BEST TIMES
We frequently get asked “when is the best time to visit?”
We’re pretty lucky in Sydney. Even our winters are quite mild. Our coldest month is July with average temperatures between 8 – 16.2°C (46 – 61°F).
And if you want to know what time of the day is best… well, we think there’s nothing like sipping on a hot chocolate, taking in the crisp morning air, watching the Manly ferries make their way into Circular Quay and having the place (nearly) to yourself.
But whatever time of the year or day you come, and whether you’re strapped for time or have a few days to linger – we’ve got you covered… here are a couple of suggested Sydney Opera House itineraries.
HALF DAY
Itinerary 1
If you happen to be here on a Wednesday, ask us if there are any places remaining at Opera High Tea (starts at 2pm and bookings are essential). You will be treated to an afternoon of culinary delights and live opera, set amongst the majesty of the world’s most recognised sails. (2 hours). Walk it off afterwards in the Royal Botanic Gardens – an oasis of 30 hectares right in the heart of the city! We can’t believe how lucky we are, either! (2 hours)
Itinerary 2
The Essential Tour brings Sydney Opera House to life. We’ll take you inside one of our working venues to experience the magic behind the world’s most extraordinary opera, ballet, symphony and dramatic performances (1 hour). Available in English, French and German.
Stay around to watch the sunset at the world-famous Opera Bar and sample their signature cocktail, a “Dirty Carpet Disco” or relish a relaxed dinner at the Studio Café, with its unpretentious modern Australian menu. (3 hours).
Itinerary 3
The Backstage Tour is one for the early risers (it starts at 7am before we “bump in” for the day’s performances) and is for those who want real backstage access. Your guide will share with you industry secrets that you simply will not hear anywhere else. You will walk in the footsteps of legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Pavarotti, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Cate Blanchett and even the Foo Fighters (2 hours). Afterwards enjoy a ferry ride across the harbour & back again (2 hours).
Itinerary 4
Enjoy lunch at the cafe with the best views in Sydney - Studio Café - before taking in a matinee performance of opera, theatre, ballet or symphony.
Click here to see what's on this week or search for events by date and genre.
ONE DAY & ONE NIGHT
Opera & Koalas combines two of Sydney’s great icons in one great package. The Backstage Tour grants unprecedented VIP access to Sydney Opera House. After your Tour, tuck into a hearty breakfast in the Green Room, the private haven of some of the world’s most famous artists. Then enjoy an exhilarating Water Taxi ride across the harbour for Taronga’s Wild Australia Experience. You’ll get a kookaburra’s eye view of the animals from the Sky Safari and have plenty of photo opportunities with koalas, kangaroos, wombats and more (4 hours).
Don't forget to take some time to browse our stores for a little memento of your visit or to buy a gift for that special someone back home.
You can't visit Sydney Opera House without seeing a show in one of our 7 venues. From ballet and opera, to comedy and cabaret, there is always something sure to entertain. Click here to see what's on this week and to search events by date, venue and genre.
We think you’ll need a bit of R&R after all this, to ready yourself for an extraordinary night out in Sydney.
When purchasing your performance tickets, simply add a Show Plus package which includes a 2 course pre-theatre dinner, interval drinks and The Essential Tour (or parking). You can choose from a range of casual and fine dining restaurants – all within easy walking distance of Sydney Opera House, as are our select hotels. (approx 4 hours).
MORE IDEAS
And if you’re here for longer, here’s a few other ideas for you …
The Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks is a real favourite with locals. We like the Pepper Kangaroo pizza marinated in native peppers with roasted capsicum & native berries and washed down with a local brew.
Tucked away in the backstreets of Surry Hills is the Brett Whitely Studio. It affords visitors a voyeuristic view into the life of one of Australia’s most famous artists … unfinished paintings, newspaper clippings, sources of inspiration – all exactly as he left them before his death in 1992.
Gordon’s Bay has to be one of Sydney’s best kept secrets, located half way between Coogee and Clovelly. Framed by moored ‘tinnies’ (small aluminum boats) and native scrub – it’s the perfect place for a spot of snorkeling or sunning yourself on one of the boulders.
Got your own ideas for an Opera House itinerary?
Email uswith your suggestions and from time to time, we’ll update this section with some of the best.