Opera on Sydney Harbour
Opera on Sydney Harbour
5
About
How can one not be taken aback by the sheer beauty of the location of this operatic event? With a unique stage constructed out over the water, the audience is treated to a breathtaking view of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The specially designed soundshell, in which the musicians play, provides an amazing sound experience that will leave you completely enraptured. Plus, there are budget eating options available as well as high-end, or you can choose to dine in the beautiful Botanical Gardens close by before the show starts.
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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.
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5.0
81 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
10
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
AniitaandRay
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
Impressive modern production — worth seeing even if you are not an opera aficionado as the setting is unique. Sets on barges, cranes moving scenery, orchestra behind the hill. The setting is incredible with views of harbor bridge and opera house. We got drenched walking from opera house when it rained unexpectedly, and there are no covered dinng options except for the very pricey one, so go
In good weather, or have dinner before visiting. That said, if the weather is fine the adjoining botanical garden is fantastic!
In good weather, or have dinner before visiting. That said, if the weather is fine the adjoining botanical garden is fantastic!
Written 3 April 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.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia23,371 contributions
Apr 2021
We have been to opera performances and enjoyed them all, so were sceptical in thinking how much better could it be on the harbour. We are so glad we went - the experience was wonderful. The photos were magical, and looked positively photo shopped, the fireworks were extraordinarily beautiful, the performance itself was breathtaking. It was a reasonably still evening and the acoustics were sublime - in fact the whole grandstand, stage and hospitality venues were of the highest calibre - amazing that it is only temporary - truly a purpose built outdoor opera house. Can't wait to next year!
Written 3 May 2021
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.
Alanna G
Sydney, Australia44 contributions
June 2019
Amazing show with a beautiful backdrop of Sydney harbour. Book ahead so you can ensure you get good seats to make the most of the scenery.
Written 22 December 2019
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.
gourmetflaneur
York, UK1,020 contributions
Apr 2017
Oh to be able to visit every year for this. The setting is perfect; the stage and set designs are magnificent, the operas themselves are world class and the special dining options, though not cheap, make a perfect evening. Shame you cannot guarantee the weather. This was my second opera in Sydney: the first on New Year's Eve in the opera house itself. Truly amazing. This is equally good. I had seen the Opera on the Harbour via live or encore transmissions to cinemas around the world and thought them superb. The actual live experience is even better. We also booked the buffet and opera ticket package and though not cheap it was a perfect combination. Free cushions for the seats too, which you need. We took the water taxi but it is equally good to walk through the Botanic Gardens. There are cheaper eating options on site and bars of course. Unless you want the really central, most expensive seats, you can delay till a few days before once the weather forecast gives more certainty of a dry evening. Bring layers because there can be a chilly breeze off the water. Do not go for seats at the front as you may get neck strain looking up! As the Gardens close about 6 you need to arrive early if you are walking that way and of course you will have a longer walk back. We organised a taxi to pick us up! But most importantly, whether you love Opera or not, just be prepared for a glorious evening in the best setting in the world.
Written 3 July 2017
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.
kitajenn8709
Atlanta, GA115 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
I saw La Boheme here. This opera was amazing! It was an amazing French story! Since it is in French, they had screens providing subtitles in English and possibly Japanese (I'm not 100% sure there). As you watched the opera, you could see the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background giving amazing views. Things to note: 1) It is outside, so beware of weather conditions. It ended up getting chilly that night and I wish I had a light jacket. 2) Eat before you go or after. They don't have a wide variety and the items they do have are quite costly. 3) You aren't allowed to take pictures during the performance but near intermission there were fireworks with the Opera House off in the background. Have your cameras ready for that!
Written 18 April 2018
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.
jazzmuso7
Sydney, Australia70 contributions
Apr 2017
We tried to nut it out last night during unrelenting showers. I can understand that the show must go on, but it felt like the show had to go on so they didn't lose money. Annoincements dotted throughout the preshow reminded us that this was an "all weather experience".
People were leaving for the whole show. We left at interval as I had water pooling in the elbows of my raincoat and I was getting cold.
