Sydney Opera House

The basics

The Sydney Opera House is a highlight of any city tour or harbor cruise but is well worth an up-close look. It's best to explore as part of a Sydney Opera House guided tour, either a walking tour focusing on history and architecture, or a backstage tour heading to concert halls, green rooms, and studios that are usually off-limits.

Given that this iconic building is a functioning performance venue, visitors can also attend a show. Try pairing a theater performance with dinner as part of an evening package, or dine along the waterfront before a night of ballet.

Things to know before you go

• Public areas are wheelchair-accessible. Limited accessible show seating is available with advance booking.

• Sydney Opera House tickets for tours and events often sell out—it's best to book in advance.

• Travelers can access the Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre foyers and performance spaces on guided tours.

• The Opera House complex contains restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, and outdoor plazas.

How to get there

Located on Bennelong Point at the waters of Sydney Cove and Farm Cove, the Sydney Opera House is just a short walk from Circular Quay and its ferries, trains, and buses. The site is also easy to spot from around Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

When to get there

Shows and performances run year-round at the Opera House, and with more than 2,500 of them taking place each year, you're likely to find one during your visit. For a special experience, time your trip for the Vivid Sydney Festival, when colorful light displays illuminate architect Jorn Utzon's exterior.

Sydney Harbour attractions

Although the Sydney Opera House is the most recognizable Sydney Harbour attraction, there are many others to visit. Don't miss the Circular Quay, from where ferries depart for various Sydney destinations; climb atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge from some truly bird's-eye, panoramic views; or take a dip in the waters off Sydney Harbour's many beaches.

Ways to explore

The Sydney Opera House is a highlight of any city tour or harbor adventure, whether by jetboat, kayak, bicycle, or dinner cruise. To see it up close, take a guided tour devoted to the landmark, either a walking tour focusing on history and architecture, or a backstage tour heading to concert halls, green rooms, and studios that are usually off-limits. You can also attend a show: Pair a theater performance with dinner as part of an evening package, or dine along the waterfront before a night of ballet.

Accessibility

Public areas are wheelchair accessible, and there are wheelchair-friendly tours twice daily. Limited accessible show seating is available with advance booking, and dedicated performances include signed, captioned, and audio-described options.

Age limits

The Sydney Opera House has special family performances, which may be a better choice with young children, rather than classical concerts in which the audience must be silent.

What to pack

Bring a small bag if you’re seeing a show: Items larger than 8 inches by 12 inches (21 centimeters by 30 centimeters) will have to be left at the coat check.

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes for touring the opera house—flat, rubber-soled shoes are a requirement when going backstage. There’s no formal dress code for performances, but many travelers opt for smart casual.

Not allowed

Professional cameras, drones, alcohol, offensive clothing

Amenities

Restaurants, bars, restrooms, coat check/cloakroom

Address 

Located on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House is in the heart of the city.

Driving

There is paid parking connected to the site.

Public transportation

Take the train, bus, or ferry to Circular Quay, about a 5-minute walk from the Sydney Opera House. You can also walk there from much of downtown Sydney.

Best times to visit

Performances run year-round at the Opera House, and with more than 1,800 of them taking place each year, you're likely to find one during your visit. Sunrise is a great time to capture the structure with warm light and no crowds.

Best days to visit

The best day to go is when the performance you want to see is showing.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad month to visit Sydney Opera House.

Special events

The Sydney Opera House is a top spot to watch the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, though access is ticketed. The Vivid Sydney festival lights up the exterior every winter, generally between mid-May and mid-June.