Opera Australia
Opera Australia
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
No trip to Sydney is complete without seeing an opera at the Sydney Opera House. Opera Australia performs at the Sydney Opera House January-April and July-November every year. Opera Australia also performs at Arts Centre Melbourne and on the Sydney Harbour stage. Most performances start at 7.30pm and run 2–3 hours with an interval. There is no dress code. English translations are projected above the stage for all operas sung in foreign languages. Selected operas in the season will also have Simplified Chinese translations (Carmen, La Traviata, Opera on Sydney Harbour and Aida).
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
The Sydney Central Business District is abuzz with energy. Power brokers run to and from high rise buildings and after-work drink places, high-end shoppers tour venues like the QVB, and fine diners frequent the many celebrity chef restaurants. For a dose of culture, walk to the NSW Art Gallery, or visit the Sydney Museum. To escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature at the Sydney Botanical Gardens or picnic lunch at High Park. No matter your interest, be sure to check the full calendar of events hosted by the city, from the Sydney Festival in January to October’s Good Food Month at Hyde Park.
How to get there
- Central • 9 min walk
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Best nearby
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1,043 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Binman62United Kingdom694 contributionsGreat Gala, Opera house organisation direThe Opera Gala on New Year’s Eve was absolutely fantastic. It was a pity however that the audience were more interested in securing a space to see the 9pm fireworks than appreciate the work and effort of the performers. Many also did not dress up, especially tourists who seemed to be the vast majority of the audience. Sadly the Opera house did nothing to discourage this and frankly the organisation at the Opera House on the night was simply dire! This did not impact a great Gala!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 December 2023
- PipiW4 contributionsOrpheus and Eurydice Opera - Masterful - Could definitely see it again.Opera - Orpheus and Eurydice. What an amazing night. An unexpected riveting experience watching the gymnastic antics of the Circa against the Gluck underworld themed music. Our breath was taken away with some of the moves of the Circa. A new meaning to the ‘Writing on the Wall”. Magic effect. Excellent oratorio and orchestral performance enhanced the evening. Highly recommend for a surprise evening.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 January 2024
- BrooklynBubbeRockaway Park, New York427 contributionsFabulous Performance in an Awesome SettingWe loved seeing La Traviata at The Sydney Opera House. Samantha Clarke has a fantastic voice. Her performance as Violetta was truly magical. The staging and scenery were wonderful. We definitely would recommend seeing this fabulous opera.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 January 2024
- NobledeAustralia13 contributionsOrpheus and Eurydice - simple the bestMy daughter and I attended the final performance of Orpheus and Eurydice last night and it was an absolute masterpiece. I have told everyone I know that if it ever comes back for a return season I am buying tix for everyone!! Thank you OA ❤️Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 January 2024
- Daniel GMelbourne, Australia4,436 contributionsWest side story performance at Handa opera.We saw the West Side story musical at Handa opera. The place is outdoor, so Friday performance was canceled because of terrible weather, however we were lucky to get out to Saturday. The view on stage and Sydney opera house with budge behind is amazing. Musical was really nice. Staff sings and dances beautifully. Music is great. It was real enjoyment.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 April 2024
- PipiW4 contributionsOpera Australia - Cosi fan tutte - Masterful - Fun Mozart Opera at its bestOpera Australia - Cosi fan tutte . It is always a special night going to the Opera House with beautiful Harbour views and so many value eating options. The experience is taken to the next level with any Opera Australia performance, but especially the fun of Mozart's greatest operas. 3 hours of intrigue and deception never fully resolved. You won't nod off during this one! Bubbles at Interval? Or there are a number of water stations with disposable cups - a really pleasant options at any theatre that offers it. Enjoy the ambience and the performance - both top quality.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,215 reviews
Excellent
925
Very good
188
Average
44
Poor
22
Terrible
36
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Binman62
United Kingdom694 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The Opera Gala on New Year’s Eve was absolutely fantastic. It was a pity however that the audience were more interested in securing a space to see the 9pm fireworks than appreciate the work and effort of the performers. Many also did not dress up, especially tourists who seemed to be the vast majority of the audience.
