Sydney Opera House Guided Backstage Tour
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Sydney Opera House Guided Backstage Tour
By Sydney Opera House
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About
Arts enthusiasts often visit the Sydney Opera House to see a performance, but to get an insider's look at this iconic arts space, nothing beats a backstage tour. Go behind-the-scenes at this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a small-group tour, where you can step on the same stage graced by opera legends, and see parts of the building that are off limits to concertgoers. Highlights include the multiple concert halls, insider stories, and a light breakfast is included in the tour.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 10-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Music fans go behind-the-scenes at the Sydney Opera House on a guided tour
- Gain access to restricted areas, like dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces
- Get a more personal experience on this tour, with no more than 12 guests
- Enjoy a great value, with admission, tour, and a light breakfast included
- Behind the scenes tour - with a professional guide
- Barista Coffee or Tea, Juice, Choice of granola, tapioca pudding, croissant on arrival, followed by choice of Smashed avo on toast, Healthy Breakfast, or eggs and bacon
- Entry/Admission - Sydney Opera House
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Arrive at Stage Door for this backstage experience, and join an intimate tour group to begin your exploration. Experience first-hand what it’s like to walk through Stage Door where thousands of actors, performers and famous names have walked before. Get ready to explore places usually off limits to the general public to find out how the magic of theatre happens. Relish the opportunity to get a glimpse into the demanding, passionate, dramatic (and sometimes scandalous) world of our performers – as our guides recount the stories and insider secrets of what really happens behind the curtain. From pulleys to props, sequins to sound-checks, we take you through nooks and crannies not known to the public. Discover what makes the Sydney Opera House both a world-renown icon and a world-class performance venue. Complete the experience with a delicious light breakfast at the Green Room.
- Start:
- Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, AustraliaPlease meet your tour guide at 6:45 am at the Sydney Opera House Stage Door located on the ground level of the Sydney Opera House.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2482SOH2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Minimum age to participate is 10 years old
- Please note: There are over 300 stairs on this tour, a moderate level of physical fitness is required to participate on the tour
- Due to safety requirements - fully covered enclosed rubber soled shoes must be worn for the duration of the tour
- Please meet your tour guide at the Sydney Opera House Stage Door at 6:45am - your tour will commence at 7:00am sharply
- Venue access is subject to availability at the time of your tour and can change up until tour departure time.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2482SOH2
From
AU$190.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- alisonz4550 contributionsSydney Opera HouseThe tour guide is very professional, in addition to introducing the design history of the building as a whole, you can also enter the concert hall and theater hall to visit and feel, very highly recommended to participate in the guided tour!Written 3 October 2024
- bcheong0 contributionsIconicOne of the most famous opera houses in the world, and maybe the most recognisable. Not only an opera house, they are showing Sunset boulevard now, as well as the symphony orchestra regular seasonWritten 2 October 2024
- johnlB6937TF0 contributionsFalse lefty slurring of Tony Abbott is out of place on Opera house tours.In commentary on Julia Gillards play the tour guide said that Tony Abbott is a misogynist. This is out of line and no evidence was provided. His substantiation was that Tony missed his sister's wedding in protest to her marrying a woman....which is a different subject. Unsubstantiated lefty slurs are out of line.Written 2 October 2024
- GlobalAdventureTrips0 contributionsUnique architectureThe Sydney Opera House is an iconic masterpiece of architecture. This world-renowned building is not only unique to look at, with its sail-like shells rising dramatically above Sydney Harbour, but it also serves as a vibrant arts venue. The Opera House hosts a wide array of performances, from classical music and opera to contemporary theater, dance, and international events. Its acoustics are impeccable, making it a premier destination for performers. Whether you are attending a show in one of its several halls or simply admiring the architectural brilliance, the experience is unforgettable. The surrounding views are equally impressive. With the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop, it’s an excellent spot for both daytime and evening visits. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history, enjoy a meal at one of the on-site restaurants, or relax at the outdoor seating areas overlooking the water.Written 28 September 2024
