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Services for people with mobility restrictions

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Box Office

The Main Box Office is located on the Upper Level of the building (which takes 42 steps). Wheelchair access is via the public lift available from both the Lower Level and Ground Levels. Tickets to performances in all venues are available for purchase from the Main Box Office.

The Western Foyer Box Office is located in the Western Foyers on Ground Level. Tickets to performances in the Drama Theatre, Playhouse and The Studio are available for purchase at this Box Office one hour prior to performances. Tickets can be mailed in advance, please enquire at the time of booking.

Accessible Seating

There are a number of wheelchair and companion seating locations in all theatres. To request accessible seating call Box Office on 61 2 9250 7777 or email your request to bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com.

Customers who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment can call (at no cost) through the National Relay Service:

  • TTY users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 9250 7777
  • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 9250 7777
  • Internet relay users connect to the NRS (www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7777

Ticketing Policy

Our ticketing policy allows customers requiring wheelchair accessible seating to purchase a wheelchair accessible seat for themselves and a seat for their companion at the lowest concession ticket price available for the selected performance. Where no concessions are available, the wheelchair space and one companion seat will be sold at the lowest price available for that event. Additional companions can purchase tickets on the standard pricing basis.

Courtesy WheelchairsInformation on accessible services and facilities

A limited number of courtesy wheelchairs are available one hour before performances for patrons attending events in the Concert Hall and Opera Theatre.  They are available by the entrance of the new corridor through to the Western Foyers (at the top of the escalators).
 
Front of House staff are happy to arrange for patrons to borrow these wheelchairs but are unable to leave their posts to assist patrons moving around the Sydney Opera House. It is therefore strongly recommended that patrons who do not normally use a wheelchair bring a friend or companion along to assist them in manoeuvring the wheelchair around the House.
 
Front of House Staff are not able to assist patrons in transferring to seats or to provide personal attendant services.
 

Wheelchairs are also available at the Concert Hall cloakroom located on the Upper Level, next to the female toilets.

Theatre Access

Disability access to our theatres has significantly improved with a new public lift and the installation of new stair climber lifts on entry into the Playhouse. 

Public Lift

The public lift connects the Lower Level to the Ground Level and to the Upper Level.  Patrons can enter the lift via the new corridor near the escalators on the Lower Level and also in the Western Foyer via the new corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the existing escalators). This enables visitors to travel along an accessible path of travel undercover to the Playhouse, The Studio and Drama Theatre for the first time and provides access to the Main Box Office, bypassing 42 steps. 

Playhouse

Two new stair climber lifts have been installed in the Playhouse theatre.  The stair climber lifts feature fold-out seats allowing them to be used by patrons using wheelchair and less mobile patrons.  Up to four new accessible wheelchair positions are available at the mid theatre entry level. Bookings are essential. Please discuss your access requirements with our staff at the time of booking.

The Studio

New wheelchair accessible positions are available on the gallery level in The Studio. Patrons may also choose to be seated at stage level. Please discuss your access requirements with our staff at the time of booking.

Drama Theatre

Up to four wheelchair accessible positions are now available in the Drama Theatre. Bookings are essential. Please discuss your access requirements with our staff at the time of booking.

Concert Hall and Opera Theatre Escalators

Two new escalators connect the Upper Level to the Opera Theatre and Concert Hall South Foyers.

Wheelchair Access to the Concert Hall and Opera Theatre

Wheelchair access to both the Concert Hall and Opera Theatres is via staff assisted lift access from the Information Desk located at the Upper Level (in the Box Office foyer).

Front of House staff situated at the Information Desk will accompany patrons via lift access to the Concert Hall and Opera Theatres.

Sydney Opera House staff are happy to provide patrons with assistance, however staff are unable to lift or carry patrons for safety reasons. We recommend that patrons requiring this type of assistance are accompanied by a companion. Please note that all patrons (including companions and carers) must have tickets to be admitted into a performance space.

Accessible toiletsInformation on accessible services and facilities

The Accessibility and Western Foyers Project has transformed the old Western Foyers into a new stylish and functional space providing two new accessible toilet facilities, a significant increase in the capacity of the female toilets and new ambulant facilities in both the male and female toilets.

Accessible toilet facilities are located:

  • On the Lower Level
  • Inside the Western Foyer - there are two facilities one located adjacent to the Playhouse and one between The Studio and the Drama Theatre, open all day till theatres close. 
  • On the Upper Level

Access ToursInformation on accessible services and facilities

Access Tours operate daily at 12pm for one hour and are designed for patrons with mobility limitations.

Bookings are essential. Please ensure you book in advance as places are limited.

Online

Bookings can be made by emailing tourism@sydneyoperahouse.com.

By Telephone

To ensure we meet your access needs and to confirm pricing please call 61 2 9250 7250. Customers who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment can call (at no cost) through the National Relay Service:

  • TTY users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 9250 7250
  • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 9250 7250
  • Internet relay users connect to the NRS (www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7250

In person

Bookings can also be made in person at the Tours Desk next to the Information Desk on the Upper Level, which can be accessed via the Public Lift from the Lower or Ground levels.

