Sydney Opera House Guided Backstage Tour

Excellent!

Great experience! The tour guide (and tour) was absolutely amazing. He (Michael I think was his name) was super knowledgeable and so friendly. Breakfast was great too!

Best Tour in Sydney

Connor our tour master was the absolute best in every way. Soooo interesting and informative. Breakfast at the end in the green room. Don't miss this.

Backstage is where the "real" work happens!

Connor was an excellent guide, and gave context to numerous sections of the tour. The tour gives an understanding of what goes on behind the stage lights, and how every "star's" performance relies on the work of many people, who remain in the background. For anyone with an interest in any of the various forms of productions offered at the Opera House, the Backstage tour is surely a must.

Loved backstage tour

We fully enjoyed the backstage tour. The guide provided a lot of information. We were concerned about the number of steps, but they were not difficult.

Fantastic!

Absolutely fantastic! I am not a morning person but this was worth getting up early for. Seeing productions from a different perspective was fascinating and the logistics involved were eye opening. I have a new appreciation for the skill of those working backstage. And on top of it all, our tour guide was amazing. No question stumped him and he was a delight to listen to.

Opera House behind the scenes

An excellent behind the scenes view into the iconic Syndey Opera House. A wonderful experience learning about the history and work that goes into the Opera House. Bella was an excellent and enthusiastic guide.

A must-experience part of Sydney Opera Hoise

Alan was awesome and explained well all the bits of the opera house, allowing us time to enjoy, take pictures and soak in the views.

The Best!

I’d been dreaming of visiting the Royal Opera House since I was a little boy - so, maybe 50 years! We chose to do the backstage tour as there wasn’t anything on that we fancied watching. An early start is required to get to the Opera House for 6.45am! I forget our tour guides name but she was great. We got to see an amazing amount of ‘behind the scenes’ areas - several stages, musicians pit, green room, scenery areas and so on. Slight disappointment in not seeing inside the big stars changing rooms..and it all ended up with a very decent breakfast in the Green Room with all of us chatting until we were kicked out. Top tour! I think it was $175 a head which I thought was ok.

Backstage at the opera

Linda, our guide, was so passionate and knowledgeable about Sydney Opera House it was impossible not to enjoy the backstage tour. We viewed lots of spaces and were given so much information about how all the venues within the opera house building work. So many steps to climb! Breakfast at the end was a feast. Fabulous on all counts. 🤣🤣🤣

Not to be missed if in Sydney

Early start at 6.45am. Met guide ( lovely lady but sorry can't remember her name) at stage door. Very pleasant and welcoming . Set off in a small group to visit various theatres, back stage rooms and other areas not normally in public domain. Guide was very informative, cheerful and had that knack of making everyone feel involved. After tour had breakfast in the Green Room ( where actors/ actresses and directors etc normally congregate Very enjoyable . (Massive almond croissants.). Had opportunity to direct from the pit 👍and tinkle on a Steinway if you wanted. The tour is quite expensive but we'll worth it.

Wonderful tour!

This small group tour was in-depth and adventurous! it was really cool to stand above, below, behind and ON the Joan Sutherland stage and the Concert Hall stage. After the tour, we enjoyed a lovely lunch in the cafe (included) and then proceeded to the Box Office where we had the opportunity to purchase symphony tickets for later the same morning. For us, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to then sit in the audience knowing that just minutes before the concert, we stood on that very stage.

Beautiful structure

This was a wonderful tour of the Opera House and really should be a must see in Sydney. While I could have done without the wokeness of some of it, the history was great and seeing parts that you could not otherwise see unless at a performance was amazing. Great views of the Harbor Bridge too!

Outstanding tour of Australia’s landmark

The tour took us thru the opera house from a view behind the scenes. We saw the areas used to assemble and move the sets, that includes some large and unique elevators. We also stood on the stages of the two largest venues therein. The tour included a visit to the uniques orchestra pit, above the scenery, and in a dressing room. The guide was very knowledgeable about the events, the opera house, and its history and operation. We were provided a huge breakfast at the end of the tour, in the green room where the performers and staff take their breaks. Overall - an outstanding tour of a national landmark.

