First Nations
The Sydney Opera House honours our First Nations by fostering a shared sense of belonging for all Australians, and we acknowledge the Gadigal, traditional custodians of Tubowgule, the land on which the Opera House stands. We continue the traditions of Bennelong Point, formerly known as Tubowgule, which has a long history as a place of gathering, feasting, singing, dancing and storytelling for the local Gadigal people.
Upcoming events and experiences
Badu Gili: Healing Spirit
13 Dec 2024 – 12 Dec 2025
Watch the sails illuminate nightly with Badu Gili: Healing Spirit, a new projection celebrating the work and stories of local and international First Nations artists.
UPU
7 – 10 May 2025
UPU is an exhilarating theatre experience featuring Oceanic performers from NZ, blending profound poetry, gripping storytelling and captivating performances to explore culture, identity and the Pacific Ocean’s rich voices.
A Sea of UPU
8 May 2025
Join UPU co-creator Grace Iwashita-Taylor and cast member Shadon Meredith for a free 90 minute poetry writing workshop in the Studio on the set of UPU.
Generations and Dynasties
Four extraordinary First Nations creative and musical families will share their stories, talents, and legacies through captivating conversations and powerful performances.
William Barton and Aunty Delmae Barton
29 Apr 2025
They have both performed on stages across Australia and globally, showcasing the uniqueness of First Nations culture. We welcome the extraordinary talent of William Barton and Aunty Delmae Barton, an acclaimed mother-son duo.
Bunna Lawrie (Coloured Stone) and Family
14 May 2025
Join Bunna Lawrie & his extraordinary family - Jason Lee Scott, Jhindu-Pedro Lawrie, Yirgjhilya and Catherine Satour as they share the stage for an evening of music, culture, conversation and storytelling.
Megan Cope and Raven Chacon
20 May 2025
Quandamooka artist Megan Cope and Diné winning composer and artist Raven Chacon explore how First Nations cultural work can work in defiance of Indigenous erasure, reasserting indigenous knowledge and processes.
Saltbush & Starlight Dining Experience
23 May – 14 Jun 2025
A night under the stars and sails savouring a stellar three-course dinner by Mark Olive featuring Indigenous ingredients.
Emily Wurramara
24 May 2025
ARIA Award-winning blues, folk, roots and soul artist Emily Wurramara returns to the Sydney Opera House for her headline performance at Vivid LIVE.
3%
28 May 2025
Vital, uncompromising voices on the Australian hip-hop scene, ARIA award-winning First Nations supergroup 3% take over the Utzon Room for their ferocious Vivid LIVE debut.
Velvet Trip
29 May 2025
Gadigal-based psychedelic rockers Velvet Trip bring the dreamy jams, boundless energy and infectious grooves to the Sydney Opera House celebrating the release of their forthcoming EP, Glimmers.
Miss Kaninna
30 May 2025
ARIA-nominated hip-hop and R&B star Miss Kaninna shows why she’s one of the nation’s most electrifying new artists.
Illume
4 – 14 Jun 2025
Bangarra Dance Theatre explore the awe of light, a glowing bridge between the physical and spiritual world.
Music on Tubowgule
26 & 27 Jun 2025
Experience a stunning evening of music with First Nations composers and their collaborators. The first part of the evening will feature spellbinding violinist, vocalist, dancer and composer Eric Avery. The second half of the show will feature Melanie Mununggurr and Nardi Simpson with Ensemble Offspring and Arafura Music Collective.
Christine Anu and Zipporah Corser-Anu
7 Aug 2025
Join us for an unforgettable evening of conversation and storytelling with iconic Torres Strait Islander artist Christine Anu and her rising star daughter Zipporah Corser-Anu. This mother-daughter duo will share stories about their creative journeys and how they inspire each other.
Naomi Wenitong and Joel Wenitong
14 Aug 2025
Experience an evening of music, culture, and storytelling with Naomi Wenitong and Joel “Weno” Wenitong. This brother-sister duo have had a profound impact on hip-hop music in Australia. They continue to make change in their communities by empowering First Nations youth.
Discover our programming
Sydney Opera House Presents: First Nations
The Opera House’s First Nations program continues the traditions of Bennelong Point, formerly known as Tubowgule, which has a long history as a place of gathering, feasting, singing, dancing and storytelling for the local Gadigal people.
Our resident friends
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Acclaimed around the world for its distinctive theatrical voice, powerful choreography, unique soundscapes and design, Bangarra is Australia's leading First Nations performing arts company.
Our responsibility
Reconciliation Action Plan
For thousands of years, Tubowgule, the land on which the Opera House stands, has been a place of gathering and belonging. The Gadigal would meet on the tidal island, eat and share stories. The Opera House carries on this legacy by embracing and celebrating the culture of Australia’s First Peoples.
Work experience
The Sydney Opera House is committed to providing hands-on experiences to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Support
The Opera House is committed to providing educational, professional development and cultural opportunities for First Nations communities.
Stream, read & listen
Michael Nelson Jagamara
For those fortunate enough to meet him, he embodied the qualities of the quintessential bush gentleman. Dressed in his jacket and distinctive Akubra hat, he exuded a dignified presence, often sharing humorous anecdotes and stories. Whether in Papunya or New York, Alice Springs or Brisbane, Sydney or Vienna, Jagamara often struck up conversations with new friends and passers-by alike, introducing himself with a warm smile and a handshake, announcing, “Hello, I'm a famous artist!”
Deadly Voices from the House
A podcast that takes intimate interviews with First Nations artists and leaders to the world. Acclaimed presenter, journalist, actor, producer and arts guru Rhoda Roberts AO presents Deadly Voices from the House, recorded live from Sydney Opera House. Featuring a diverse selection of guest appearances from prominent First Nations leaders from the music, arts and culture sector. Deadly Voices from the House provides an important platform to discuss critical issues and explore the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary culture.
Whispers: Megan Cope
On Tubowgule, now called Bennelong Point, Quandamooka artist Megan Cope introduces Whispers, a melding of First Nations history and environmental consciousness. In this artwork, commissioned for our 50th anniversary, more than 85,000 oyster shells are positioned across the Sydney Opera House precinct. The artist evokes the ancestral midden sites that were used on this site for Aboriginal celebrations and gatherings for thousands of years.