Sadly the Opera house did nothing to discourage this and frankly the organisation at the Opera House on the night was simply dire!
This did not impact a great Gala!
Sadly the Opera house did nothing to discourage this and frankly the organisation at the Opera House on the night was simply dire!
This did not impact a great Gala!
Written 31 December 2023
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.
Mikael S
Uppsala, Sweden52 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
My wife and I attended the performance of Don Juan and it was excellent! We had restricted view tickets on the side which were very good and a bargain at AUS$48 with pretty good view. The bar was excellent particularly as we arrived late and they kept the opened bottle for the first interval. The only negative is the air conditioning which is too efficient... Fortunately we learnt from our previous visit to bring warm clothing!!!
Written 19 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.
Dear 770mikaels,
Thank you for your comments on Don Giovanni. I'm glad you enjoyed the production.
I'll pass your comment re. the air conditioning on to the theatre staff.
Kind regards,
Aude
Written 26 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel G
Melbourne, Australia4,436 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We saw the West Side story musical at Handa opera. The place is outdoor, so Friday performance was canceled because of terrible weather, however we were lucky to get out to Saturday. The view on stage and Sydney opera house with budge behind is amazing. Musical was really nice. Staff sings and dances beautifully. Music is great. It was real enjoyment.
Written 6 April 2024
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.
Noblede
Australia13 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
My daughter and I attended the final performance of Orpheus and Eurydice last night and it was an absolute masterpiece. I have told everyone I know that if it ever comes back for a return season I am buying tix for everyone!! Thank you OA ❤️
Written 31 January 2024
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.
jesseMN
Savannah, GA200 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
A generous average for opening night of The Magic Flute. I'm still thinking about the non- traditional approach and the director's interpretation vis a vis Aussie culture and remain somewhat baffled as to why and how it seemed such a mess at times; but they got thru it with some wonderful moments of acting. Weaker was the setting, at times just tacky and poorly conceived, especially with the lighting being distinctly weak and uninspired. I'm not sure their work was finished by opening night.
Bravo to the leads, the kids, and the puppery moments
A backstage tour several days later revealed some of the issues facing anyone trying to create in such a severely cramped space, play within decibel limits the orchestra must meet, and suffer the limitations no wing space and the use of ceiling pieces place, on lighting in the 21st Century. Seeing part of the set for La Traviata assembled onstage makes me wonder if I would attend another production.
Bravo to the leads, the kids, and the puppery moments
A backstage tour several days later revealed some of the issues facing anyone trying to create in such a severely cramped space, play within decibel limits the orchestra must meet, and suffer the limitations no wing space and the use of ceiling pieces place, on lighting in the 21st Century. Seeing part of the set for La Traviata assembled onstage makes me wonder if I would attend another production.
Written 19 March 2024
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.
PipiW
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Opera Australia - Cosi fan tutte . It is always a special night going to the Opera House with beautiful Harbour views and so many value eating options. The experience is taken to the next level with any Opera Australia performance, but especially the fun of Mozart's greatest operas. 3 hours of intrigue and deception never fully resolved. You won't nod off during this one! Bubbles at Interval? Or there are a number of water stations with disposable cups - a really pleasant options at any theatre that offers it.
Enjoy the ambience and the performance - both top quality.
Enjoy the ambience and the performance - both top quality.
Written 17 August 2024
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.
PipiW
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Opera - Orpheus and Eurydice. What an amazing night. An unexpected riveting experience watching the gymnastic antics of the Circa against the Gluck underworld themed music. Our breath was taken away with some of the moves of the Circa. A new meaning to the ‘Writing on the Wall”. Magic effect. Excellent oratorio and orchestral performance enhanced the evening. Highly recommend for a surprise evening.
