Visiting the Opera House during Vivid Sydney 2022

The Lighting of the Sails during Vivid Sydney is a free event. You will not need a ticket.

For any performances part of the Vivid LIVE program, it’s recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.

In line with our venue security procedures, Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags under the Monumental Stairs or within the Western Foyers, prior to entering the building. Bags will be scanned by an x-ray machine, and staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling your belongings, such as gloves. Please travel lightly and do not bring items that require cloaking e.g. handbags bigger than A4-size, backpacks and umbrellas, which are not permitted inside our venues.

Yes, cloaking will remain available but it is strongly encouraged that you travel lightly and leave large, bulky items at home. Cloakroom attendants will use disposable paper tickets and wear gloves to handle items.

The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Opera House is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the Opera House is a smoke-free site.

The Smoke-free Environment Policy applies to all areas of the of the Opera House precinct and covers all forms of tobacco and non-tobacco smoking, including cigarettes, vapes, e-cigarettes, cigars and water pipe tobacco smoking. 

As a smoke-free site, the Opera House seeks to reduce exposure to harmful second-hand smoke, as well as minimise the impact of smoking on the environment, including litter and pollution of the surrounding marine environment.

Please note that BYO alcohol or glass is not permitted onsite. Further information about items that are prohibited onsite can be found on our Conditions of Entry.

Chairs are not permitted at the Opera House. Further information about items that are prohibited onsite can be found on our Conditions of Entry.

There will be a designated viewing area of the Opera House sails situated near the Whalebridge restaurant for accessible-needs patrons. The area offers excellent views of the Lighting of the Sails – a centrepiece of Vivid Sydney – and other harbourside lighting attractions.

For patrons who are blind or have low vision, the Opera House will be hosting two audio-described sessions of this year’s images projected on to the sails. For more information please visit the event page.

A complimentary shuttle bus and buggy service will be in operation during Vivid Sydney. Please contact the Box Office to confirm operating hours on 02 9250 7777.

The Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay precincts are very popular and attract large crowds during Vivid Sydney. Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave the car at home and use public transport wherever possible. During this time, there will be changes to transport timetables.

For further information, please visit Transport NSW’s Vivid Sydney page.

Roads close from 5pm each night during Vivid Sydney with additional closures on Friday nights and weekends.

For detailed information on road closures during Vivid Sydney, please visit Live Traffic NSW.

 The Sydney Opera House car park will remain open on most evenings during Vivid Sydney, however it is expected to reach capacity early. Patrons are encouraged to use public transport and allow extra travel time.

Please note that if you drive and arrive early for parking, you may not be able to exit if there are road closures in place.

For detailed information on road closures during Vivid Sydney, please visit Live Traffic NSW.

Ticketholders are welcome to bring their own water bottle (as long as it isn’t made of glass) but no other food and drinks are permitted inside our venues.

The Opera House has a range of onsite bars and restaurants which are perfect for a quick snack or sit-down meal.

Cashless payment methods are strongly encouraged. Please bring a credit or debit card for any onsite purchases.