Sydney Opera House

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The Sydney Opera House is both a world class entertainment venue and one of the world's most recognized and renowned landmarks

Sydney Opera House at dusk cc licensed photo by Brent Pearson

As one of the world's most renowned buildings the Sydney Opera House needs little introduction. It should certainly make your must see list. By must see, we mean up close, as you really do need to see it up close to appreciate the immense size and amazing design.

Prominently located on the tip of Bennelong Point, the striking modern expressionist design of the Sydney Opera House is visible from many vantage points. The structure sits on top of 588 concrete piers and has a footprint of 4.4 acres.

Construction of Sydney Opera House in Sydney took over 14 years to complete. In 1957 a design by Danish Architect Jorn Utzon won the design competition for the new venue. Construction began in 1959 and was pushed forward by political pressures before proper engineering and drawings had been completed. This and other unexpected complications caused numerous setbacks in time and money. In 1965 Utzon had a falling out with the newly elected Premier and his Minister of Public Works (who were unsympathetic towards the project) over procedures and the refusal to pay his fees ultimately resulting in his resignation and leaving the country in 1966. In 1999 the Sydney Opera House Trust had reached out to Utzon and appointed him a design consultant for future work inside the Opera House. The Utzon room which was completely redesigned by Utzon was named in his honour.

The Sydney Opera House is far more than just its namesake. It actually contains at total of 7 venues - 2 large and 5 smaller. The largest is the Concert Hall which seats an audience of 2679 and is home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Next is the Opera Theatre - a 1507 seat proscenium style that is home to Opera Australia and the Australia Ballet. Smaller venues include the 544 seat Drama Theatre, the 398 seat Playhouse and the Studio with a capacity of 400. There are 2 other multipurpose venues.

If you are unable to take in a concert or show at the Opera House you can still enjoy one of the numerous restaurants or bars, check out the souvenier shop or go on a guided tour. Otherwise you can just enjoy seeing the architectural details and impressive design from up close while enjoying the outstanding views from the grounds. You will also want to see the neighbouring Government House and Royal Botanic Gardens that are immediately south.

See the complete line of Sydney Experiences on Viator

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Free to explore the grounds. Admission charges apply to tours and performances. Earlybird tours are available at a reduced price if you book them online. See website for details.

Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: (02) 9250 7111

Official Website: Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Like wow the coolest place ever! First time at an orchestra and it was beautiful. I had a great time with my family and we got to enjoy tea and cookies before the show happened. It was easy to get in and a great experience. I really recommend checking out a show here if you can! The sound was impeccable inside and was something I will remember for the rest of my life!
Luc Diefenbach - a week ago

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5 Star Rating The concert we attended was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, it was clear that a lot of thought and effort had gone into making it a truly memorable experience. The level of professionalism on display was impressive. Every detail, from the musicianship to the stage presence, was executed flawlessly. The performers were clearly at the top of their game, delivering a performance that was both passionate and technically precise. One of the standout aspects of the evening was the venue itself. The space was perfect for a concert of this caliber—spacious enough to accommodate a large crowd, but still intimate enough to feel connected to the performers. The acoustics were superb, allowing every note to resonate beautifully throughout the room. The sound quality was brilliant; you could hear each instrument clearly, and the vocals were crystal clear without being overwhelming. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. The combination of the high-quality performance, excellent sound, and ideal venue made for an unforgettable night. I wouldn’t hesitate to attend another concert there in the future.
Amin Lashgari - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating One of the major tourist spots in Australia, maybe a popular tourist spot in the world too. Can spend a couple of hours seeing the architecture marvel and enjoy the restaurants and shopping areas at ground-level. Entry inside is restricted, for an event with entry ticket and to the restaurant with prior booking. Perfect location to take photos with the magnificent architecture of Opera house and harbour bridge in the background.
Sanil Babu - a week ago

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5 Star Rating We did the guided tour. The architect is amazing, you can’t access everywhere or take pictures due to copyrights. Pictures are only permitted is certain areas. Overall it was a great experience, definitely enjoyed it
Ahmed Said - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Saw Beethoven and Smyth with an elderly friend. The staff were absolutely phenomenal and they seemed to just appear the second we had the thought! The shuttle and provision of a wheelchair made the venture effortless. A wonderful day made even more special from the level of care and passion those we encountered possessed.
Ash Kennedy - a week ago

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