Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Discover insider secrets and stories of the Opera House artists and performances, and step inside the iconic theatres and foyers that bring to life over 1800 performances each year. Explore the building with our knowledgeable guides, and learn about how Jørn Utzon’s vision came into existence against impossible odds.
Please note that as we are a busy performing arts centre, venues and theatres are subject to availability at the time of your tour.
Option: Tour & Dine at Opera Bar, House Canteen or Midden by Mark Olive:
Make the most of a day out at the Opera House by going on our 1-hour tour followed by a lunch or an early dinner at your choice of harbourside restaurants. Redeem your ticket at Opera Bar or House Canteen between 11.30am - 6pm, or Midden by Mark Olive between 11.30am-2.30pm, or 5-6pm
Option: Language Tour and Language Tour & Meal + Drink options.
Choose French, German, or Spanish Tour, to experience the tour with one of our language-speaking guides.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note the standard guided tour contains approx. 300 stairs - Low Impact. If you have limited mobility there are daily mobility access tours available on request pre-booking is required please contact the supplier directly.
Venue access is subject to availability at the time of your tour and can change up until tour departure time.
Please arrive at the Welcome Centre 15 minutes prior to your tour time to adhere to check in and cloaking procedures. If you are more than 5 minutes late from the start time of your tour, your tour will be forfeited.
Please check you have selected the correct language tour for the tour you want to experience the language in
Infants under 5 are permitted on the 1 hour tour free of charge, however still require a ticket to be booked
One Hour Tour including Tour & Dine please check in at the Welcome Centre on the lower concourse level ten minutes prior to your tour time
Redeem tour & dine at House Canteen or Opera Bar between 11.30am-6pm on the day of the tour.
Redeem tour & dine at Midden by Mark Olive between 11.30am-2.30pm, or 5-6pm on the day of the tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Sydney Opera House
Your tour of the Sydney Opera House allows you to step beneath the sails of one of the world’s most iconic performance venues, where more than 1,800 concerts, plays, musicals and ballets are staged every year. Explore it with an insider guide, who shares stories and fun facts about the opera house’s history, performances and architecture throughout your 1-hour tour. Walk through the elegant foyers, visit one of the largest pillar-free chambers in the world, sit down in a custom-made white birch chair and look up at the vaulted ceiling. Check out areas that are off-limits to the general public, learn about the distinctive exterior design made up of ‘shell’ tiles, and hear about opera house’s Danish architect, including his inspiration and building challenges.
What‘s Included
Local guide
No Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Late arrivals. Visitors are unable to join the tour after the scheduled departure time.
Meeting points
Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point, Easy walk from Circular Quay Train Station Sydney Australia
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
German Guided Tour
German Speakers Only: 1 Hour Guided Tour with a German Speaking Tour Guide (not in English)
Spanish Tour & Meal + Drink
Spanish Speakers Only: One Hour guided tour with Spanish-speaking guide plus main meal and beverage from a selection at Opera Bar or House Canteen
Tour + Main Meal & Drink
English Fluency Required: Enjoy our one hour tour followed by a main meal and beverage, from a selection, at either Opera Bar or House Canteen
French Tour & Meal + Drink
French Speakers Only: One Hour guided tour with French-speaking guide plus main meal and beverage from a selection at Opera Bar or House Canteen
German Tour + Meal & Drink
German Speakers Only: One Hour guided tour with German-speaking guide plus main meal and beverage from a selection at Opera Bar or House Canteen
French Guided Tour
French Speakers Only: 1 Hour Guided Tour with a French Speaking Tour Guide (not in English)
Spanish Guided Tour
Spanish Speakers Only: 1 Hour Guided Tour with a Spanish Speaking Tour Guide (not in English)
Architectural Tour
A 75-minute tour experience aimed at those who are interested in finding out more about the way the Opera House was built.
English Guided Tour
English Guided Tour from April: 1 Hour Guided Tour with a English Speaking Tour Guide
English Guided Tour
English Fluency Required: 1 Hour Guided Tour with a English Speaking Tour Guide
Reviews
3,712 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Interesting Overview
James M,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting and informative. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided an excellent narrative
Inside Opera House
Elizabeth E,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Carol walked and told the group of the 3 theaters. Headsets were available to hear. 300 steps, but an escalator and lifts were available for portions. Touched the tiles of one roof section. We watched a film of the history and building of the Opera House. Entered 2 theaters, and took in the views. Very good, informative tour.
Magnificent Opera House
David L,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The walking tour was great. As a resident of Sydney, I know the SOH very well and I toured it during construction in 1967 and was at the opening in 1973. We were able to view the inside of the concert hall but unable to enter the opera theatre due to rehearsals. I expected to view some of the workings of the Opera House, such as back stage or beneath the stages. That was a disappointment but it is a fabulous tour for a first timer.
Amazing
Kevin T,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was brilliant your not aloud to take any pictures of the interior which is fine. The inside of the opera house is just stunning. The tour guides are very good to
Great Tour
mike67j,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great tour, our guide was excellent and we learnt loads about the Opera House and its history During the tour we were really lucky to be able to go into two of the halls, were they were practising for an upcoming opera in one; the acoustics were incredible and for a ballet in the other Highly recommend !!
Very knowledgeable guide...
Jane T,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very knowledgeable guide with interesting details & appreciation of history of the building & the site on which it is built.
Peter was extremely...
Bruce K,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Peter was extremely knowledgeable and delightful. The tour gave good insight into the history of as well as current uses of
The walking tour of Sydney Opera House
jitiksha27,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You only appreciate how the opera house was built over many years if you take thier guided walking tour. The guide was very informative.
Everything you ever wanted to know.
Patrick A,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything you want to know about the SOH and more. From the reason for its existence, to the nature of the architect, the building process, its final completion and what goes on in the SOH.
Operators house tour
Martyn B,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great insight on the construction of the whole project. Very informative guide. Explained everything well
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