Come to Sydney and not check out the Opera House? No, that’s definitely not an option. Born out of a conflict between architects and engineers – a dispute that stirred the city’s creative minds and strained officials’ budgets – it is now featured on stamps and souvenirs, often confusing Sydney with the capital. And when you add the sound of an organ and a big-city vibe, it becomes the perfect evening out. We’ll tell you where to go and where to eat.
Tickets to the Opera HouseA bit of history
British composer Eugene Goossens, who worked at the South Wales Conservatoire, noticed that despite the local appetite for music, there were no concert halls in the city. Consequently, an opera house was planned on the site of a former tram depot. The design by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, renowned for his unprecedented boldness, won the global competition. Today, his work is described as «ahead of its time,» although 60 years ago, the project shocked both authorities and sponsors.
Plan a visit
The Sydney Opera House is open most days, though there are a few nuances to consider.
- Opening hours: The theatre welcomes guests 363 days a year, closing only on Christmas Day and Good Friday
- Box office: Tickets can be purchased from 9:00 to 17:00 daily, though the schedule may vary depending on performance times
Before visiting, it is best to check the current opening hours and book tickets in advance – both for performances and for a guided tour of the theatre.
What’s inside the Sydney Opera House?
From the outside, the building is striking, with hemispheres clad in snow-white tiles, an outdoor stage, an ocean backdrop, and a vibrant waterfront lined with restaurants and cafes. The majestic sailing ship that houses five theatres is actually spread across three buildings. The Sydney Opera House boasts about 800 rooms, including dressing rooms, recording studios, rehearsal rooms, caretaker quarters, and more.
Concert Hall
The largest mechanical organ in the world is built into the center wall of the hall, above the orchestra pit. With more than 10,000 pipes, it plays works by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Mozart, and other composers. In addition to classical pieces, the organ features soundtracks from cartoons, films, anime, and contemporary music.
Rock bands perform here, foreign orchestras present their own programs, and the local choir sings traditional songs.
The south foyer sells snacks and drinks, while the north foyer hosts cultural events. From either foyer, you can access the bar located on the floor below.
The rest of the theatre is tucked away in the foyer below the concert hall:
- The Drama Theatre hosts small plays and musical concerts and has once featured performances by Cate Blanchett and Mel Gibson
- The Studio Theatre offers a unique, flexible layout that adapts to the needs of each production – for example, during circus shows, the seats are arranged in a circular formation with acrobats performing in the center
- The Playhouse is ideal for children’s shows and dance performances and also serves as a venue for stand-up comedy shows
Joan Sutherland Theatre
The second largest hemisphere is the Joan Sutherland Theatre.
The theatre’s stages accommodate all genres of performance, and the orchestra pit can hold up to 70 musicians. Here, the finest singers in Australian opera perform masterpieces by Bizet, Puccini, Rossini, Verdi, and others.
During the day, the ballet «Sleeping Beauty» — a particular favorite among the youngest audience members — is performed, and in the evening, operas such as «Carmen» and «Le nozze di Figaro» are presented in a modern interpretation.
- Below the theatre are the Yalamundi Rooms, offering a magnificent view of the harbour. These rooms host weddings, banquets, and business meetings of all sizes — from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations
- Just off the foyer of the Joan Sutherland Theatre is the Utzon Room, the smallest of them all, which hosts lectures and chamber concerts
- Nearby, there is a gift shop offering 3D models of the Opera House, clothing, postcards, and magnets
- There is also a creative arts centre where children and their parents can engage in play or learn new skills, with classes in art and science available
Bennelong Restaurant
Located in the smallest hemisphere, Bennelong Restaurant is the largest dining venue in the complex. Its interior resembles a deck, and through the ribbed glass windows, you can see the waves and the Harbour Bridge.
The menu reflects modern Australian cuisine with a refined touch, featuring seafood, meat with truffle, and vegetables in unusual shapes and colours.
To complement your meal, you can choose from Australian wines such as Henschke, Cloudburst, and Willunga, or other spirits.
There are also more modest dining options, such as the House Canteen, which offers hearty pan-Asian fare, or Midden by Mark Olive, known for affordable seafood and kangaroo dinners.
Light Shows
On New Year’s Day and during the Bright Sydney Light Festival, the theatre is illuminated with all the colours of the rainbow. The white façade, which is as tall as a 22-storey building, displays moving images of nature, fantastical animals, and abstract designs. Built-in speakers ensure total immersion by synchronizing the visuals with sound. These images change annually, as they are painted by a selected internationally renowned artist.
However, colour shows are not limited to the holidays; occasional productions highlighting indigenous cultures are also presented. On other days, the Opera House is illuminated from below, with a play of light and shadow that further elevates the building’s allure.
When travelling to Sydney, it is hard not to include the legendary Opera House in your itinerary. If you are on an extended trip, be sure to explore the rest of the Australian harbour’s array of exciting attractions.
LeutherCommerce / Pixabay 
JEROME CLARYSSE / Pixabay
LeutherCommerce / Pixabay
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