Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour
Delve into the history and construction
Join us on this historical tour where you'll learn how in the mid-1950s, Australia and a man from Denmark, Jørn Utzon, created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that changed the course of twentieth-century architecture. To quote US architect Frank Gehry, “(it) changed the image of an entire country.”
Hear how visionaries, idealists, architects, engineers, pragmatists and artists together built this architectural and engineering masterpiece that was at the cutting edge of what was possible at the time.
See their work up close on this special tour around the Opera House on Saturdays at 10am. From 1 April, tours will run at 8.15am and 10am on Saturdays.
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the Opera House's many venues and theatres on this tour. Please note that as we are a busy performing arts centre, venues and theatres are subject to availability at the time of your tour.
COVID-19 safety information
The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We’re committed to making your experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable, with a number of measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. We encourage you to wear a mask in indoor settings or when physical distancing can’t be maintained, and please stay home if you feel unwell. If you need to discuss your ticketing or booking options, contact our Tourism Reservations team on 02 9250 7250.
Tours run Saturdays at 10am* We encourage you to purchase your tour in advance
*The Architectural Tour departs at 10am on Saturdays. From 1 April, tours will run at 8.15am and 10am on Saturdays.
Please note the Architectural Tour is not available on 31 December 2022, 11 March 2023, 18 March 2023 and 21 October 2023. The tour is also subject to availability.
There is a maximum of 35 people per tour and and a maximum of 11 people per booking. If you would like to make a group booking or are unable to book online, please call 02 9250 7250 to place a reservation via our Reservations team.
Running time approximately 1 hour
This time is from when one of our guides meets guests at their check-in point through to the end of the tour. Please check-in at the Welcome Centre on the Lower Concourse of the Opera House.
You’ll be on your feet for a guided tour, there are over 300 stairs, so flat comfortable shoes are recommended. Your feet will thank you!
If you have mobility concerns, you may wish to take a Mobility Access Tour. Learn more about the Mobility Access Tour.
Tour in English
This tour is currently only available in English.
There is a maximum of 35 people per tour and a maximum of 11 people per booking. If you wish to make a group booking or book the tour in another language, please reach out to our Reservations team on 02 9250 7250 to make an enquiry.
Standard tickets from $43 per Adult
Adult | Child> | Concession* | Family^ | |
Tour Only | $43 | $23 | $33 | $109 |
PRICING INFORMATION EXPLAINED
> Child 5 to 15 years of age. Children under 5 years are free of charge. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied at all times
* Concessions are available to holders of an Australian Seniors Card, Australian Pensioners, full-time students aged 16+.
^ The family price includes 2 adults and 2 children (15 years and under).
What to know before you go
- Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during a performance and on a tour. Please bring your own mask.
- We stage lots of live performances, so venues are subject to availability at the time of your tour.
- You’ll be on your feet for a guided tour, there are over 300 stairs, so flat comfortable shoes are recommended. Your feet will thank you!
- If you have mobility concerns, you may wish to take a Mobility Access Tour. Learn more about the Mobility Access Tour.
- We can’t store suitcases or large bags, however you can contact the nearest storage facility at circularquay@baggagestorage.com.au
- Videoing is not allowed.
- There are plenty of photo opportunities — your tour guide will advise you if photos are not to be taken at any point.
Learn more about this modern masterpiece on our Architectural Tour
Learn more about this modern masterpiece on our Architectural Tour
Click to see images
Upgrade your tour

Tour Only
Selected

Tour & Dine
Take a tour then enjoy a meal at the new House Canteen or Opera Bar.