Stunning!

This intimate tour behind the scenes at the Sydney opera house was well worth the price! We toured every major venue and stood on the stage of the Joan Sutherland theater. Or guide, Bella, shared so much information about the opera house. The breakfast far surpassed our expectations. Seeing the SOH from this perspective was a rare treat. Can’t wait to see the performance of The Magic Flute on opening night.

Wonderful tour

Our tour was wonderful! Bruce was extremely knowledgeable and very funny. Our group represented many countries, and Bruce made it easy to chat and enjoy the tour together. Breakfast was great!

Very interesting with excellent guide

Well worth getting up early for this tour. Nicholas was an excellent guide being knowledgeable with good, clear elocution

Fantastic Tour and Sueanne our guide was amazing

The 6:50 am start of these tours was a bit daunting while on holidays, but we were up and ready to go. We were met by Sueanne our guide. Her upbeat personality, and enthusiasm made the tour that much better. I realized the reason why it starts so early is that you get to access so many areas that during the day are simply going to be too busy. The history, and story of the opera house is explained so well, and the included breakfast in the Green room was way above what we had expected. It was delicious. Space is limited, and we booked way in advance but it truly was a great experience.

Unique perspective of the Opera house

The backstage tour was a lot of fun. You really got to see and hear about a lot of the parts of the opera house and its many performance venues from a different perspective.

Just do it

So much fun. Unique perspective and a great way to see the opera house from another vantage point. The highlight was the breakfast. The coffee and the eggs Benedict were to die for. Highly recommend

Highly recommend

Definitely feels like a very exclusive tour and you feel like VIP or wannabe star. Fascinating to see behind the scenes. Even not knowing much about workings of opera or theater, I felt great learning at this architectural masterpiece

Marvelous tour of the Sydney Opera House!

It was a wonderful tour. The guide was marvelous and we had a glorious time! I recommend it to everyone!

Great tour!

You get to see everything - backstage, onstage, up on the catwalks, in the orchestra pit - all over!

Absolutely Amazing!

This was such an incredible tour! Absolutely one of the highlights of my trip! Our tour guide Jeanette was fantastic and so knowledgeable! There is so much going on behind the scenes at the Opera House, and getting to see it and learn more about it was beyond fascinating. Yes, the tour was early, but it was 1000% worth it. The breakfast at the end was also pretty delicious, and I really enjoyed chatting with the other tour participants.

Outstanding

The tour was outstanding. The guide was wonderful. So much information and such a nice man. Great tour, you get to see all the parts of the backspace. Definitely worth it.

One of a kind tour…everyone should do this at least once!

Really wonderful experience. Marcus, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, funny and clearly very experienced at his job. My husband and I loved this tour and we relished every aspect of it…we had an amazing time. Also, the breakfast that’s included in the tour was a generous portion and very delicious.

This was exceptional....

This was exceptional. From the balcony in the Music Hall to on the stage in the Opera/theatric Hall to up the rafters above the stage in a smaller venue, it was great. The initial design, engineering, and final interior completion of such a grand facility, and the renovations to make it better, is hard to imagine. The guides commentary really added to the experience. Definitely a Bucket List check-off. I'm glad Eero Sarrinen stuck to his guns.

Great Backstage Tour

Fantastic backstage tour of The Opera House! Marcus was a brilliant guide! The Opera House is fabulous!

A very enjoyable experience

The tour guide- Susan was very informative, passionate about the OH and entertaining all at the same time! A behind the scenes tour of a place we love gave us a deeper perspective of the spectacle that is the Opera House. Very much enjoyed!

Sydney experience

Sydney is an amazing place to visit. We did various trips including the blue mountains,sydney tower dining experience,the opera house,taranga zoo,and much more. would recommend visiting.

Amazing

The opera house is a global landmark, and it will be well worth your time to visit it in person. Because you get to view the inside as well as the outside of the opera house, it is well worth your time and money to take the one-hour tour that is offered by the opera house. When it came to educating us about the history and inner workings of the theater, our tour guide Danny did an excellent job. After the tour, you are entitled to a discount on most purchases, and this applies to both the restaurant and the bar, which are both known for their excellent food and service.

