A Complete Guide to Sydney Opera House

At the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is a cultural masterpiece, inviting you to explore a world where music, architecture, and art harmonize beautifully.

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and Australia's most populated city, located on the country’s east coast. This vibrant city is noted for its yacht-studded harbor, beautiful beaches, and the historic Opera House, which has a towering sail structure. But have you ever wondered what makes the Opera House so special? This wonderful building placed in a stunning waterscape, on the extremity of a peninsula protruding into the Sydney Harbour, serves as Australia's most renowned landmark, together with its neighbor, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The building’s spectacular white sails and interesting history make it the most photographed landmark in Australia. The area surrounding this landmark is brimming with a variety of eateries and attractions, ensuring you can make the most of your visit. If you’re planning a trip to the Opera House, we have you covered with this guide, keep on reading!

The Sydney Opera House's history and architecture offer an exciting narrative that pulls in visitors and sparks curiosity at every turn. Ready to dive into this iconic story? Let’s get in!

Architecture

The Sydney Opera House stands as one of the world’s most stunning and innovative structures, a true masterpiece of modern architecture and design. What sets it apart is its unique design that resembles a collection of sails and shells emerging from a podium at the waterfront of Sydney Harbour.

The Opera House has been made up of three major components: the platform, shells, and glass walls. The podium serves as the building's foundation, spanning 1.8 hectares and housing the essential amenities, such as the main entrance, box office, lobby, eating and drinking establishments, and even stores.

When it comes to the shells, they serve as the building's roof, comprising 14 pieces, each composed of a frame made from concrete and covered using ceramic tiles. In fact, the shells are anchored by a total of 240 concrete columns, individually 70 meters in length and 1.8 meters in diameter, embedded in the bedrock beneath the sea. Furthermore, the glass walls form the building's front part, enclosing the gaps among the shells while providing ventilation and sunlight. Additionally, the glass walls are composed of nearly 6,000 custom-made panels, each precisely crafted to follow the unique curves of the shells.

History

The Sydney Opera House, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is proudly situated on the ancestral lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. The idea of this iconic performing arts venue in Sydney gained momentum during the 1950s, a period when the nation of Australia was thriving economically, largely due to a surge in postwar migration from Europe.

The Launch of a World-Class Location

In 1956, NSW Premier Joseph Cahill launched a competition inviting designs for a National Opera House. The following year, Danish architect Jørn Utzon's bold and expressionist concept was selected as a winning design.

The Opera House Construction

Construction started in 1959, despite concerns regarding the project's skyrocketing cost and some design issues still unresolved. It was very clear that the building of the Sydney Opera House would take longer and cost way more than anyone had anticipated. It ended up costing 14 times the original budget and took ten years longer to complete.

Construction Challenges and Delays

However, as time passed by and the structure began to take a form, Sydney residents were captivated by its grand proportions and its unusual spherical shells as they were coated with more than a million custom-made tiles. Finally, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Sydney Opera House in 1973 after nearly two decades of debate, planning, and political disagreements (including the departure of the original architect, Jørn Utzon, over financial concerns during the year 1966).

World Recognition and Iconic Performances

The Australian Opera performed Prokofiev's masterpiece "War and Peace" as its inaugural performance. Since then, the Opera House has not only welcomed renowned people, like Sammy Davis, Jr., Ella Fitzgerald in the latter part of the 1970s, Pope John Paul II in 1987, and Nelson Mandela around 1990 but also visitors from across the world. Moreover, in 2000, the structure served as a centerpiece for the famous Olympic Arts Festival. Then, in 2009, Vivid, Sydney's prime culture festival, started illuminating the sails of the Sydney Opera House with its phenomenal light displays. Fast forward to 2019, nearly eight million visitors flocked to this amazing theater to take tours, watch concerts, and appreciate the architecture.

There are numerous activities to relish at the Sydney Opera House, including guided tours that disclose the fascinating history and architecture of the building. Whether you want to experience world-class performances that range from opera and ballet to concerts and theater or to indulge in a meal at one of the best-renowned restaurants and cafés while treating your eyes to stunning views of Sydney Harbour, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sydney Opera House.

Beginning at the Welcome Center

There are three primary ways to explore the Sydney Opera House, based on your preferences and the duration of your stay. Regardless of what you want to do, you will probably begin your visit at the Lower Concourse Welcome Center.

Enjoy Views Of The Harbor

In case you have a shortage of time, you can choose to observe the building from the red granite stairs and, then stroll down to the Western Boardwalk to enjoy the unparalleled views of the bay.

Tours

A variety of tours are offered at the Sydney Opera House to let you explore and learn about the history and secrets of the structure. There are various tour options for you to select from, including the Sydney Opera House Tour, which gives a brief overview of the Opera House's history, architecture, and venues; the Backstage Tour will give you privileged access to the Opera House's dressing rooms as well as behind-the-scenes places; the Architecture Tour provides an in-depth look at the architecture, engineering, and structure of the Opera House; and the Aboriginal Cultural Tour offers an insight into the importance of the Opera House along with the Indigenous heritage.

