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.
Tours do not operate Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, or New Year's Day before 1pm, subject to change
Tour + Main Meal & Drink: Redeem your ticket stub at either of our harbourside dining venues on day of your tour booking. Includes main meal and a beverage from a selection.
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.
Please check you have selected the correct language tour for the tour you want to experience the language in
Venue access is subject to availability at the time of your tour and can change up until tour departure time.
Infants under 5 are permitted on the 1 hour tour free of charge, however still require a ticket to be booked
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local guide
No Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
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.
Options
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
English Guided Tour
English Fluency Required: 1 Hour Guided Tour with a English Speaking Tour Guide
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
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
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
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.
French Guided Tour
French Speakers Only: 1 Hour Guided Tour with a French Speaking Tour Guide (not in English)
German Guided Tour
German Speakers Only: 1 Hour Guided Tour with a German 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)
Reviews
3,260 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour but missed opportunity.
Kenneth L,
Jun 18, 2025
- Viator
4.00Tour was wonderful and very well guided. Zoey was amazing and provided great information and photo opportunities. The only downfall was not being able to see the main stage/theatre.
If you go to Sydney, you must go inside the Opera House!
Sandra A,
Jun 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very nice tour if you don't mind going up some stairs. The guide was excellent and we learned so much about the opera house. We were able to go inside the two large theaters and also bought tickets for a show that night and came back! If you are going to Sydney, you have to go inside the Opera House!!
Interesting and Informative
Carol M,
Jun 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00I have to admit, I signed up for this tour because I was in Sydney and the Opera House is so iconic. At the end if it all, I am glad I booked this. I can’t remember the guide’s name but he gave a truly informative tour. He explained the history, explained the construction and once we were seated in one of the concert halls, explained all the nuances of sound, how it is reflected and absorbed and pointed out how various types of wood was used to ensure every audience member heard the same thing without mechanical amplification - so very interesting. He talked about the pipe organ, explaining the maintenance and comparing it to a similar (but not exact organ in Utah). It was interesting to hear that only 3-4 people in the country were approved to play the Sydney Organ. He gave me a true appreciation of not only the opera house but also the technical challenges and considerations in venues like this. The tour was only an hour and he ran a little over due to questions. I would definitely recommend this tour to others. I have heard it said that instead of a tour, just go to a performance and see the inside. I disagree. Those that do that would miss out on a deeper appreciation of the sound they were hearing.
Don’t miss this tour
Jeff H,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great history of the Opera house given, lots of ground covered and great tour guide. I really enjoyed sitting in the two larger auditoriums, gives you the real feel of the place.
Fantastic tour and great architecture.
Leisel B,
Jun 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a great time. The architecture is absolutely amazing. I was sad that they didn't have any concerts scheduled at the time we were there. The history behind it being built was truly fascinating.
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Operated by Sydney Opera House