ON A BUDGET
On a shoe-string?
You don’t have to own a platinum credit card to have a great Sydney Opera House experience. In fact it’s possible to do it all for less.
Amble around, take some photos, wander to the back of the House (or is it the front?) and take in the views from Luna Park to Fort Denison. Complete your walk right around the eastern side of the House towards the Royal Botanical Gardens. FREE!
The Essential Tour is so named because it really is one of Sydney’s must-dos. More than 50 years ago, Jorn Utzon designed what is now considered one of the greatest buildings of all time. This tour brings to life the dramatic saga behind the making of this famous House. Available in English, French and German. Earlybird Tour Online From $28* pp. We also have Asian Language Tours starting from $22*.
Relax with a coffee at one of our cafes on the Bridge side of the House. Sit still for a moment, take in the views of a sparkling Sydney Harbour Bridge, breathe in, exhale and simply watch the boats sail past... Under $5
See a show in the Studio – one of Sydney’s favourite contemporary performing arts venues. If it’s hip, fresh, edgy, cosy, quirky or queer - it’s probably happening here. There’s something on most nights and there have been occasions where lucky punters have been able to score a ticket on the day (although we recommend booking beforehand to avoid disappointment). From $25*.
*Booking fees apply
MID-RANGE
Got a bit more cash to burn?
You’re not a backpacker anymore but you don’t want to break the bank either. If you're on a mid-range budget, here's a couple of suggestions to get the most out of your Sydney Opera House experience.
Start your day with The Essential Tour: Discover why Jorn Utzon was more than an architect: he was an architect of change. And how, against a landslide of criticism, he created the youngest building ever to be world heritage listed.
Take a bit of the House home with you: after the Tour, pick up your Official Photo Souvenir. It includes a limited edition photographic booklet, a few postcards to send or keep, and a specially designed digitally-enhanced photo of you taken by one of our friendly photographers. $35ea
Take your time over a relaxed lunch and a refreshing beverage at the Studio Caféwhich overlooks our stunning harbour.
With over 100 shows per year taking place in our 7 venues, there is always a performance to suit your taste and budget. Click here to see what's on this week or search for your favourite genre.
Before the show enjoy a glass or two of Australian sparkling wine while enjoying the view from the Theatre Bars in the Concert Hall Northern and Southern Foyers or the Western Foyers.
Want to do it all? Add a Silver Show Plus package when you purchase your performance tickets and enjoy a 2-course pre-theatre dinner, drinks, and a voucher for The Essential Tour (or parking). The locals are onto it and you too can sample the perfect pizza at Young Alfred, enjoy Asian with a view at East, savour some modern Australian at the MOS Café and enjoy inspiring eats at Icons Brasserie.
$78*pp. Save up to 30% (also available for purchase without a show).
*Booking fees apply
SPLURGE
You only live once!
For the complete Sydney Opera House experience, we recommend you plan ahead.
If we had the cash, we’d be indulging ourselves in a Sky & Sails experience which includes two of the best experiences Sydney has to offer. The Backstage Tour grants unprecedented VIP access. Your guide will reveal industry secrets that you will not hear anywhere else. You will walk in the footsteps of legends. Then get a completely new perspective on Sydney with a 30-minute flight which takes in the highlights of our glorious coastline. $499*pp.
“Enjoying the city’s finest views, an iconic setting and a reputation for decadent French fine dining…”, lunch at Guillaume at Bennelong is truly a divine experience.
Or if you’re here on a Wednesday, you might want to take High Tea in the restaurant instead. This is a very Sydney take on a fine tradition. But the real clincher is your own private opera recital. Goosebumps guaranteed! $145*pp.
With over 100 shows per year taking place in our 7 venues, there is always a performance to suit your taste. Click here to see what's on this week or search for your favourite genre.
The best seats for the best shows do tend to sell out fairly quickly. There’s nothing like seeing an international star in the world-famous Concert Hall. Or see some of our country’s finest performers in one of The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia or Sydney Symphony's productions.
A-Reserve seats from $133pp**
When purchasing your performance tickets, add a Platinum Show Plus premium package, which includes accommodation at one of Sydney’s best hotels and dinner at one of our Gold Partner restaurants. ARIA has been awarded 2 Chef’s hats (our equivalent of Michelin stars) and offers fantastic views of the House. Platinum Show Plus package $198*pp, based on twin-share.
*Booking fees apply
**Price quoted is for (Classical) Ballet, Mon-Thur. A-Reserve seats for the Opera, Mon-Thurs start at $198pp. Does not include booking fees. Subject to availability. Correct at time of writing.