The chorus were wearing ponchos on stage, which the lights reflected off and you couldn't see their costumes. So what's the point of wearing costumes? Surely there's some waterproof spray you could use to make the costumes "all weather" for this "all weather experience".
The orchestra had a bad night with very questionable tuning in some parts and tempos that felt either frantic or sluggish.
The food at the venue was godawful. Partially reheated slop, and nowhere dry to eat it.
I have been to opera on the harbour before and loved it (in good weather), but I was really disappointed at how everything was managed in bad weather. Next time I hope they take a rain check, literally, and give paying customers and quality performers the experience they deserve, or improve infrastructure to cope. An all weather production requires an all weather contingency plan.
Signed,
A punter who was repeatedly poked in the face by the umbrella of the stranger next to me.
People were leaving for the whole show. We left at interval as I had water pooling in the elbows of my raincoat and I was getting cold.
The chorus were wearing ponchos on stage, which the lights reflected off and you couldn't see their costumes. So what's the point of wearing costumes? Surely there's some waterproof spray you could use to make the costumes "all weather" for this "all weather experience".
The orchestra had a bad night with very questionable tuning in some parts and tempos that felt either frantic or sluggish.
The food at the venue was godawful. Partially reheated slop, and nowhere dry to eat it.
I have been to opera on the harbour before and loved it (in good weather), but I was really disappointed at how everything was managed in bad weather. Next time I hope they take a rain check, literally, and give paying customers and quality performers the experience they deserve, or improve infrastructure to cope. An all weather production requires an all weather contingency plan.
Signed,
A punter who was repeatedly poked in the face by the umbrella of the stranger next to me.
Written 13 April 2017
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.
foodie
Chicago, IL89 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
Went to watch the Handa Opera Company's performance of Turandot on its 2nd performance. Absolutely phenomenal.
The weather was pretty good with the temperature being around 55 degrees by the time of performance.
The choir's dances seemed to be a bit less cohesive but it did not distract me from the performance and overall, it was phenomenal.
Disappointed how there only was fireworks at Nessun Dorma at the beginning of Act 3 and not at the end, but the Nessun Dorma was darn pretty impressive. Amazing set design as well!
I was sitting closer to the stage but if you were to sit in the top 10 rows, you would get a phenomenal view that covers the stage, the Sydney Opera House, and the Harbor Bridge.
Would most definitely check out their future performances upon my next visit to Sydney.
The weather was pretty good with the temperature being around 55 degrees by the time of performance.
The choir's dances seemed to be a bit less cohesive but it did not distract me from the performance and overall, it was phenomenal.
Disappointed how there only was fireworks at Nessun Dorma at the beginning of Act 3 and not at the end, but the Nessun Dorma was darn pretty impressive. Amazing set design as well!
I was sitting closer to the stage but if you were to sit in the top 10 rows, you would get a phenomenal view that covers the stage, the Sydney Opera House, and the Harbor Bridge.
Would most definitely check out their future performances upon my next visit to Sydney.
Written 16 April 2016
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.
MavMaiden
Chapel Hill, NC280 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
I spent a week in Sydney during the end of March, 2015. I went to the Opera Bar several times for dinner, drinks and people watching. It's magnificent place. More important, I went to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. It was "Aida." I can't say enough about the production, the location, the food, and the overall experience. The Handa Opera is performed on a pop up stage in the middle of the harbor, with the Opera House in the background. It's unbelievable. And the cast of "Aida" was amazing. The Opera House should not be missed-- and if you go-- you'll find yourself going back again...and again.
Written 30 May 2015
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.
Tamara Kennedy
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
I will never forget my 1st night at La Traviata, Opera on the Harbour! The opera is amazing, artists, production and sets are all spectacular. Add to that the beautiful harbour, bridge and opera house back drop and it's sensationa
Written 22 April 2021
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.
CarolDM1900
Montpelier, VT3,343 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We were disappointed on our first visit to Sydney to find the famous Opera House dark. But in the end, seeing "West Side Story" performed by the superb actor-vocalists of the Handa Opera, against the backdrop of sunset following by glittering city lights, more than compensated. This was an unforgettable evening, with the quality of the performance matched only by the beauty of the surroundings.
