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Sydney Sights

Sydney Opera House

6 reviews | Write a review

Good for: theatre, Photography, architecture, views, live music

  • Address
    • Bennelong Point Circular Quay East
  • Transport
    • Circular Quay
  • Website
  • Email
  • Phone
    • 02 9250 7111
    • Bookings: 02 9250 7777
  • Price
    • performance prices vary; tours: A$26.00/A$18.00 adult/concession - cheaper if book online; two-hour tour including breakfast A$140.00 (pre-booking essential)
  • Hours
    • Open every day except Christmas and Good Friday - Box office: Mon-Sat 09:00-20:30, Sun open 2.5 hrs prior to performance (performance times vary)

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Lonely Planet review for Sydney Opera House

Overcome with admiration for the Sydney Opera House, famous architect Louis Kahn said, ‘The sun did not know how beautiful its light was until it was reflected off this building.’ Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s competition-winning 1956 design is Australia’s most recognisable icon. It’s mused to have drawn inspiration from orange segments, palm fronds and Maya temples, and has been poetically likened to a typewriter stuffed with scallop shells and the sexual congress of turtles. While viewed from any angle it’s architecturally orgasmic, the ferry view approaching Circular Quay is hard to beat.

The predicted four-year construction started in 1959. After a tumultuous clash of egos, delays, politicking, death and cost blowouts, Utzon quit in disgust in 1966. The Opera House finally opened in 1973. Unembittered, Utzon and his son Jan were commissioned for renovations in 2004, but Utzon died in 2008 having never seen his finished masterpiece in the flesh. Inside are six auditoriums where dance, concerts, opera and theatre are staged, plus the left-of-centre Studio for emerging artists. The acoustics are superb; the internal aesthetics like the belly of a whale. Most events (2400 of them annually!) sell out quickly, but partial-view tickets are often available on short notice. The free monthly What’s On brochure has upcoming listings, including info on Kids at the House – a pint-sized entertainment program with music, drama and dance (including introductory ballet with Australian Ballet dancers). There’s also a shop and the artsy-craftsy Opera House Market on the concourse.

One-hour guided tours depart half-hourly (you’ll save a few bucks if you book online). Tours employ archival video footage to help tell the story of the iconic building’s construction. A highlight is the Utzon Room, the only part of the house to have an interior designed by the great man himself. For a more in-depth nosy around, the two-hour early-morning backstage tour includes the Green Room and stars’ dressing rooms. Disabled access is pretty good, although some sections require staff assistance (call in advance).

 

Traveller reviews for Sydney Opera House (6)

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    not to be missed in any circumstances

    bdmakadia recommends this,

    its just.........................

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    Beautiful

    karengray62 recommends this,

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    Looking at the curves of this building, I would think you either love it or hate it. I loved it! I walked for miles around this part of the city, along the quayside, into the botanical gardens and up onto the harbour bridge itself. From every angle the Opera House was beautiful, it drew the eye in exactly the same way as The Eiffel Tower or The Statue of Liberty. I'd booked my trip to Australia on the spur of the moment: 9 days before I flew out, and I went by myself. A bit nerve racking but worth it. I had no particular travel plan except for my return flight but I knew The Opera House and Harbour Bridge were definite places for me to go. I wasn't wrong. I don't know much about architecture or about photography, but I know how the light caught the curves of the building and seemed able to reflect, refract and absorb, all at the same time. I sat on the steps for a while and, for the first time in my life, felt quite cosmopolitan. All I can is...... go there.

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    Amazing and iconic

    sacah recommends this,

    Easy to get to, right next to great parklands and gardens.

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    Iconic, yes, but also a working venue

    humbucker recommends this,

    You'll see it from the water and you'll probably take a stroll around the building itself but this is also a great working venue for large and small productions. Take the opportunity to go and see a play in one of the smaller theatres.

    Good for: architecture, theatre

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    From any angle the Sydney Opera House is spectacular

    katmar33 recommends this,

    It would be difficult to visit Sydney without making a trip to the harbour your number one priority. And upon any approach the first few glimpses of the sails of the Sydney Opera House coupled with the Harbour Bridge is awesome.

    And it is not just the iconic facade that is worth a visit. The opera House is host to heaps of great theatre, dance, musical and of course opera productions.

    Try and spend a bit of time around the Opera House precinct so you can experience the many moods of this great building... daytime with the white tiles glinting in the sun or night time a dramatic floodlit presence amongst the twinkling harbour lights.

    Good for: Photography, views, live music, theatre

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    Unmistakeable icon of Australia

    steveomac recommends this,

    Instantly recognisable, but just as gorgeous as you'd hope it would be.

    Good for: Photography, sightseeing

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