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Last updated: 29 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

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.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
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.

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

Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour

Sydney

Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour
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: A43

Min age: 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [1754 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sydney Shore Excursion: Sydney Opera House Walking Tour

Sydney

Sydney Shore Excursion: Sydney Opera House Walking Tour
Take a guided walking tour of Sydney Opera House while your cruise ship is in port to experience one of the world’s most famous performing arts centers. Plus, you’ll see the best views of the Sydney Harbour. Book this Sydney Opera House shore excursion ahead to ensure you don’t miss out on this popular tour. Option: Language Tour Enjoy your tour with one of our language-speaking guides in French, German, or Spanish Optional Add On: If you select the below option Tour & Dine at your choice of either 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 early dinner at your choice of either Opera Bar or House Canteen. Enjoy a main meal from a selection and beverage (wine, beer, soft).

Price: A43

Min age: 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [92 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour

Sydney

Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour
Sydney Opera House has launched its first ever Architectural Tour, revealing the story behind the creation of Utzon’s masterpiece. You will hear how visionaries, idealists, architects, engineers, pragmatists and artists together built this architectural and engineering masterpiece form our most experience and knowledgeable guides.

Price: A43

Min age: 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [27 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House

Sydney

Opera Performance at the Sydney Opera House
No trip to Sydney is complete without witnessing a live performance in its most famous and Iconic building the Sydney Opera House, so prepare for the most impressive night you've ever had with an amazing performance by the resident Opera Company "Opera Australia". The 2022 season includes legendary operas by Mozart and Puccini performed live with the Opera Australia Orchestra, for 2023 performances are Don Giovanni, La Bohème, Adriana Lecouvreur, Rigoletto, Aida, The Tales of Hoffman. 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 can be purchased on the night and are not included in the performance ticket price.

Price: A109

Min age: 0

Rating 4.53 / 5 [216 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sydney Half Day Private Tour see the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach

Sydney

Sydney Half Day Private Tour see the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach
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: A355

Min age: 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [48 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Sydney

New South Wales, Australia

Sydney opera house at night

One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people. Home to the eye-popping Opera House and the indescribable Sydney Bridge Climb.