Written 16 January 2024
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.
ys
Seoul, South Korea5 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
The focused design of the opera stage was amazing, and the quality of the opera was also good. A place where I enjoyed the opera of my life. A glass of sparkling wine at a nice resting place before the opera starts is also great!!
Written 3 March 2024
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.
Brianspeirs
39 contributions
Feb 2020
Excellent performance it motzarts opera. Opera house well organized and efficient with the seating and control of the performance. Performance was terrific and in a wonderful theater.with a wonderful cast and supported by skilled orchestra. Totally fantastic
Written 10 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.
Thank you so much for your review! We're glad you enjoyed the performance.
Written 11 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BrooklynBubbe
Rockaway Park, NY427 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We loved seeing La Traviata at The Sydney Opera House. Samantha Clarke has a fantastic voice. Her performance as Violetta was truly magical. The staging and scenery were wonderful. We definitely would recommend seeing this fabulous opera.
Written 20 January 2024
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.
are these performed on a weekly/daily basis?
Written 15 March 2024
Sorry; I do not recall the proposed length of any scheduled performance.
Call in advance of your trip as I did on my second visit to Sydney.
On our first visit, we did not have tickets in advance and it was virtually impossible to obtain any.
Don’t miss it!
Written 16 March 2024
Aude - Opera Australia
Sydney, Australia
Hi Cat Lady,
On each performance page displayed on our Opera Australia website you are able to see any specific notes related to themes contained in the production that might not be suitable for children.
Please do keep in mind as well that most of our shows are sung in Italian, German or French, with English surtitles.
Should you have any further questions, please let us know.
Kind regards,
Aude
Written 22 October 2019
There are some with restricted views as off to the side (it didn't hamper our view of the opera). On the Sydney Opera House website there are seating plans, best to check there before purchasing tickets, that is what I did. The plans were pretty clear and accurate. Hope this helps.
Written 21 July 2019
Jackie E
Honolulu, Hawaii
Is there any performance at the Sydney Opera House on Feb 28, 2017? How do I get tickets?
Written 26 January 2017
Hi hipearl2016. Tosca is playing on 28 January. You can buy tickets by visiting the Opera Australia or Sydney Opera House website.
Written 27 January 2017
How will I be able to follow the story if the opera’s in another language?
Written 1 December 2015
Hi EmmaAxel,
Thanks for your question. All of our operas have English surtitles. They're shown on a board above the stage as the singers perform so you'll be able to follow the story in real time.
Kind regards,
Lara
Customer Service Coordinator
Written 7 December 2015
Hi 2sdy,
It can be fun to get dressed up for the opera, but it's by no means compulsory! You'll see people dressed differently at the opera so please wear whatever you'll feel comfortable in.
Kind regards,
Lara
Customer Service Coordinator
Written 26 November 2015
Will Aida go on this evening under such extremely bad weather?
Written 21 April 2015
Georgia R
Sydney, Australia
Dear cleoSydney_aus,
Opera Australia regrets that this evening's performance of Aida - Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has been cancelled due to extreme weather conditions.
We know this is inconvenient and we apologise. We would like to offer you the opportunity to exchange into a future performance of your choice, subject to availability, or to offer you a refund on the purchase price of your tickets.
To arrange your exchange or refund, please contact the Customer Service Centre where your tickets were originally purchased. Opera Australia would like to thank you sincerely for understanding.
Kind regards, Lara
Written 21 April 2015
today I an extreme weather day, will Aida go on this evening?
Written 21 April 2015
Georgia R
Sydney, Australia
Dear cleoSydney_aus,
Opera Australia regrets that this evening's performance of Aida - Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has been cancelled due to extreme weather conditions.
We know this is inconvenient and we apologise. We would like to offer you the opportunity to exchange into a future performance of your choice, subject to availability, or to offer you a refund on the purchase price of your tickets.
To arrange your exchange or refund, please contact the Customer Service Centre where your tickets were originally purchased. Opera Australia would like to thank you sincerely for understanding.
Kind regards, Lara
Written 21 April 2015
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