Sydney Opera House Guided Tour - 1 Hour
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May 2025
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Highlighted reviews
Carole Nash
almost 3 years ago
A background tour of the workings and history of the Opera House
This hour long tour is very informative. There were twenty of us, and we were lucky enough to have a very good guide. Being the Opera House, there are lots of steps to be climbed, but they are not onerous, spaced out, some up, some down. The history is related, both verbally and through short videos. And, of course, the views are magnificent. The only downside was not being able to take photos inside the different theatres, but that was really a minor issue.
Kirstyn Malcolm
almost 6 years ago
A great experience
A great experience. Very well organised and informative. Our tour guide was full of a wealth of knowledge, interesting facts and even went out of her way to let us see the final Joan Sutherland theatre which was in use until our tour ended, so she stayed with us later to let us in after our tour slot. Would recommend.
What you can expect
Visit one of the world's most famous icons with a guided Sydney Opera House tour and explore possibly the most recognisable building Australia has to offer. Designed by Danish Architect Jørn Utzon, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site boasts a unique design, adding to its allure. This architecturally exquisite building is located on the edge of the Harbour, surrounded by other world famous icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Hailed as “one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity, not only in the 20th century but in the history of humankind”, with one glance, it's not hard to discover why.
Step inside the Opera House and you'll be mesmerised by the furnishings and decorations that line the interior of the building, adding to its sophistication and charm. Hosting over 1800 entertainment events annually including operas, dramas and ballets, viewing one of these shows in the hallowed theatres is a must. Take a seat in the custom made white birch timber chairs, run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, or simply gaze at the vaulted ceilings of one of the worlds biggest pillar-free chambers, all this and more is possible in this fantastic tour.
In this one hour tour you'll be hosted by your knowledgeable guide, who will educate you with impressive facts of this unmissable building, including the architectural and entertainment history. Most general public tours will experience an immersive digital story-telling of the Sydney Opera Houses over 50 year history with a 270 degree visuals and surround sound. Tours run daily at selected times. There are over 300 stairs to climb throughout the tour. For an insight into the magic of this great Australian icon, this tour is a must.
Location
What you need to know
- 1 Hour Sydney Opera House tour (available in English, German, French, Spanish, Mandarin)
- Immersive digital experience with 270 degree visuals and surround sound
- The Sydney Opera House runs specific wheelchair accessible tours twice a day. Please book on an accessibility tour or contact the Sydney Opera House reservations team for assistance.
- When the Sydney Opera House became a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in 2007, it was hailed as “one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity, not only in the 20th century but in the history of humankind”. Now it’s your turn to step inside this iconic landmark and discover the stories behind Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s remarkable achievement. What inspired him to base his revolutionary design on ships’ sails? How did he solve an engineering challenge considered one of the most difficult attempted anywhere in the world? You’ll find out on this very special one-hour guided tour into the intricate workings of a living, breathing Opera House
- You will explore the hallowed theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas and ballets take place each year and your experienced guide will be on hand to lead you through every aspect of the building’s 14-year creation and 50-year history. You’ll run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, take a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs and marvel at the vaulted ceilings of one of the biggest pillar-free chambers in the world
- Once you’ve visited areas off limits to the general public and captured photographs from rare vantage points inside the majestic Sydney Opera House, you’ll realise that from the outside you’re only getting half the story
- Watch unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances
- Learn about the history and future of the world-famous Concert Hall in an immersive digital experience
- Guided Tours operate daily at 11:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 3:30pm
- Tours go for approximately 1 hour
- All guided tours depart from the Welcome Centre on the Lower Concourse. Please check in at least 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time.
- There are over 300 stairs included on the tour; if you have limited mobility Access Tours are available on request. If you would like to book an Access Tour, please call 07 5592 2233 to confirm availability
- Please note bags larger than a standard handbag will need to be cloaked on arrival and may be subject to a search before being cloaked. It is not possible to store suitcases or large backpacks within the Sydney Opera House cloaking facilities. Please arrive 15 minutes early in order to allow sufficient time for this to occur before your tour.
- Prams are not permitted on this tour and subject to cloaking requirements.
- Infants under the age of 4 are free but required to be booked on the tour.
- All tour bookings are subject to Sydney Opera House terms and conditions. Please refer to the Sydney Opera House official website for full booking terms and conditions.
- Any changes to booking details, including visitor numbers, date, and time must be confirmed with SOH 24 hours prior to the experience.
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking.
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience to Welcome Centre staff when checking in for the tour.
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction.
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher.
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, subject to change in circumstances out of Sydney Opera House control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your tour and prior to making other travel arrangements.
Recent reviews
Carole Nash
almost 3 years ago
A background tour of the workings and history of the Opera House
This hour long tour is very informative. There were twenty of us, and we were lucky enough to have a very good guide. Being the Opera House, there are lots of steps to be climbed, but they are not onerous, spaced out, some up, some down. The history is related, both verbally and through short videos. And, of course, the views are magnificent. The only downside was not being able to take photos inside the different theatres, but that was really a minor issue.
Kirstyn Malcolm
almost 6 years ago
A great experience
A great experience. Very well organised and informative. Our tour guide was full of a wealth of knowledge, interesting facts and even went out of her way to let us see the final Joan Sutherland theatre which was in use until our tour ended, so she stayed with us later to let us in after our tour slot. Would recommend.
Rachelle Deans
almost 6 years ago
We really enjoyed the tour
We really enjoyed the tour, especially going into the biggest theatre. Our guide was very informative and added her humour along the way. It was great having the headphones so it was really easy to hear everything she said. The architecture of the building is just so amazing.