After this experience, I would go to anything here, but the fact that this season's choice was the modern masterwork by Bernstein as composer, Sondheim as lyricist and Robbins as choreographer made it something special.
However, no matter what's on stage, you'll still have the sun setting over the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge, and the bright lights of skyscrapers reflecting on the water to delight and, if need be, distract. The Opera on Sydney Harbor is NOT TO MISSED if you're visiting at the right time. Best to buy tickets well in advance, online.
It's quick and easy to find your way to the floating stage even if you're a first-time visitor. Just pinpoint "Mrs Macquaries Chair" on a tourist map; the stage is a short distance before it, maybe a 15-20 minute walk across the Botanic Gardens or along the shoreline from the Opera House. The latter route makes it impossible to miss; the former gets a bit complicated due to the winding garden pathways and inadequate signage. But if you leave early enough, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the the lovely gardens and their associated attractions, to include statuary and ponds (where native freshwater eels thrive, getting there by wriggling through wet grass). There are worse ways to spend your pre-theater time.
If you'd like to combine the performance with drinks and/or early dinner nearby, you've got several choices, including two that we visited. The Botanic Gardens Cafe is 5-7 minutes from the entry point to the stage. It's got a large outdoor seating area where you'll see some of the local white ibises hanging around to catch leavings. There's no table service (you have to order at the counter inside) and no water view, and closing this time of year is 5 PM. When we were there around 4:30, it was pretty crowded, not much food was left, and none of the tables outside were being cleaned off as it was near closing time.
Immediately by the stage is the Northern Terrace Restaurant, which opens at 5:30 PM. Come early to get the seats on the top deck overlooking the harbor and you will be treated to a beautiful sunset as well as a birds-eye view of the preparations and pre-performance practice on the stage. Since you can't take photos during the performance, this is your chance to get some pictures of the the cast in costume in last minute prep for the 8 PM performance. We found it lots of fun to peer over the railing and watch all the happenings there while enjoying some pre-show wine and cheese.
At a certain point in this unforgettable musical evening you will be treated to a short fireworks display. We had no idea, and so were simply delighted when the rockets starting bursting in the skies over the harbor. Beautiful!
After the performance, the crowds move slowly, but politely. If you follow people through the Botanic Gardens, you'll come to a street where a line of taxis will be waiting. Or, you can just continue on to the CBD where you'll find buses and the underground. Once gain, the shoreline route is the easiest to follow, and once near the Opera House you'll easily be able to find transportation if you need it.
Highly recommended.
After this experience, I would go to anything here, but the fact that this season's choice was the modern masterwork by Bernstein as composer, Sondheim as lyricist and Robbins as choreographer made it something special.
However, no matter what's on stage, you'll still have the sun setting over the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge, and the bright lights of skyscrapers reflecting on the water to delight and, if need be, distract. The Opera on Sydney Harbor is NOT TO MISSED if you're visiting at the right time. Best to buy tickets well in advance, online.
It's quick and easy to find your way to the floating stage even if you're a first-time visitor. Just pinpoint "Mrs Macquaries Chair" on a tourist map; the stage is a short distance before it, maybe a 15-20 minute walk across the Botanic Gardens or along the shoreline from the Opera House. The latter route makes it impossible to miss; the former gets a bit complicated due to the winding garden pathways and inadequate signage. But if you leave early enough, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the the lovely gardens and their associated attractions, to include statuary and ponds (where native freshwater eels thrive, getting there by wriggling through wet grass). There are worse ways to spend your pre-theater time.
If you'd like to combine the performance with drinks and/or early dinner nearby, you've got several choices, including two that we visited. The Botanic Gardens Cafe is 5-7 minutes from the entry point to the stage. It's got a large outdoor seating area where you'll see some of the local white ibises hanging around to catch leavings. There's no table service (you have to order at the counter inside) and no water view, and closing this time of year is 5 PM. When we were there around 4:30, it was pretty crowded, not much food was left, and none of the tables outside were being cleaned off as it was near closing time.
