Sydney Opera House Attractions & Things to do

Cruise Sydney Harbour and watch Sydney light up on an early-dinner cruise aboard MV Sydney 2000, the most prestigious cruising restaurant on Sydney's waterways. Whether you're enjoying an early pre-theatre dinner or wanting to complete your Sydney sightseeing in style, you'll enjoy the MV Sydney 2000's relaxed atmosphere, first-class service, fabulous food and superb views of Sydney Harbour.
Duration: 2 hours.

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 OR House Canteen:
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 Opera Bar or House Canteen, both located on the lower concourse. Redeem your ticket at the bar between 1130am - 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.
Duration: 1 hour.

Experience the vastness of Sydney Harbour with its rich history, iconic sites, secluded beaches and spectacular sandstone cliffs. Enjoy the incredible views while you listen to the live commentary on the history of Sydney Harbour.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Fly over beautiful Sydney Harbour by helicopter for a bird's-eye view of Sydney. Your expert pilot will provide informative commentary on all the sites as you soar through Sydney skies for approximately 20 minutes. You'll have the best vantage point of Sydney and its sparkling blue harbor, 1,000 feet up in the air during your memorable helicopter flight.
Duration: 1 to 30 minutes.

Experience the vastness of Sydney Harbour while enjoying a BBQ buffet style lunch and live commentary on this shared harbour cruise. While on board you will discover the harbour with its many secluded beaches and spectacular sandstone cliffs.

Inclusions:
Buffet lunch
Tea/coffee/water station
Complimentary cake
Maximum group size of 80
Live commentary

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes.

See the absolute best of Sydney in a day, with this full-day private Sydney city tour with a professional tour guide in a modern and comfortable spacious vehicle. With hotel pick-up, free WiFi, cold bottled water and private vehicle and tour guide included, this is one of the best value Sydney sightseeing tour you’re likely to find.
Duration: 6 hours.

We want to help you build lifelong memories of your personal experience with the biggest and most majestic animals of the ocean.
Our custom built whale watching boat allows you to be right next to the ocean allowing for unobstructed viewing of the migrating whales. We only take small groups allowing a uniquely personal experience.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will look after you and provide expert information on the migration patterns of the whales and the history of Sydney Harbour as we go.
You can expect a great day out with family and friends and we offer a whale sighting guarantee on all trips.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Experience one of the world's most iconic destinations in style. Cruise around the beautiful Sydney Harbour and enjoy a premium dining experience. Seating just 90 people, this is the most stylish and unique way to discover the magic of Sydney Harbour. The three-course dinner menu features seasonal and regionally sourced food and wine from New South Wales.
Duration: 3 hours.

Book a table for a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise aboard the our flagship vessel MV Sydney 2000. The choice is yours whether you embark at Circular Quay or King Street Wharf on your 2-hour Sydney dinner cruise. Take your seat as you float past the floodlit Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while a team of international chefs prepare a four-course dinner, including canapés, for you to enjoy.
Duration: 2 hours.

A photographer and Instagrammer's dream with spacious outdoor leisure decks to capture the perfect moments against the million-dollar backdrop Sundown, Sunset, or Twilight.

Take in the stunning colours of Sydney Harbour at day's end, sip a cocktail by the sails of the Sydney Opera House in style. Indulge your taste buds with a premium tasting plate to share and enjoy the sounds of the acoustic live music on the weekend, all from the comfort of your premium reserved lounge seating Cocktail Bar on Ocean Deck.


Duration: 2 hours.

Embark on an epic journey with a real Australian from the bush! Say g'day to koalas and kangaroos, soak up stunning views, and discover secret spots that'll make you go "crikey!" Get ready to explore, from stunning beaches to the untamed bushland. This is the real deal, the original, authentic Australian experience.

Venture through lush rainforests, discover Aboriginal carvings, and have a yarn with the locals. Don't forget your Insta-worthy snaps! From the iconic Sydney Harbour to the wild, untamed bushland, you won't want to put your camera down! Look at the photos on this listing to see how diverse and great this tour is.

We've got rave reviews coming out of our ears. This tour has been voted the best thing since Vegemite on toast! So, leave the boring stuff behind. Break free from the ordinary and dive headfirst into Australia's jaw-dropping nature and wildlife wonders.

Escape the ordinary, and immerse yourself in Australia's nature and wildlife. This is Australia in one day!
Duration: 11 to 12 hours.

No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to its most famous building. And the best thing to do when you visit the Sydney Opera House is to come inside and see a musical performance.