Cost of the one hour tour is:

Adult: $35.00
Concession*: $24.50
Family Price: $90.00 (2 adults + 2 children under 16)
Private Tour: $455.00 (price for 1-13 people)

The Companion Card is accepted

*Concessions apply to Australian seniors/students/children 16 and under

Prices include GST
Prices are subject to change

Other Access Information

Getting to the House

Transport and parking

For information on public transport to Sydney Opera House or our shuttle bus service designed to assist elderly and less mobile customers from Circular Quay go to our Complimentary Shuttle Bus service designed to assist elderly and less mobile customers from Circular Quay.

For parking information go to Vehicle Concourse Parking near Stage Door, and Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, for holders of RTA Mobility Parking Scheme permits.

Drop-off points

People with disabilities and older people unable to walk long distances can be dropped off closer to the entry of the building, either at the on-site roundabout or under the covered vehicle concourse.

Drivers of taxis or private vehicles can access the site via Macquarie Street for the purposes of dropping off passengers. As a security measure on entry to the site, all vehicles (including taxis and private vehicles) are required to stop at the Main Gate to confirm their access requirements with the Security Officer.

For more information feel free to contact the Sydney Opera House Information Desk via email InfoDesk@sydneyoperahouse.com or call on 61 2 9250 7343. Patrons who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment can call (at no cost) through the National Relay Service:

  • TTY users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 9250 7343
  • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 9250 7343
  • Internet relay users connect to the NRS (www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7343

Getting around the House

Sydney Opera House’s first public lift is now available.  Located on the Harbour Bridge side of the building, the lift connects three levels, providing improved undercover access for all patrons as well as enhancing paths of travel for patrons using a wheelchair or pram and those who have limited mobility.

Patrons can enter the lift via a new corridor next to the existing escalators on the Lower Level and also in the Western Foyer, via a new corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the existing escalators).

Two new escalators connect the Upper Level to the Opera Theatre and Concert Hall South Foyers.

For enquiries email InfoDesk@sydneyoperahouse.com or go to the Information Desk on the Upper Level, usual operating hours 10.00am – 8.00pm daily. Closing times may vary between 5.00pm and 8.00pm according to performances.

If the Information Desk is closed, Sydney Opera House staff in the foyers will be happy to provide assistance.  The Host at Stage Door can also be contacted by telephone 9250 7400 until final performances’ finishing time.

Public Lift Level                                Venues/Facilities

Upper Level

 Accessible Lift IconAccessible Toilet Icon Other Information

 

Main Box Office, Guided Tours Desk, Information Desk, Utzon Room, escalator to Opera Theatre and Concert Hall, Bistro Mozart, Guillaume at Bennelong (limited access), Accessible toilets

  Information on accessible services and facilitiesFor wheelchair access to the Opera Theatre and Concert Hall theatres as well as Guillaume at Bennelong head to the Information Desk (in the Box Office Foyer) where staff will further assist you to access these venues.

Ground Level

Accessible Lift Icon Accessible Toilet Icon

Western Foyers, Playhouse, The Studio, Drama Theatre, Lower Box Office (lower Box Office opens 1 hour prior to performances in these theatres -  please use Main Box Office at other times; Accessible toilets, public telephones.

Lower Level

Accessible Lift Icon Accessible Toilet Icon

Opera Bar, Sidewalk Café, Shops, Tours Meeting Point, Toilets, Accessible toilet; carpark, ATM, public telephones.

 

Unassisted access

An accessible path of travel exists from the right side of the southern entrance (Circular Quay side of the site) providing wheelchair access to the Forecourt, Concourse, Western Broadwalk (for access to the Western Foyer, Drama Theatre, The Studio and Playhouse) and Northern Broadwalk and to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Direct undercover wheelchair access to the Lower Level is also available from the car park (accessible parking spaces are located on Level 1 or Level 6 of the car park).

For patrons who are familiar with the site, the staff assisted access path from the Lower Level into the building is no longer in use. This has been replaced by the new public lift, which provides unassisted public access between the Lower Level, Ground Level (Western Foyer) and Upper Level (Main Box Office).

Companion Card

The Companion Card is recognised for performances and events hosted by Sydney Opera House Presents, The Essential Tour (including Access Tour) and performances of The Australian Ballet, Sydney Symphony and Sydney Theatre Company. Cardholders will not be required to pay for the cost of a ticket for their carer.
 
At the time of ticket purchase cardholders may either fax, email or send by mail a copy of their valid cardholder identification.  Alternatively, the Card may be presented in person at the Box Office. Cardholders will then be issued with a second complimentary ticket for their essential support companion. A copy of the Card may be kept on file for future ticket purchases.

Please note that the Card may not be recognised for events staged by other presenting companies, please enquire when booking.

  Companion Card logo  

Occupational Health & Safety Policy
At Sydney Opera House we believe that a safe work place is essential for the well being of our people and our organisation.  We are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for everyone who works at or visits Sydney Opera House.

 

 

Companion Card


Recognised for performances and events hosted by Sydney Opera House Presents, The Essential Tour (including Access Tour) and performances of The Australian Ballet, Sydney Symphony and Sydney Theatre Company.
More InfoCompanion Card

GETTING THERE
Location Map 
Transport 
Accessibility 
Attending an Event 


WHILE YOU'RE VISITING
Tours 
Restaurants & Bars 
Shopping 

 

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