Immediately by the stage is the Northern Terrace Restaurant, which opens at 5:30 PM. Come early to get the seats on the top deck overlooking the harbor and you will be treated to a beautiful sunset as well as a birds-eye view of the preparations and pre-performance practice on the stage. Since you can't take photos during the performance, this is your chance to get some pictures of the the cast in costume in last minute prep for the 8 PM performance. We found it lots of fun to peer over the railing and watch all the happenings there while enjoying some pre-show wine and cheese.
At a certain point in this unforgettable musical evening you will be treated to a short fireworks display. We had no idea, and so were simply delighted when the rockets starting bursting in the skies over the harbor. Beautiful!
After the performance, the crowds move slowly, but politely. If you follow people through the Botanic Gardens, you'll come to a street where a line of taxis will be waiting. Or, you can just continue on to the CBD where you'll find buses and the underground. Once gain, the shoreline route is the easiest to follow, and once near the Opera House you'll easily be able to find transportation if you need it.
Highly recommended.
Written 2 May 2019
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 you able to bring food from the various venues to other seating areas (ie can you bring food from the North Cantina to the Garden bar), or must you eat in the section the food is served?
Written 1 April 2024
Answering my own question! I was able to bring food from the Southern Cantina across to seating in the Northern Cantina area along the water. It appeared the only area you would be restricted to bringing in/taking out food would be the HSBC restaurant which was prepaid/prix fixe. This was for the March 2024 showing of West Side Story.
Written 12 April 2024
I'm interested in seeing the Phantom show at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, but I see no seat maps or anything that describes what the different ticket price levels mean. Can someone point me to where I can find that information? Thanks!
Written 11 April 2022
Does people have to dress up for this event?
Written 15 April 2019
No- just normal good casual clothes are fine, or whatever you are comfortable with wearing. However, take a warm jacket or similar because the breeze off the harbour can be quite cool. Also, the site is easy to walk to from the City centre or the closest railway station provided you are reasonably mobile- don't waste money on a taxi (note: there are often lengthy queues for taxis etc when you leave the site along with everyone else!)
Written 26 May 2019
I am going to see La Boheme this Sunday. Where do i pick up tickets? It says theres a ticket booth is there clear signppsts?
Also whats the food like there i planning to go to northern southern terrance pop up bars etc
Also i plan to get there early walk thru botanical gardens. But on return trip how do i get to nearest train station?
Thank you!
Written 30 March 2018
Signposting clear. Ticket pick up at the Opera House is very straightforward, or get your tickets on the web and print them out at home or your hotel. That is all you will need. All restaurants around Circular Quay are overpriced for usually mediocre food or extremely expensive or both!! Tourist central=avoid for food unless you plan a quality meal at somewhere like Benelong on site (has a pre theatre menu) . Or try Frattelli Fresh in Bridge Street (well priced quality Italian style food with a variety from antipasto, pizza through to full meals with well priced wines by the glass etc.)-10 min walk. Circular Quay and Martin Place are probably the closest stations depending on which way you walk from the venue through the Garden (note: some paths are closed at night).
Written 31 December 2018
Does anyone know what the seating plan looks like for these performances? I want to assess the relative value of the various ticketing options.
Written 20 January 2018
Hi, I would send you the weblink but the stupid TripAdvisor messaging won't allow this. So there is the hard way... go onto the Sydney Opera House site, find the event you wish to see and pretend to book a ticket. There will be a map of seats on that page somewhere...Good luck!
Written 31 December 2018
We will be going to see Carmen in a few weeks and wanted a recommendation for a casual restaurant that is within walking distance of the venue.
Written 4 April 2017
For casual I would recommend Woolloomooloo which is a beautiful 10 minute walk from the venue. Sienna Marina is a casual Italian alternative to the fancy restaurants on the wharf and the Woolly Bay Hotel offers casual pub food in a relaxed atmosphere. You could also try Stanley Street a bit further into Darlinghurst but as others have said Circular Quay will be pricier than most.
Written 12 April 2024
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