Sunset Boulevard weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Having been discarded by Hollywood with the advent of “talkies”, legendary silent movie star Norma Desmond is tortured by her longing for a return to the big screen. When she meets struggling Hollywood screenwriter Joe Gillis in a dramatic chance encounter, their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion.

This brand-new production features stunning sets and costumes, evoking the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood. Sunset Boulevard is the musical theatre event of the year. Don’t miss this strictly limited season at Sydney Opera House from August 2024.
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes.

Experience what jet boating is all about on Australia's most exciting Jet Boat! Get ready to hold on tight as the 'Thunder' opens up with amazing stunts and wild spins through Sydney Harbour.
Duration: 30 minutes.

What could be more fun than touring the beautiful waterfront city of Sydney by bike? Your no-stress cycling tour takes you through Sydney's historic neighborhoods for unforgettable harbor views. Cycle over the Sydney Harbor Bridge, spot the Opera House, see the sites by night or do a quick highlights tour for those pressed for time. With four cycle routes to choose from, there's something for everyone!
Duration: 5 hours.

Enjoy the best sightseeing tour of Sydney on your half-day private tour. Discover the picture-perfect views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Learn about the city's rich history and culture from your expert guide. Visit the very tip of Sydney Harbour at The Gap, and dip your toes in the ocean at the world-famous Bondi Beach. Travel through the exclusive suburbs of Paddington, Vaucluse and the notorious Kings Cross.
Duration: 4 hours.

Make the most of a day out at Sydney Opera House by experiencing a 1-hour guided tour followed by a show-stopping meal overlooking the Harbour at either the new House Canteen or Opera Bar.

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and this is your chance to experience beneath the magnificent sails and explore the vibrant performance spaces and extraordinary stories that exist.

After the tour, take in some best views of Sydney Harbour while you enjoy lunch from a special Tour and Dine menu.

When you check in for your tour at the Welcome Centre, on the lower concourse, you will receive a ticket stub. Please redeem this ticket at your choice of venue, either Opera Bar or House Canteen, between 11.30am - 6pm to receive your main meal from a selection, and choice of beverage (wine, beer, soft). Infant tickets do not include a meal or drink.


Duration: 2 hours.

Whale Watch in comfort with air-conditioned cabins with large windows and great indoor and outdoor seating. Informative commentary by our experienced crew and onboard multimedia presentations ensure you are fully informed of what to look out for so you can make the most out of this unique experience.

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard licensed bar. Fantasea Escapade is wheelchair accessible. If no whales are successfully watched on your cruise, you receive a free return cruise.

Duration: 2 hours.

Step on board and begin your Sydney Harbour adventure. Our modern 78ft vessel is designed to feel luxurious and super comfortable, so you’ll feel right at home.

Enjoy 360-degree views of the iconic attractions as we sail past. We think lunch should be a long, lavish affair, so we serve generous al la carte meals inspired by locally sourced, regionally inspired delights. Think local seafood from the Hawkesbury, lamb from lush pastures in the Riverina and beef sourced from the upper Hunter Valley. We pair these with a selection of beers, wines, soft drinks and tea or coffee. Our wines have been hand selected by our sommelier from some of the finest wine regions in New South Wales – so wine lovers are in for a real treat!

After lunch we head back past Taronga Zoo and Luna Park before arriving back into Darling Harbour at 2.40pm.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

You paddle under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Opera house.
We take photos and send them to you at no charge. This is a relatively easy paddle and will suit people of moderate fitness. Experience a postcard view in person and up close. Included in your paddle is a great breakfast at an amazing Cafe, Thelma and Louise in Neutral bay
Duration: 3 hours.

Uncover the mysteries of the backstage world. Meet your guide at Stage Door before you take a journey behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House.

Discover spaces and places normally hidden from the public, as you explore unseen backstage areas where performers like Julie Andrews, Bob Dylan and Prince have all gone before. In your intimate group, follow your tour guide and get ready to see first-hand what the Sydney Opera House stage crew and performers get up to side-of stage, including a trip to the orchestra pit and private dressing rooms. Complete the experience with a delicious breakfast in the Green Room - the exclusive domain of our crew and performers.
Duration: 3 hours.

Explore the best Sydney has to offer on this full day private tour. Discover the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the beaches, the cafes and the people. Learn about the city's rich history and culture from your expert guide and driver.

Discover Sydney's hidden delights further afield such as the Seaforth, Arabanoo lookouts and the Northern Beaches. Return to Sydney Harbour on the famous Manly ferry back to Circular Quay and enjoy the famous Sydney Harbour from the water (own expense).
Duration: 8 hours.

