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Sydney Opera House

  • Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Last updated: 24 March, 2024

With its scalloped white roofs, instantly recognisable anywhere in the world, Jorn Utzon’s architectural masterpiece – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is rightly regarded as one of the greatest buildings of the 20th Century.

Rather than a single auditorium, the Opera House is a complex of performance spaces hosting music, theatre, ballet and, of course, opera. Book a seat for one of the performances or take the behind-the-scenes tour of this enchanting Sydney icon.

Know before you go

Jorn Utzon’s modern expressionist design was selected from 233 entries in a competition, held in 1957 by the state government, to design a suitable performing arts venue. The proposed cost was AU$7M and it was to be completed by 26 January 1963. Following a series of disputes, setbacks and cost overruns, it sat unfinished for years, before final completion in 1973 at a cost of AU$102M.

The Sydney Opera House is now one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, hosting more than 1,500 performances each year and earning the city millions of tourism dollars.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

There are three good ways to appreciate this icon. First, walk around the building to marvel at the architecture. Second, go to the website and book in for a performance during your stay. Third, book a one-hour backstage tour, which will take you to areas normally reserved for performers and opera house staff.  Places are limited for the backstage tour, so book ahead.

There’s an excellent food hall inside the building, with superb harbour views. Specialist architectural tours are also available.

When to do it

Live music, theatre, ballet and opera is performed throughout the year. A total of 1,500 concerts take place each year – they can be booked online, along with backstage tours which run from Thursday to Monday.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Sydney

Discover insider secrets and stories of the Opera House artists and performances, and step inside the iconic theatres and foyers that bring to life over 1800 performances each year. Explore the building with our knowledgeable guides, and learn about how Jørn Utzon’s vision came into existence against impossible odds. Please note that as we are a busy performing arts centre, venues and theatres are subject to availability at the time of your tour. Option: Tour & Dine at Opera Bar OR House Canteen: Make the most of a day out at the Opera House by going on our 1-hour tour followed by a lunch or an early dinner at your choice of Opera Bar or House Canteen, both located on the lower concourse. Redeem your ticket at the bar between 1130am - 6pm. Option: Language Tour and Language Tour & Meal + Drink options. Choose French, German, or Spanish Tour, to experience the tour with one of our language-speaking guides.

Price A$45

Min age 0

Rating 4.65 / 5 [2760 ratings]

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  • Sydney

No trip to Sydney is complete without witnessing a live performance in its most famous and Iconic building the Sydney Opera House. Before the performance or at interval, enjoy drinks within the Sydney Opera House Northern or Southern Foyer Bar, where you can admire stunning views across Sydney Harbour (drinks note included). Performance dates by opera (*=matinee performance) Cinderella by Massenet January: 4*, 7, 9, 11, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 28 February: 1*, 4, 6, 8 March: 19, 22*, 24, 26, 28 The Barber of Seville by Rossini January: 18, 21, 25*, 29 February: 1, 5, 8, 13, 15, 17, 19, 22*, 24, 26, 28 La Traviata by Verdi January: 23, 25, 31 February: 2*, 5*, 7, 9*, 15*, 18, 21, 25, 27 March: 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 21, 27 Candide by Bernstein February: 20, 22, 26* March: 1*, 6, 8, 11, 14 Dido & Aeneas by Purcell March: 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 29*

Price A$118

Min age 0

Rating 4.57 / 5 [248 ratings]

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  • Sydney

Uncover the mysteries of the backstage world. Meet your guide at Stage Door before you take a journey behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House. Discover spaces and places normally hidden from the public, as you explore unseen backstage areas where performers like Julie Andrews, Bob Dylan and Prince have all gone before. In your intimate group, follow your tour guide and get ready to see first-hand what the Sydney Opera House stage crew and performers get up to side-of stage, including a trip to the orchestra pit and private dressing rooms. Complete the experience with a delicious breakfast in the Green Room - the exclusive domain of our crew and performers.

Price A$190

Min age 10

Rating 4.83 / 5 [247 ratings]

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  • Sydney

Make the most of a day out at Sydney Opera House by experiencing a 1-hour guided tour followed by a show-stopping meal overlooking the Harbour at either the new House Canteen or Opera Bar. The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and this is your chance to experience beneath the magnificent sails and explore the vibrant performance spaces and extraordinary stories that exist. After the tour, take in some best views of Sydney Harbour while you enjoy lunch from a special Tour and Dine menu. When you check in for your tour at the Welcome Centre, on the lower concourse, you will receive a ticket stub. Please redeem this ticket at your choice of venue, either Opera Bar or House Canteen, between 11.30am - 6pm to receive your main meal from a selection, and choice of beverage (wine, beer, soft). Infant tickets do not include a meal or drink.

Price A$85

Min age 0

Rating 4.69 / 5 [212 ratings]

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  • Sydney

Enjoy the best sightseeing tour of Sydney on your half-day private tour. Discover the picture-perfect views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Learn about the city's rich history and culture from your expert guide. Visit the very tip of Sydney Harbour at The Gap, and dip your toes in the ocean at the world-famous Bondi Beach. Travel through the exclusive suburbs of Paddington, Vaucluse and the notorious Kings Cross.

Price A$395

Min age 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [81 ratings]

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