Even for born-and-bred Sydneysiders, the opportunity to explore a completely empty Opera House doesn’t come around every day. On this one hour tour though, you’ll get incredible access to (almost) every corner of our city’s most famous building. You’ll get the chance to explore all of the theatres (providing there isn’t a show in session) – from the majestic Concert Hall to the quaint Drama Theatre. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get a sneak peek of a rehearsal.
Walk along the outside of the Opera House, past roped off areas, and learn everything there is to know about Sydney’s famous house of art and culture. Find out where the materials to build the Opera House came from and run your hands along a few of the million white ceramic tiles that make up the glistening exterior.
For those more interested in diving into a specific area of the phenomenal building, be that the food, architecture or behind the scenes, a range of speciality tours are on offer. Head straight from the tour to lunch at Opera Bar or House Canteen with the daily Tour and Dine, or for something more elevated you can book in Taste of the House which runs on the last Sunday of the month and takes you on the ultimate Opera House dining experience. Starting off at Opera Bar, you’ll stop in at House Canteen and Midden before ending at the five star fine dining restaurant Bennelong.
Get in early on Saturday mornings for an architectural tour when you can discover what inspired the Danish architect Jorn Utzon to enter the international competition to design the Opera House; where his idea to create a sail-like building came from, and how and why the building was declared ‘unbuildable’ by engineers. If you’re more curious about what lies behind the curtains, explore the off limit areas on a backstage tour, which runs from Thursdays to Mondays and includes a two-course savoury and sweet breakfast in the Green Room where you might bump into a performer or two.
For the gin-lovers you can book in now until March 22 for an Archie Rose Gin & tour where you’ll explore Sydney’s favourite house before heading to Midden to sample gins paired with canapés and harbour views.
Sydney Opera House tours have mobility friendly options and go for approximately one hour, while speciality tours vary. Rest assured there’s plenty of time to take photos and revel in the beauty of this phenomenal building. Tours can be experienced in a variety of languages with guides who come bearing a microphone and individual headsets so you don’t have to worry about being out of earshot for any important info.