Cruise Sydney Harbour onboard flagship super-cruiser MV Sydney 2000. Enjoy stunning views of Sydney Harbour from the upper deck with optional guranteed window seating, superb dining and attentive service.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Delve into the history of Sydney and British Australia on a leisurely 90-minute walking tour in The Rocks district with an expert guide. Enjoy the delights of present-day visuals as you explore The Rocks and hear the story of Sydney’s convict past as you discover shady courtyards, narrow laneways and hidden areas that even the locals do not know about. Stroll along the shoreline of Sydney Harbour with views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past Cadman’s Cottage and Campbell’s Cove.
Tour Highlights:
• The shoreline of Sparkling Sydney Cove
• Harbour views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Cadman’s Cottage, The Rocks oldest surviving cottage built in 1816
• Campbell’s Cove, offering fantastic views of Sydney Harbour
• Awe inspiring Argyle Cut begun with convict labour in 1843
• Within The Rocks historic precinct, we will wander through Greenway Lane, Kendall Lane, Suez Canal, Foundation Park and much more.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

This is sightseeing as you've never experienced before. It's a glass of sparkling by the sails of the Sydney Opera House, a macchiato under the Harbour Bridge, a delicious tasting plate of Australian Cheeses to share.
Relax into your comfy reserved Ocean Deck Lounge seating and cruise around Sydney Harbour in style as your marvel at the natural beauty of the stunning harbour foreshore, and playground of the rich and famous.
Discover fascinating stories that bring history and culture of the harbour city alive via expert guided commentary available directly through your smartphone.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Feel your adrenalin rush on a 30-minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride. As the jet boat powers across Sydney Harbour, see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge from a different perspective, and experience the thrill of on-water maneuvers like 270-degree spins . This is Australia's most popular jet boating adventure, blasting off from Circular Quay every hour, every day.
Duration: 30 minutes.

Sea Sydney Harbour by dusk and enjoy the stunning Sydney landmarks as the sun sets and the city lights come to life. The Sunset & Sparkle tour is perfect to bring along the whole family, friends and visiting guests, to enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney and its stunning harbour!

NOTE: This is a shared ticketed cruise with maximum passenger numbers of 26 per cruise. The cruise does NOT contain a guided tour and a sunset CANNOT be guaranteed.

Cruises are generally not affected by weather and proceed in all weather conditions, as vessels contain indoor and outdoor areas.

Cruise departure times vary by month to ensure the vessel is cruising at the appropriate time to capture the sunset.
Duration: 1 hour.

Violetta is a coveted courtesan, the toast of Paris, desired by many. When she meets the ardent Alfredo, her life changes forever.

But who is the woman behind the courtesan? Can any of us escape our past? This fresh production of an opera classic invites new questions.

See this if you like: Moulin Rouge, a good tearjerker film, gorgeous period costumes, music you can hum after the show.

Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes.

Curtesy hotel pick up in modern mini coach, discover the intriguing Story of Sydney in only 4 hours.

Told like a story, the tour begins where it all started, The Rocks.
Discover how the area has evolved from a penal colony to housing two of the world’s most prominent icons.

Your 4 hour journey unfolds with many photo opportunities traveling past popular landmarks, through charming, vibrant neighbourhoods on route to Watsons Bay and Bondi Beach.

Discover the lively street culture, entertainment and shopping in Paddington and Darlinghurst, to the new and dazzling Barangaroo.

The Story of Sydney is the perfect orientation taking you on an intimate journey through Sydney from 1788 to today.

You will leave the tour with an abundance of knowledge as you discover the history, lifestyle and culture of the many diverse neighbourhoods that make up the City of Sydney.

Duration: 4 hours.

This catamaran gets you to the open ocean in no time, ensuring customers get more whale watching time. But not to worry, the journey to the whales is also filled with wonder as you sail past Sydney's iconic landmarks. Capture unique snapshots of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you get ready to witness the gentle giants play in their natural habitat.

With indoor and outdoor seating, this vessel allows for a comfortable cruise with panoramic views. Passengers are free to roam around and take advantage of large spacious decks to capture the best action shots of the humpback whales!
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes.

Take a 30-minute tour of Sydney's beaches by helicopter - an exhilarating way to experience this exhilarating city! You'll see Sydney from the best vantage point there is as you fly by helicopter over Sydney's famous beaches and harbor.
Duration: 1 to 30 minutes.