- John N0 contributionsVisiting an Architectural IconWe attended a concert by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It was amazing to see and hear the performance. The opportunity to visit an architectural icon and view a performance was very satisfying. I highly recommend it to any architect as well as none Architects. I talked my non architect friends to go along to the performance and they loved both the music and the architecture.Written 27 September 2024
- P6175IAleos0 contributionsA Mind Blowing Historical and Architectural Experience.Walking around and through the Sydney Opera House may on the surface seem a little ho hum but it turned out to be an enthralling guided tour. The history from when the design concept was first presented until the present day is presented as a fascinating chronology of one of the worlds most recognised structures. Very informative, never boring, with elevated panoramic views of the magnificent Sydney harbour, making it a memorable experience. Don't just think about it - do it!Written 27 September 2024
- SeeTheW0rld620 contributionsSee a performance at the Opera House if you canWe saw Sunset Blvd at the Opera House, it was great. We sat in loge seats along the side. The theatre is a nice venue for a performance. The acoustics are terrific. We knew that our seats had a partially obstructed view but it wasn't bad. We were close and the seats were an excellent value.Written 25 September 2024
- Jane B0 contributionsFun and engagingThe guide was fun and entertaining. She covered the history, structure and anecdotal details that brought it to life. The tour unlocked a lot of mysteries and made it engaging so we might want to see a show thereWritten 25 September 2024
- SeeTheW0rld620 contributionsExcellent guide and very informative tourWe really enjoyed the tour. Our guide was Immy (sp?) and she was excellent. We learned a lot about the Opera House, it's construction, and saw the inside of the 2 largest venues. We lucked out and got to see and hear the Sydney Orchestra practicing for a performance. It was lovely.Written 22 September 2024
- raz_falcon_family0 contributionsPhenomenal Buidling!Fantastic experience! It was great learning about the history of the Sydney Opera House. What an amazing architectural feat!Written 21 September 2024
- Joel K0 contributionsSydney Opera House is worth seeing!The Sydney Opera House was amazing to see. The architecture is beautiful and hearing the story behind its construction was enlightening. I’d recommend it to anyone coming to Sydney. It only takes a little more than an hour so it’s easy to fit into a day.Written 20 September 2024
- averastravels0 contributionsNot to be missed!I often cringe at the overuse of the word "iconic", but I can't think of a better one to describe the Sydney Opera House. We fully intended to catch a performance during our visit to Sydney, but none were scheduled for those days. Learning about the history behind the changing plans, design challenges and construction materials are worth the physical effort involved in going up and down the stairs!Written 20 September 2024
- David B0 contributionsGreat tourThe Opera House is a really beautiful building, and the history of how it was designed and built is fascinating. Our tour guide was clearly very passionate about the House and did a great job at telling us about it. Highly recommend if you have any interest in architectureWritten 18 September 2024
- Satha R0 contributionsSydney Opera House tourWe went on the 12 Noon tour on 17/9/2024. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, good and presented excellently. The building is one of the wonders . Excellent architecture. The tour is well worth it. Tripadvisor made the booking very easy.Written 16 September 2024
- Z7200TPan0 contributionsReally should goThe price is much cheaper than booking directly from the theater's website. The tour is short and nice. Worth going for sure.Written 11 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
84 reviews
Excellent
74
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2
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0
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1
ogerkan
New York City, NY4,729 contributions
Mar 2020
Everyone knows the iconic SOH from the outside but it is quite different on the inside. Definitely recommend a guided tour to understand how the SOH was created (design, funding, fabrication, etc.). Our tour guide was very knowledgable and insightful. The inside is very contemporary and smaller than I expected. Many design vs. functionality trade-off that are evident from the inside. We tried to see Six while we were in town but unfortunately it was sold out.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear ogerkan,
Thank you for taking the time to let us know your feedback on your recent visit. We're thrilled to hear that you found your tour guide to be knowledgeable and insightful. 'SIX' really was the hottest ticket in town and actually sold out the whole of its two month run before it had even opened!
