box glulam, off-form concrete, and white birch plywood.
What's inside Sydney Opera House
History
The Sydney Opera House was the brainchild of the director of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, Eugene Goossens. After an intense design completion sometime in the 1940s, a Danish architect, Jørn Utzon was declared the winner in 1957. After a couple of years, Utzon departed the project due to creative differences. The construction was officially completed in 1973, 10 years after the estimated year of completion, and was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II. Costing over AUS $104 million and over 10,000 workers, the Sydney Opera House was a humongous undertaking in all aspects. Many years later, in 1999, the Australian Government reconnected with Utzon to work on the interiors and even dedicated a room to him, named the Utzon Room.
Plan Your Visit
Sydney Opera House opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM while the Sydney Opera House tours operate from 9 AM to 8:30 PM Monday to Saturday.
On Sundays, Sydney Opera House remains open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Plan your visit to Sydney Opera House
Train: Circular Quay is the nearest train station from the Sydney Opera House and is a short walk away. After Circular Quay, the City Circle station is also within walking distance of the opera house.
Bus: Many buses are plying to the Sydney Opera House including B1, L90, L94, 333, 370, 392, 400, 422, 423, and 490. You can also opt for the free buses plying between Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House.
Water Taxi: If you're looking for something offbeat, a water taxi is a great option for you. Not only will a water taxi drop you directly in front of the Sydney Opera House but you'll also get to explore and witness the famed harbors of Sydney during the ride.
Here are some great Sydney Opera House restaurants to enjoy a meal at before or after your trip to the venue:
- Sydney Cove Oyster Bar: Gorge on classy European and Asian seafood served in a peaceful setting overlooking the tranquil blue water of the Sydney Harbour.
- Bennelong Restaurant and Bar: Amongst the most iconic restaurants in Australia, this cathedral-esque eatery serves premium quality local cuisine.
- Aria Restaurant: Presented by chef Matt Moran, this opulent, glass-walled dining room is known for serving contemporary Australian haute cuisine.
- Opera Kitchen: This modern eatery serves unique food for all budgets and offers stunning views of the majestic Sydney Harbour.
- Searock Grill: Featuring plenty of outdoor seating and a modern menu, this casual restaurant is famous for its delectable Australian seafood and steak.
- 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.
- An escalator is also available from the box office to the southern foyer.
- 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 on the entrance.
Restrooms: The Box Office Foyer and Western Theatre Foyer are equipped with accessible toilets.
Bars: To ensure that patrons don't have to walk around to get a quick bite or a drink during the performances, each performance venue inside the Sydney Opera House features a well-stocked bar. The bars at Concert Hall Theatre and Joan Sutherland Theatre are open for patrons at least 90 minutes before the show starts and during the intermission. The Western Foyer Theatre is also equipped with a bat which is open pre-theatre.
- If you have your show tickets, try and arrive at the venue at least 20 minutes before the show starts. For box office pickups, reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the start of the show.
- You need to present all your personal belongings and bags to the Opera House security staff for an x-ray screening or visual inspection. You might also have to undergo electronic screening by the Opera House security staff.
- The following items are prohibited at the Sydney Opera House: Alcohol, glass beverage containers, flammable materials, illegal substances including drugs, anything that could be used as a or looks like a weapon, professional cameras or recording devices, political or offensive clothing and signage, laser pointers, and drones or other aerial vehicles.
- It's recommended that visitors avoid bringing bags or any other large items to the opera house to avoid delays at the security check or cloakroom.
Visitor Tips
- There's a free shuttle service managed by the Sydney Opera House from Circular Quay to the opera house. If you're around Circular Quay, make use of this shuttle and reach the Sydney Opera House comfortably.
- Visiting the Sydney Opera House for the first time and want to experience everything there's to the performance venue? Opt for the Main Sydney Opera House tour for the complete experience. Other tour options available for you to choose from include the Backstage Tour and Junior Adventure, which is designed for kids.
- A once-a-month culinary tour of the Sydney Opera House restaurants is the perfect opportunity to sample the flavors of Australia. During this special tour, you'll not only sample the food but also learn how to cook select dishes at the restaurants. The participating restaurants are Bennelong, Portside Sydney, Opera Kitchen, and Opera Bar. The culinary tour is always in high demand so book your Sydney Opera House tickets in advance.
- Tickets for popular shows at the Sydney Opera House sell out far in advance. If you're planning on watching a performance at the opera house, book your tickets online in advance to get the best seats in the house.
- By far the best site to get photographed at the Sydney Opera House is Mrs. Macquarie's Chair in the Royal Botanical Garden. Make your way to this breathtaking spot during your tour or before or after the show.
- Since large luggage is not allowed at the Sydney Opera House, you can make use of the private storage facility available at Circuit Quay. Prices for the private storage facility start at AU$12 per day.
- Bringing your kids to Sydney Opera House? The performance venue is completely kid-friendly and hosts many activities for kids during school holidays. Kids can spend time at Creative Playspace, a free space equipped with toys for kids of all ages.
- Attend the Badu Gili, a stunning music and light experience which features mesmerizing projections on the shells of the Sydney Opera House. Watch the 7-minute show from the Monumental Steps for the best. The show runs twice a day at sunset and 9 PM every day of the year.
All Your Questions About Sydney Opera House Tickets Answered
You can purchase the Sydney Opera House tickets both online and offline at the venue box office. We offer both Sydney Opera House tour tickets and performance tickets.
No, there are no dedicated skip the line tickets Sydney Opera House tickets, but you can opt for VIP tickets that give you access to priority parking and a couple of other benefits.
There are two types of Sydney Opera House tickets available: performance tickets and tour tickets.
Sydney Opera House tours usually take about an hour.
Couples should get combo Sydney Opera House tickets, as it includes a tour of the premises along with a delicious meal overlooking the harbour, making for a romantic experience.
Families can take the regular Sydney Opera House tour, or watch a show at the opera house for an exciting experience.
Children can take the Junior Adventure Tour to learn more about the opera house and theater.
Cancellation and refund policies depend on the type of ticket you purchase, most tickets offer full refunds on cancellations done up to 24 hours before the scheduled time. Please check your ticket information before purchasing.
You can purchase your Sydney Opera House tickets three months in advance for the tour.
Currently, the Sydney Opera House tour is available only in English.
Sydney Opera House tour timings are 9 AM to 8:30 PM Monday through Saturday.
Yes, there are lifts, accessible toilets, and other accessible services available at the venue.
Storage is done is at the discretion of Opera House venue security staff and all items will be visually inspected.