Embark on an exclusive adventure with your own private tour to Featherdale Wildlife Park and the iconic Sydney Opera House! Get up close and personal with Australia's unique wildlife at Featherdale, where kangaroos, koalas and more await your visit. Then, step inside the architectural marvel of the Opera House and join a group tour for a behind-the-scenes journey through its storied halls and breathtaking architecture. Experience the best of nature and culture in one unforgettable excursion!
Duration: 4 hours.

Great for Couples, Families and Small Groups of Friends

A bucket list item, our Deluxe Sunset Cruise is a two-hour experience on board our luxurious 28-foot vessel, MV BEL. The Deluxe Sunset Cruise is a rare opportunity to soak up Sydney’s most picturesque views, with a hint of romance.

Take in the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and stunning cityscape while sipping on Sparkling Brut. Nibble on fine provedore from a complimentary hamper while watching the sky transform into a spectacle of colour. To help make your evening truly unforgettable our Skipper will happily stop for photographs at vantage points along the way.

We invite you to bring additional food and BYO beverages on board should you wish to enjoy dinner aboard the cruise. No voyage is complete without ambiance, so please utilise the iPad on board which plays your choice of music on Spotify!


Duration: 2 hours.

Your cruise starts from Eastern Pontoon Circular right in the heart of Sydney. Shortly after boarding and hearing your comprehensive safety brief you will be cruising past the Opera House and some of Sydney’s world famous landmarks heading for the humpback highway outside THE ENTRANCE TO SYDNEY HARBOUR (Sydney Heads)

Whale Express wont get you there as quick as a humpback whale breaching but it will get you there quick.

Did you know that it only takes 2 to 3 flicks of a humpback whales tail to propel itself out of the water to perform what is called a breach, what many say is the holy grail of whale watching. You will be outside the heads in approximately 20 minutes and that’s when the quest to find the whales begin.

Your crew will get you out there safely and then once you have located a humpback or two the crew tell you about the whales and their behaviour and provide interesting commentary about what the whale migration is all about.
Duration: 2 hours.

You’ll join one of our Sydney hosts, who can’t wait to share their city with you. Deciding where to go and what to skip in a city as golden, big and shiny as Sydney is a challenge for any mere mortal, but not for an insider. From cocktail bars to scrumptious eateries and historic neighborhoods to energetic markets the day’s sights are yours to command! Your host will have a few suggestions of their own, but the gist of this experience is to blend city highlights with local insights and come up with a Sydney cocktail that’s authentic and fun!
Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the
experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
Duration: 2 to 8 hours.

Combine two popular Sydney experiences with a morning Whale Watching cruise to watch the whales play outside the heads during the annual migration. Then spend the afternoon at Taronga Zoo, the ticket includes attraction entry and return ferry back to the city. All travel must be completed on the same day.

This activity is seasonal. The 2024 season operates 18 May - 03 November 2024.
Duration: 1 day.

Discover the story of Sydney on this expert-led small-group walking tour, while hitting all of the city’s main attractions.

Perfect for those who have just arrived, as well as locals and those who want to go deeper in learning about Australian history, culture, society & First Nations people.

Starting from Customs House, you’ll hear about Sydney’s colonisation by the British – and how their arrival impacted the original inhabitants.

Your guide will provide you with a range of perspectives on Sydney’s development, introducing Aboriginal people, British governors, convicts & entrepreneurs, and other multicultural migrants.

You’ll finish with a beer at a popular brewery with views of the Bridge, the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Over a drink, your host will give you further tips and recommendations to make your time in Sydney special – stuff you won’t find in a guidebook!

Walk the streets in a small group so you’re not fighting to see & hear your guide or stay on the footpath.
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes.

This Iconic Harbour Cruise is our original, and most popular, cruise. This 90-minute luxury cruise is the perfect option for those looking to experience each of Sydney’s world-renowned landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Marvel at impressive waterfront real estate and enjoy cruising through picturesque bays. Uncover the history behind each bay and enjoy learning about Sydney, Australia’s first settlement. Your private Skipper will stop for photographs at vantage points along the way, helping to make your day truly unforgettable.

Upon embarking, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine per couple will be waiting. We invite you to bring food and BYO beverages on board and to make your journey that little bit easier, we are pleased to provide plates, glasses and cutlery at no extra charge. No cruise is complete without ambiance, so please utilise the iPad on board and play your choice of music on Spotify!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Board a speed boat for one of the most exciting and most personal whale-watching experiences in Sydney. You will blast out of Sydney Harbour and offshore into the Tasman Sea on your search for these magnificent creatures. Once located you will have plenty of photo opportunities as you travel alongside the migrating pod.

