LOVE
Wear your heart on your sleeve
Nothing says love like a stroll around the foreshore to see the grandeur of the world’s most famous sails unfurling before you...
Sip on a glass of champagne and watch the sunset over a spectacular harbour.
This is the perfect setting for you to steal a kiss – whether it’s your first date or your 50th wedding anniversary.
If you’ve decided it’s time to propose, head around to the eastern side for a little more privacy or pop the question on New Year’s Eve while Sydney turns it on for just the two of you (and maybe a few hundred others) with a fireworks spectacular.
Experience the cuisine of one of Sydney's most celebrated chefs, Guillaume Brahimi, in Sydney's premiere restaurant location Guillaume at Bennelong. Located in the southern sail of Sydney Opera House this restaurant is not to be missed. Your experience can be as casual as crab sandwiches in the bar looking at the harbour over the lip of a well made martini or glass of Graves, or as involved as the mysteries of the gingerbread sauce spooned tableside over veal sweetbreads, glossy and resplendent on a bed of roasted almonds and currants.
Spoil and be spoiled with one of our Show Plus Dining & Accommodation Packages. Indulge in an evening of delicious food, exceptional entertainment and a good night’s sleep. When purchasing your performance tickets, simply add a Show Plus package (also available for purchase without performance tickets).
ARCHITECTURE
An architectural leaning
It was a visionary design, yes – but how did this engineering miracle ever get made? How do those shells stand without traditional support systems? Mayan temples and Antioni Gaudi have all played a role. If you’ve got a keen interest in architecture and engineering, you simply must take The Essential Tour to find out more. Available in English, French and German.
In the Sydney Opera House store – you’ll find beautiful hard cover books, rich with archival imagery which will take you on the journey from the design competition, through all the building stages, to the official opening and beyond. And if that’s still not enough, check out Sydney Architecture Walks.
You can also discover the stories and secrets behind Sydney Opera House and find out more about architect Jorn Utzon in our House History section of the website.
PHOTOS
Get an epic shot
While she’s probably one of the most photographed buildings in the world, we still sometimes see shots that take us by surprise.
If, you fancy yourself as a photographer and want to know where the best vantage points are, grab a copy of our Customer Journey Map.
Or if on the other hand, you’re always chopping the tops of people’s heads off– we’ve got professionals on-site who can take care of you. Ask us about how you can get our Official Photo Souvenir.
And for those amazing postcard images – make sure you visit the Sydney Opera House stores before you leave.
Sydney Opera House Photo Gallery
CULTURE
Culture vultures
In addition to the diverse range of performances and events, talks and exhibitions that happen year round at the House – if it’s arts & culture you’re after, you’ll find Sydney has a lot to offer.
If you’re here in January, you’ll want to check out some of the world’s freshest talent in the Sydney Festival. And in late May / early June, take a look at the calendar of events that form part of Sydney’s winter VIVID festival.
The Sydney Writers’ Walk celebrates Australian and international authors with plaques embedded in the walkway around Circular Quay.
We also enjoy close ties with some of this city’s most prominent arts & cultural organisations such as the Art Gallery of NSW, Historic Houses Trust and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Take the time to wander though these amazing buildings and immerse yourself.
You may also want to check out Sydney Art Walks.
FOOD
Food lovers
Australia is renowned for its fresh seasonal produce. And we’re gaining a reputation for excellence in taking the best from our rich cultural diversity to create mouth-watering meals. We also make some of the world’s most drinkable wines.
Come to our House for brekky in the Greenroom – at the end of the Backstage Tour. Join us for a lazy long lunch at one of the cafes on the Western Broadwalk. Or take Opera High Tea at Guillaume at Bennelong. Or if you’re seeing a show, then be sure to add a Show Plus package and enjoy a world-class pre-theatre dining at one our many partner restaurants in the neighbourhood.
Sydney Opera House Restaurants & Bars
Show Plus Dining Packages
Hosting a Function
INDIGENOUS
Indigenous interest
Sydney Opera House acknowledges the original occupants of the Sydney region – the Eora people and in particular, a man named Bennelong: a senior member of the Eora people who played an important part of our history.
Bangarra Dance Theatre bases its creative spirit on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and stories producing a powerful new language that combines the traditional and the contemporary in a potent, original and distinctive style of dance.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in taking an Aboriginal heritage tour – join the Aboriginal Education Officer at the Royal Botanic Gardens to experience traditional music, dance and taste some bush foods.