We hope to see you again soon.
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Written 30 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John Filewod
Beckenham, UK10 contributions
Sept 2019
The accessible guided backstage tour is designed for those who have difficulty with stairs. Ours was a small party with one guy in a powered wheelchair. Our two guides were very knowledgeable and looked after us very well. All travel between floors was by lifts. We saw the backstage areas, the small theatres as well as the concert hall and the Joan Sutherland Theatre. As the Joan Sutherland theatre was set up for 'West Side Story' after the tour finished my wife and I went to the booking office and bought tickets for that evening's performance. Bonus!
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeffnoone
Devonport, New Zealand7 contributions
Feb 2020
An hour ago I was finishing breakfast in the green room, after one of the best guided tours I've taken!
Don’t miss this tour if you really want to understand the development, history and day-to-day workings of the Sydney opera House.
We lucked out with a wonderful guide Bella, who is so informative, attentive and also a wonderful host during breakfast. Within the first five minutes she had memorized and could quickly use the names of any of the 12 of us.
The tour delivers all that is promised in terms of seeing the orchestra pit, the ballet and opera theatre, other theatres, backstage areas, rehearsal area, the giant lifts and the storage areas, the dressing rooms, with all those other little absorbing details Mixed in provided by Bella
Don’t miss this tour if you really want to understand the development, history and day-to-day workings of the Sydney opera House.
We lucked out with a wonderful guide Bella, who is so informative, attentive and also a wonderful host during breakfast. Within the first five minutes she had memorized and could quickly use the names of any of the 12 of us.
The tour delivers all that is promised in terms of seeing the orchestra pit, the ballet and opera theatre, other theatres, backstage areas, rehearsal area, the giant lifts and the storage areas, the dressing rooms, with all those other little absorbing details Mixed in provided by Bella
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
skmammen
Woodstock, GA43 contributions
Nov 2019
Tour started on time and was paced perfect factual and informative with just the right amount of time to see the sights and hear the legacy of this World Heritage site.
Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a great architectural work of the 20th century that brings together multiple strands of creativity and innovation in both architectural form and structural design. A great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula projecting into Sydney Harbour
Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a great architectural work of the 20th century that brings together multiple strands of creativity and innovation in both architectural form and structural design. A great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula projecting into Sydney Harbour
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear skmammen,
Thank you for taking a Sydney Opera House tour to explore our marvelous architecture and learn about our interesting history. We love that you had a great time, especially on your first day in Sydney. We hope that you'll be back before you leave for a drink and a relax or even for a performance.
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NorthernExpat
Fountain Hills, AZ134 contributions
Mar 2020
My wife and I didn't really know what to expect. Frankly we aren't theatre people and don't really have a grasp of what happens behind the scenes, so this was really an eye opener for us. We were so impressed with the entire operations of the Opera House below the floors and behind the scenes. This is one giant, constantly moving operation. I was blown away at how they get the sets moved around and keep so many plays, shows and performances happening at the same time.
So even if you're not a theatre person take this tour. You will never look at a play or performance the same again - and you'll be seeing behind the scenes of the most impressive theatre/opera house in the world.
So even if you're not a theatre person take this tour. You will never look at a play or performance the same again - and you'll be seeing behind the scenes of the most impressive theatre/opera house in the world.
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear NorthernExpat,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such an enthusiastic review of your recent Backstage Tour. We would certainly have to agree with you that our many venues operate like a well oiled machine. It's not every day that you get to peel back the curtain to many of our 6 internal venues!
We hope to see you stopping by again soon.
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Written 5 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandie S
Cleveland, OH58 contributions
Feb 2020
Behind the scenes, informative and worthwhile tour. Cannot imagine how the original designer of the Opera House must have felt when he was removed from the project. His perfect vision had all but vanished. I was so very glad to learn that in his 80's he was asked to make one of the rooms his entire project. He did so without every having seen it. Politics plays such a nasty role across the entire globe, unfortunately.