Take in a Live Performance

Every year, the Opera House hosts 2,000 concerts, ranging from musical performances to dance and current music. Undoubtedly, Opera, symphony, drama, ballet, comedy, and musicals are just a few of the events and performances that take place in the Sydney Opera House. Other genres include contemporary music, theater, circus, dance, along with cabaret. Bangarra Dance Theatre, Bell Shakespeare, The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Opera Australia, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Ballet, and Sydney Theatre Company all exist here.

The iconic Opera House in the heart of Sydney is easy to locate, located between Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Bennelong Point, which is on the southern side of the harbor in Sydney and you may probably pass it while visiting several of the city's most popular sites because of its proximity to them. Furthermore, this Opera House is surrounded by various restaurants and bars at walking distance from the circular Quay, a hub for public transportation.

Parking

At the Sydney Opera House, parking is available for a fee, operating 24/7. However, prior to well-known shows, the parking lot might get crowded, so it is recommended to arrive early at the place.

How To Reserve a Seat

The Opera House's welcome center and foyer are free to access, but the only way to experience the interior is through a guided tour or by attending a performance. There is a wide range of performances and tours available at the opera house so you can choose any that suit your taste.

Tips For Visitors

Arriving at the Opera House early on weekends during the summer allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Early-morning tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the performance venues before they close for nighttime concerts. If you appreciate sunsets, don't miss the stunning Bada Gili light display, which takes place daily in the evening and is free to enjoy. Tours run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Welcome Center is open from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sydney Opera House is surrounded by a large number of the most popular Sydney landmarks, which you can enjoy to the fullest. From cherishing Harbour Bridge views from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair to enjoying a stroll in nature at Royal Botanic Gardens, you are sure to find something that will perfectly sit well with your taste.

Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair

To get the panorama of the Sydney Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge, walk through the Botanic Gardens towards the eastern border of the Domain and you will find Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, a massive seat carved into uncovered sandstone by prisoners around 1810. Fun Fact: the bench was initially designed for Elizabeth Macquarie, who was the spouse of the New South Wales Governor, and it has since grown into one of the town's most famous picture places.

Sydney Harbour

The legendary Sydney Opera House Australia lies at the edge of Sydney Harbour, one of the world’s most breathtaking natural harbors. So why not, enjoy a ferry trip for a closer look at the port, or just soak in the scenery from one of the many waterfront eateries or cafés?

The Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden, only a short stroll from the Opera House, is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. The garden spans around thirty hectares and has a diverse collection of native and exotic species. You may take a relaxing walk through the grounds, enjoy a picnic, and also join one of the numerous events conducted here during the year.

Visit The Rocks And Contemporary Museum Of Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art and The Rocks, the city’s oldest district, are located just across Circular Quay. On weekdays, you can wander through The Rocks to discover boutique shops and restaurants, while weekends offer the chance to enjoy vibrant outdoor markets under the Harbour Bridge. You can also climb the bridge itself for breathtaking views of the entire bay!

Feeling hungry after exploring the magnificent Opera House? Treat yourself to a diverse array of eateries located just a few steps away. Here are a few options you can hit for a delicious meal!

The East Chinese Restaurant

The East Chinese Restaurant serves as Sydney's renowned high-end Chinese restaurant located near the Opera House on Circular Quay. They provide traditional Chinese food, offering indoor and outdoor dining with an excellent view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Their menu is inspired by great Chinese history, and meals range from spicy and zesty flavors to gentle and delicate. Whether you want sour and sweet flavors, steaming natural scents, or unique spices and herbs, The East provides a meal to satisfy every palate.

Bennelong Restaurant

Bennelong pays homage to the iconic Sydney Opera House with its stunning architecture and offers a culturally authentic dining experience that highlights the best of Australian cuisine and wines. The restaurant features a three-course dinner that includes appetizers, focusing on powerful yet simple dishes that allow the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine. Additionally, Bennelong boasts a creative dessert menu inspired by classic Australian sweets and a carefully curated wine selection that showcases the finest offerings from Australia, ensuring a satisfying experience for all guests.

Wahlburgers Opera Quays

Wahlburgers offers a tasty menu, featuring burgers, pizzas, wings, steaks, fries, and shakes. You can enjoy live sports on TV while enjoying a drink from their fully stocked bar. Plus, it is conveniently set a minute's walk away from Sydney Harbour Foreshore, offering amazing views of the Harbour Bridge in Sydney.

Opera Bar

Enjoy a cocktail while feasting your eyes on amazing harbor views at the famous Opera Bar on the Sydney Opera House promenade. While it becomes crowded on weekends as well as on events, so be sure to arrive early and snag a spot to enjoy a beautiful Sydney day or evening.

Grana

Visit Grana, an old-fashioned Italian restaurant located within the ancient walls of the Hinchcliff House near Circular Quay. The restaurant features sandstone adorned with exposed brick walls, gloomy lighting, and interesting dried floral arrangements reminiscent of a Tuscan country home. But it’s the cuisine that will keep you coming back. The restaurant features its own mill, which the chefs use daily to grind New South Wales grains like emmer, spelled, and Khorasan into flour for their homemade pasta and pastries.

Book your hotel in Sydney now to explore the iconic Sydney Opera House and enjoy all the nearby attractions. Find the best deals at findsydneyhotels.com!