How to go inside the Sydney Opera House without seeing a show
Sydney Opera House guided tours take you inside the Opera House without seeing a show. They also take you to parts of the building that most visitors never see.
The Sydney Opera House is Australia’s most famous building. Its prime position on Sydney Harbour and sails-like roof make it an instant architectural icon.
Book in advance to secure your place on the Sydney Opera House walking tour.
Most visitors are content to admire the Sydney Opera House from outside. It is easily seen from the Rocks or Circular Quay, while it’s also possible to build it into to a fabulous walk around the harbour. You can walk around Bennelong Point on the way to the Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquaries Point.
Shows at the Sydney Opera House
But of course, the Sydney Opera House is more than just a piece of architecture to be admired. It is a multi-venue performance space, and not just for opera. Theatre, dance, classical music and pop productions all take place here.
The easiest way to get inside the Opera House, therefore, is buying a ticket for a show. However, you can go inside the Sydney Opera House without seeing a show. There are guided tours of the building available.
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Skip the queues – and get the best prices – with mobile-friendly advance tickets for these top Sydney attractions.
- Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
- Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
- Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
- Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
- Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.
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Sydney Opera House tour prices
The official Sydney Opera House tour costs $43 at time of writing, and should be booked online.
These guided walking tours not only take you inside the building, but cover sections that are usually off-limits to visitors.
The knowledgeable guide also talks about the venue’s history and architectural inspiration, while visiting one of the biggest pillar-free chambers on earth.
Visitors should be aware that there are around 200 steps on the tour route.
Sydney Opera House tour including meal
There are also tour options, costing $80, that include a meal either at the House canteen or the neighbouring Opera Bar.
These come up as booking options when you check availability on your preferred date.
Other things to do in Sydney nearby include whale-watching by speed boat and taking a Sydney Harbour walking tour.
13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book
- (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
- Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
- Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
- See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
- (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
- Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
- Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
- Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
- Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
- Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
- (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.
More New South Wales travel
Tackle the Sublime Point Track in Wollongong.
Camp in Byron Bay at the Clarkes Beach caravan park.
Go surfing at Blueys Beach.
Swim at Bayview Park in Sydney.
What to do on a Newcastle to Yamba road trip.