Much to my daughter's and my delight, we had tickets for Carmen the same day as our tour and we were absolutely intrigued and pleased beyond all expectations, knowing the rich history of the Sydney Opera House.
Much to my daughter's and my delight, we had tickets for Carmen the same day as our tour and we were absolutely intrigued and pleased beyond all expectations, knowing the rich history of the Sydney Opera House.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faseela Farooque
106 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
The iconic Opera house looks beautiful during the day or at night.
it has a various plays/musicals inside it during the week, check the website for ongoing plays or shows.
The harbor along has many restaurant/cafes/bars bustling with people.
A great place to visit, eat and get pictures with the backdrop of the Opera house or the Bridge.
it has a various plays/musicals inside it during the week, check the website for ongoing plays or shows.
The harbor along has many restaurant/cafes/bars bustling with people.
A great place to visit, eat and get pictures with the backdrop of the Opera house or the Bridge.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear FaseelaF4,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of your time here at the Sydney Opera House. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your visit with us and were able to see this beautiful building during both the day and the night. Circular Quay has some really wonderful restaurants and cafes, especially the Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen located at this historic site! We hope you were able to take many wonderful photos and memories home with you and we eagerly look forward to your next visit.
Kind Regards,
Team SOH
Written 18 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nic
8 contributions
Mar 2020
Ok, I’m going to give you some free advice. If you really want the best out of your experience at the opera house, go and book yourself into see a show. It doesn’t even have to be something that you are really into, but it gives you a much better appreciation for the building.
Such great history. An iconic building that I can now tick off my bucket list.
Such great history. An iconic building that I can now tick off my bucket list.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Pepe18d,
That is some great advice! A trip to the Sydney Opera House would not be complete without checking out what we are known for...perforamances! There's always something interesting playing whether you're into dramas, operas, classical or contemporary music, or simply want to treat yourself. Great that you were able to tick us off your bucket list. Thanks for the lovely review!
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Written 11 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RPW
4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We were able to see how the different theaters functioned, stand on a stage, and learn the intricate details of changing the sets during a performance. The good breakfast was an extra treat. Be aware there are lots of stairs.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Nousername77,
The Backstage Tour is a great way to get an insight into how the Sydney Opera House runs behind the scenes. It's interesting to see how it all comes together when it's showtime. We are delighted you enjoyed the breakfast in the green room at the end of the tour to recharge.
There are a number of stairs involved in the Backstage Tour, so we advise to bring comfortable walking shoes along.
Kind regards,
Team SOH
Written 19 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John L
Broadstairs, UK207 contributions
Feb 2020
The tour of the Opera house allows you to get close to the design and history and construction of the building. It was interesting to see the various spaces within the building but more interesting was the details regarding the construction. A must visit when in Sydney.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear John L,
We are delighted that you thoroughly enjoyed your tour of the Sydney Opera House! It truly is a remarkable site with an incredible history behind it, and you are absolutely right in saying that it is the details regarding the construction which truly make our historic landmark stand out even more. We hope to welcome you back in the near future.
Kind Regards,
Team SOH
Written 18 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you take this tour, do you need to do the regular opera house tour as well or do you see everything also included in that tour? Thanks
Written 10 November 2019
No need for the regular tour if you take the backstage tour. There are many stairs to navigate - so do wear sturdy flat shoes.
Written 11 November 2019
Does the 2.5 hour time of the Sydney Opera House Backstage tour include the time spent eating breakfast? Is the meal served at 09:30 or earlier along? I suppose I was trying to get a ballpark of what time we might expect to need onward transportation. Thank you for the help as we plan our day!
Written 10 July 2018
2.5 hours includes the time spent eating breakfast. Breakfast was about 30 minutes at the end of the tour.
Written 4 August 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.