Tour & Souvenir Guidebook
Purchase a souvenir guide to take home with you after your tour.
Are you a COVID Safe business?
Yes. The Opera House is registered as a COVID Safe business with the NSW Government.
What safety and hygiene measures are in place?
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of everyone on site, and we are closely following NSW Health guidelines and advice. Our COVID-19 health and safety information is available on the Plan your visit page.
Do I need to be vaccinated to visit the Sydney Opera House?
The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Am I required to wear a mask?
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during a performance and on a tour. Please bring your own mask.
How are you managing contact tracing?
Contact information is required when making a booking with us and upon arrival at the Opera House, as set out in our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events and our Customer Privacy Statement.
As the ticket purchaser, you are responsible for recording the contact details of your guests. Contact information will only be used for the purposes of contact tracing, if required, and will be deleted at least 28 days after your event.
Do I need to book in advance?
We encourage you to purchase your tour in advance online or via the phone where you’ll receive an eTicket. Please bring this with you and present it upon check-in at the Welcome Centre located on the Lower Concourse of the Opera House.
Can I make a booking for 10 people or more?
You can make a booking for up to 11 people though our maximum capacity per tour is 35 people. For capacity reasons the booking must be made by calling 02 9250 7250. Our Reservations team will assist with your reservation.
What happens if I can't make my tour?
Please contact our Tourism Reservations team on 02 9250 7250 as soon as possible to advise if you can no longer attend. If you can no longer attend because you are unwell, or have been in contact with someone displaying COVID-19 symptoms, the Opera House has introduced flexible ticketing options to help you.
What are the transport options to the Opera House?
You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a 6 minute walk to the Opera House. If you’re getting dropped off in a car, head to the roundabout at the bottom of Macquarie Street where staff will direct you to a safe place to pull over.
Driving? Park in Wilson’s Car Park, you’re just minutes to your tour meeting point. Need a bit more info? Click here
Where do I go for the tour?
The tour meeting point is at the Welcome Centre located on the Lower Concourse of the Opera House.
View map
What time do I need to arrive before my tour?
It’s a great idea to arrive early, grab a drink and soak up the view. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour to allow sufficient time to cloak any large bags.
This should allow enough time for the mandatory visual inspections and/or cloaking of bags and personal belongings by Opera House staff before starting your tour.
Where possible, please leave bags at home. Please note we are unable to cloak bags larger than A4 size.
If I am late for my tour what can I do?
If you are going to be late for your tour please call our Reservations team on 02 9250 7250 for assistance.
What should I wear?
So long as you’re wearing shoes and a shirt, whatever you like. We’re pretty informal here at the Opera House. There’s no real dress code for tours, so you’ll fit right in with casual attire.
You’ll be on your feet for a guided tour, there are over 300 stairs, so flat comfortable shoes are recommended. Your feet will thank you!
What can I bring with me on the tour?
Where possible, please do not bring bags to the Sydney Opera House. Bags larger than A4 size will need to be cloaked before you can go on the tour.
Cameras are allowed on the tour and there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the entire tour. Your tour guide will advise you whilst on tour if photographs are not to be taken inside any venues. Please note there is no video filming on the tour.
Mobile phones are permitted on the tour however please ensure they are switched off or on silent for the duration of the tour.
Will we go inside all the theatres on the tour?
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the Opera House’s many venues and theatres on this tour.
Please note that as we are a busy performing arts centre, venues and theatres are subject to availability at the time of your tour.
Where can I eat nearby?
You can add a lunch package with your tour. See above for details. If you wish to select the lunch package, you can do so upon checkout.
Alternatively, satisfy your hunger at one of the many restaurants and bars here at the Opera House. Our restaurants offer everything from casual snacks to award-winning fine dining. Find what you’re after, see our Restaurants.
Will the building maintenance works at the Opera House affect the tour?
The Opera House is currently undertaking critical maintenance works across the site to address water leakage issues affecting the Lower Concourse. These necessary maintenance upgrades are required to mitigate long-term water damage to the Opera House building and its structure. These works will not impact your visit, it's business as usual!
Do ensure that you arrive at the Sydney Opera House at least 15 minutes before your tour to allow sufficient time to cloak any bags and personal belongings.
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Architectural Tour
Join us on this tour where you'll learn how in the mid-1950s, Australia and a man from Denmark, Jørn Utzon, created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that changed the course of twentieth-century architecture. To quote US architect Frank Gehry, “(it) changed the image of an entire country.”
Support your Opera House
The Opera House is not for profit. Help us inspire through the power of art and ideas.