Must do in Sydney

We both thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Our guide, Marcus, had extensive knowledge of the opera house and each theater. He was fluent in his presentation and engaging. This tour and our guide made the Sydney Opera House really special. It was really nice to be able to share a lovely breakfast and continue the conversation. This is a must do in Sydney.

Book this tour!

Everything was a memorable experience. We had a fantastic guide that made it very fun and entertaining. Highly recommend!

Worth getting up early for

Brave the early start time and build this into your holiday schedule. Or if you are a local and have not done this, it is wonderful. Bruce, our tour guide was amazing, passionate about the Opera House and all of it's history.

Behind the scenes

Tour guide was funny and knowledgeable. Breakfast was included which was a surprise. Lots of walking to see all the stages and history of the structure and the functionality.

Hidden House Tour

This is a special tour for the 50th Anniversary of the Opera House. Limited to 10 guests with a 7.30am start time. 2 tour guides + 3 specialised staff in the tour makes for a very special backstage tour. Ended with a superb High Tea/Brunch at the newly opened Midden restaurant with all 5 staff in attendance. Worth every cent. Staff were all so friendly and informative. Recommend

Wonderful experience

Had a great experience during the backstage tour. Learned a lot about the history of the opera as well as its operations. Strongly recommend.

An Icon In Sydney

Did a tour of the Opera House and saw The People's Choice Concert. We went through metal detectors and had to check my backpack. The tour takes you through the theatres of the Opera House as well as going backstage. The acoustics are very good and the views from the lobby are mainly of Sydney Harbour and it is beautiful especially at night.

What a breathtaking experience

Actually went during 19/20 had a great time though. Went for NYE party New Year’s Eve party ball. We had to secure tickets right away but it was amazing. Sydney is a wonderful place although we did travel before covid and restrictions.

Most Visitors Never Get To See This

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.

Great tour of a beautiful building

Informative and interesting. Saw several theatres . Guide was lovely and knew much about ttthe venue.

Such a mind blowing experience!

We had no idea what to expect coming into this tour and have to say it was money well spent! I moved to Sydney from California 3 years ago and my mom came out to visit for the first time, we did this tour before seeing an opera that night. This tour absolutely made the experience! Our guide, Tom, was so passionate and full of information about the opera house and opera in general. We got to see the props they used that night, even walked on the stage and through the orchestra pits. Just an incredible experience for anyone interested in the Sydney Opera House. Make sure to ask for Tom when you book this tour, he really made it special!

Iconic building with an interesting history

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.

Stewart Hall

Well worth seeing behind the scenes. Very good. Except it was a pity on the restrictions to be able to take some fotos

Review of opera house

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.

Amazing building.

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.

Definitely worth the early wakeup

Excellent tour. We were taken all around the backstage area and our guide shared lots of information around what happens behind the scenes, all the work that goes on to insure a successful production, and how the sets are moved in and out quickly and efficiently. She also shared some interesting anecdotes when things didn't go exactly as planned and performers had to do some some quick thinking to avoid disruptions. Very good breakfast too! Highly recommend this tour.

unique

Unique experience, great guide, very knowledgeable and entertaining. Great opportunity to look behind the scenes.

The best way to see the Opera House

Was on this tour Monday morning with my brother and 8 others. Great overview of the Opera House, and how it works. I expected a lot more stairs, but because they showed us the rails for the drama theatre, and not the opera, the tour is friendly even for those with sore legs...(little different than when I was on it 5 years ago with my daughter). The cover history as well as the workings behind the scenes, which anyone involved in local community theatre will really appreciate. Tour ends with a lovely breakfast in the green room (which has a view of the water), making the early 7am start well worth it. Also as a nice perk - if you buy tickets for a show and you have been on a tour, there is a discount, let them know at the box office. Heads up - you meet at the 'backstage door' - not where the other tours do.

Check out a show

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.

9am tour, great start to a day in Sydney

We had Julia as our guide, she was excellent very knowledgeable and answered so many questions from the group. We saw 2 of the theatres, unfortunately we could not see the main theatre as it was being renovated. It was a very interesting tour.