Aboard the the fastest commercial vessel in Sydney, you'll get to the whales quicker than ever before. The completely open design of the vessel, along with its low position in the water, offers the only unparalleled, unobstructed and up close whale-watching experience.
Duration: 2 hours.

Our fantastically picturesque city of Sydney can be quite a handful to tackle as a foreign traveller. Sydney is a city of diverse offerings. From our iconic landmarks, exquisite beaches and unique history, a comprehensive immersion into the city requires thorough investigation. HOWEVER! There is another way. Entrust me, as the owner and sole guide of this little business, with 7 hours of your precious time and the depths of Sydney will be unveiled before you in spectacular fashion. Allow me the privilege of showing you all that I cherish about this city.

We will explore the historic Rocks district, where our English settlers first arrived in 1788. We visit destinations offering unparalleled views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We then traverse the suburbs of Sydney to Bondi Beach and relish in the splendour it exudes so effortlessly. Once your appetite for Sydney’s must do attractions has been satiated, we embark on a journey that unravels the secret treasures of the city.

Duration: 7 hours.

Experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge like never before as you take an exhilarating trike ride over the City’s most famous icon and explore Sydney's world famous surrounds. All eyes will be on you as you feel the rumble of the engine and wind in your face – it’s the only way to sightsee!
Duration: 150 to 180 minutes.

Cruise from Sydney's iconic Darling Harbour into Sydney Harbour, the largest natural harbour in the world. Relax aboard one of the most luxurious timber vessels on Sydney Harbour, indulge in an Australian sourced cheese platter and bottle of sparkling wine as you soak up the sights. 

Meet up with your skipper at the dock and enter our beautiful timber vessel, setting your sights on discovering iconic Sydney Harbour. Watch your Captain toss off the mooring lines, settle into a comfy seat for the voyage ahead, and chat with your friendly and experienced Captain about what you might see during your cruise. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic sights of Sydney Harbour as you ride toward a Beautiful vantage point to see the colours of sunset wash over the city skyline - where your skipper will happily pour you another glass of sparkling wine.
Duration: 2 hours.

After packed-out runs at the Metropolitan Opera of New York and Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, this acclaimed staging of Cinderella makes a grand Australian debut.

Massenet’s classic opera has long delighted audiences with its sumptuous music and big heart. This production adds a delightful dash of humour with playful choreography and extravagant costumes in outrageous shapes and sizes. Barbara de Limburg’s extraordinary set is a pop-up storybook world inspired by an original illustrated edition of the fairy tale, complete with fold-out balcony and paper-cut carriage.

Performed in English, this crowd-pleasing production is perfect for newcomers, but opera-lovers are in for a royal treat. We can’t promise you happily ever after, but you can expect 90 minutes of joy and wonder. Dust off your glass slippers and step into a land of enchantment and nostalgia. Maybe dreams really do come true.
Duration: 2 hours.

Feel like a star on the ultimate evening out and experience the best that Sydney has to offer.

Make your way to The Lounge on the upper level near the Box Office, where you will be met by a friendly member of our Welcome Team, before heading off on an intimate, 1 hour VIP tour of the Iconic Sydney Opera House with one of our tour guides. You will explore beneath the sails, venturing to back of house areas and theatres before they go live ahead of the night’s performances.

Indulge in a two course dining experience paired with matching Australian wines, and soak up the atmosphere and views from one of Sydney’s best restaurants. After the tour our guide will escort you to the restaurant of your choice: Bennelong, the Sydney Opera House's signature restaurant, or Midden by Mark Olive for alfresco harbourside dining.
Duration: 3 hours.

Get up and close and personal with one of the most extraordinary species on the planet – the humpback whale. Join us aboard our flagship catamaran, the Catalina as we cruise the beautiful Sydney Harbour and out to sea to observe the annual humpback migration. Marvel at the tail flaps, fin slaps and fantastic leaps of these magnificent, charismatic creatures while taking in the breathtaking Sydney coastline. Learn about the wildlife and history of Sydney Harbour from our experienced marine biologist and knowledgeable crew, see iconic Sydney sights and take advantage of the unique photo opportunities along the way. With daily departures available from both Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, this is one  experience you don’t want to miss!
Duration: 3 hours.

Ladies and gentlemen: All aboard for High Tea at sea! Start your Sydney Harbour cruise in style with a glass of sparkling wine. Your tea is served with a delicious assortment of hot and cold treats that will tempt both your sweet tooth and savoury tastes.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.