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 every Saturday at 10am.
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the Opera House's many venues and theatres however please note the Concert Hall is currently closed as it is undergoing renewal works to improve theatre machinery, acoustics and accessibility. Click here to learn more about the Concert Hall renewal works.
COVID-safe tour information
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Opera House is our priority. When you return to the Opera House, you will notice some important changes. Please follow our conditions of entry at all times:
- 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 encourage you to purchase your tour in advance online or via 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;
- To help maintain physical distancing, tours will not exceed 30 guests per tour;
- As you move around the Opera House, practice physical distancing (1.5 metres whenever possible) and follow the guidance provided by our staff and signage.
Please refer to our updated General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events for detailed information about our ticketing policies. These conditions may change between the time of purchase and the tour date. Ticketholders will be contacted directly regarding any changes to their tour.
Please check our Plan your visit page prior to attending the Opera House for the most up-to-date information.
Tours run Saturdays at 10am We encourage you to purchase your tour in advance
The Architectural Tour departs at 10am on Saturdays.
There is a maximum of 30 people per tour. 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 from the Welcome Centre through to the end of the tour.
Tour in English
This tour is currently only available in English.
If you wish to make a group booking of 8 or more guests in another language, please reach out to our Reservations team on 02 9250 7250 to make an enquiry.
Standard tickets from $43 per Adult 10% discount off adult 'tour only' online bookings
| 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. Please note the Concert Hall is currently closed as it is undergoing renewal works to improve theatre machinery, acoustics and accessibility. Learn more about the Concert Hall renewal works.
- 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
Upgrade your tour
Tour Only
Purchase a tour
Tour & Dine
Take a tour, then enjoy a meal at Opera Kitchen. No need to book. See menu below.
Tour & Souvenir Guidebook
Purchase a souvenir guide to take home with you after your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Can I make a booking for 10 people or more?
Yes, though the maximum capacity per tour is 30 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.
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 Tourism 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.
The Concert Hall is currently closed for renewal works to improve theatre machinery, acoustics and accessibility.
Click here to learn more about the Concert Hall renewal works.
Where can I eat nearby?
You can add a lunch package at Opera Kitchen 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 works at the Opera House affect the tour?
You'll notice that Sydney Opera House has building works underway around the precinct. 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.
For more information head to the Renewal pages.
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Architectural Tour
Join us on this limited run 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
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