A couple walking along the forecourt in front of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

5 epic ways to experience the Sydney Opera House

Here are five unforgettable ways to tick this icon off your bucket list.

By Leah Dobihal

A performer in Amadeus raising his arms while standing on the stage of the Sydney Opera House with actors blurred in the background, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

Group of First Nations dancers wearing eucalyptus branches performing on the stage of Sydney Opera House © Daniel Boud

Musical artist Lizzo performing in front of a large crowd with their arms in the air at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

A wide shot of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra arranged in a semi-circle on stage as they perform for a large seated crowd at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

Amadeus at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

Lizzo at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

Be moved by a live performance

Why you’ll love it: Getting goosebumps as the curtains open on stage

When it comes to iconic performance venues, the Sydney Opera House is high on the list. Take a seat in the Concert Hall, one of the world’s most sought-after performance spaces, and marvel at the intricate ceiling and grand stage. The Opera House hosts all types of performing art. Comedy, opera, dance, musical theatre and more – the choice is yours.

Australian Museum, Sydney, New South Wales © Australian Museum

Sydney’s best museums and theatres

As one of the most diverse cities in the world, Sydney’s cultural heart beats loud and proud with plenty to discover.

Read time • 7min

The sails of the Sydney Opera House alight with a light projection depicting blue, orange and yellow Indigenous designs, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

A couple taking a selfie in front of the Sydney Opera House at night, Sydney, New South Wales © Ken Leanfore

A dark night sky with the lit-up sails of the Sydney Opera House depicting red Indigenous art, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

Badu Gili, Sydney Opera House, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

Badu Gili, Sydney Opera House, New South Wales © Ken Leanfore

Badu Gili, Sydney Opera House, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

Watch a First Nations light show

Why you’ll love it: Watching colourful projections dance across the sails

The Sydney Opera House sits on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. Meaning ‘water light’ in the language of the Gadigal people, Badu Gili is a nightly event that sees a spectacular projection light up the white walls (also called 'sails') of the iconic venue. Grab the best view from the top of the Monumental Steps and watch Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories brought to life.

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Aboriginal Heritage Tour, Sydney, NSW © Tourism Australia

Experience Aboriginal culture in Sydney

Here’s where to find some unique insights into Sydney’s rich Aboriginal culture.

Read time • 6min

Man and woman seated at Bennelong restaurant, smiling with the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

The low-lit dining room with tables of customers at Bennelong restaurant inside the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

An aerial view of the signature pavlova dish at Bennelong restaurant, with shards of meringue sticking up to replicate the sails of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Bennelong, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Bennelong, Sydney, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

Bennelong, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Dine with a stellar view

Why you’ll love it: Indulging in a meal you won’t soon forget

We’re not sure which is better at Bennelong – the exceptional menu or the jaw-dropping view. The restaurant is housed within the sails of the Sydney Opera House and champions distinctly Australian flavours (think mud crab and finger lime). Dining alongside the sparkling harbour only adds to the refined ambience.

Bennelong Restaurant and Bar, Sydney, NSW © Brett Stevens/Bennelong

Sydney restaurants with a view

If you like your meals served with a healthy helping of postcard-perfect views, these restaurants fit the bill.

Read time • 5min

A group of tourists watch as a guide gestures toward the white sails of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

A tour group gazes up at the intricate architecture inside the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

A man applying makeup to an actor’s face in a room of costumes at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Cultural Attractions of Australia

A tour group stands inside a large hall looking out onto the blue water and arched bridge of Sydney Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

Go behind the curtain

Why you’ll love it: Discovering the history, architecture and stories behind the iconic building

What you see on stage is only half the story. The Sydney Opera House offers a range of tours that bring you behind the scenes of the venue’s history, architecture and show production. True theatre enthusiasts can even land a walk-on role to experience opera from the performer’s perspective. Don a custom-fitted costume and step into the spotlight for one unforgettable night.

Longitude 131, Yulara, NT © Baillies Longitude 131

Private travel experiences in Australia

Enjoy an experience all your own with these private travel experiences in Australia.

Read time • 7min

Aerial view of the Sydney Opera House with a boat leaving a trail of ripples in the surrounding water, Sydney, New South Wales © Hamilton Lund

A pilot flying a seaplane with a view of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and sparkling ocean in Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

See the sails from all angles

Why you’ll love it: Snapping the perfect Opera House photo

Boasting some of the world’s most beautiful architecture, the Sydney Opera House doesn’t have a bad angle. Seek out unique vantage points on an adventure tour with epic views. Take a seaplane over the harbour to spot not only the Opera House but the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline as well. A kayak tour will have you paddling up close for a spectacular view. Whichever tour you choose, it’s bound to create a bucket list memory.

5 epic ways to experience the Sydney Opera House

Sydney’s best museums and theatres

Experience Aboriginal culture in Sydney

Sydney restaurants with a view

Private travel experiences in Australia

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