Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House is more than just an architectural marvel set on beautiful Sydney Harbour, it's also a world-class working opera house. It hosts everything from classical ballet performances, innovative theatre and symphony music to contemporary dance and, of course, stunning opera productions.
Highlights
Things to do
The Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973, its concert halls and theatres host more than 1,600 performances a year, from opera to comedy shows. You can also walk around the Opera House forecourt, day or night, and marvel at the unique building, which uses seawater from the harbour to power both the cooling and heating.
A symphony performance at Sydney Opera House, Sydney
The famous sails are also transformed into brilliant canvases for digital light shows such as Vivid Sydney, the biggest festival of light, music and ideas in the world, held in May and June. The Badu Gili exhibition illuminates one of the sails daily at sunset, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm with the work of Aboriginal artists.
Badu Gili: Wonder Women on the Sydney Opera House - Credit: Daniel Boud | SOH
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed building offers daily guided tours, available in English, Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek as you lift the curtains and uncover the fascinating stories of Australia’s most celebrated performing arts centre.
Guided tour at the Sydney Opera House
Eat & drink
Opera Bar has the best view in town, letting you sip cocktails as you marvel at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world’s tallest steel arch bridge that spans a spectacular natural harbour. You’ll treasure the same views dining alfresco at the adjacent House Canteen.
Opera Bar, Circular Quay
For a truly memorable dining experience, you can't beat Bennelong. The acclaimed restaurant is set inside one of the Opera House's majestic sails. There's a more casual bar dining option, a speedy pre-theatre menu or go all out with a la carte fine dining.
Bennelong, Sydney - Credit: Brett Stevens - Fink Group
Getting there
The Sydney Opera House is at Bennelong Point, on the eastern side of Circular Quay, next to the Royal Botanic Garden, a green oasis between the harbour waters and the city centre. The historic Rocks is on the quay’s western side. The quay is a public transport hub for ferries, trains and buses.
Family enjoying a day out at the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden
