Sydney Opera House is one of the most widely recognised performing arts venues in the world and encompasses six unique venues. Sydney Festival has presented a diverse range of events at Sydney Opera House for over 40 years, and proudly returns to the Concert Hall and the Drama Theatre in 2020.
THE CONCERT HALL
The Concert Hall is the largest interior venue at Sydney Opera House. With its high vaulted ceiling and interior finishes of brush box and white birch timber it is designed primarily for acoustic performances. All seating in the Concert Hall is reserved seating.
DRAMA THEATRE
With its black walls and deep blue carpet, all eyes are drawn to centre stage in the dark beauty that is the Drama Theatre – Sydney Opera House’s most alluring and unique space. A classic and purist venue, the Drama Theatre is the site of some of the most original artistic endeavours, such as those performed by Bangarra Dance Theatre, Bell Shakespeare and the internationally renowned Sydney Theatre Company.
A public lift is located on the Harbour Bridge side of the building and connects the Lower, Ground and Upper Levels to enhance the path of travel for patrons using wheelchairs, prams or with limited mobility. The lift entry is via the corridor next to the escalators on the Lower Ground Level near the Welcome Centre and also in the Western Foyer, via the corridor on the Ground Level.
There are 11 designated accessible parking spaces on Level 1 and 12 on Level 6 of the carpark. RMS permit is required.
Accessible seating is available in all venues however this must be pre-booked and availability is limited so booking early is recommended.
FM assistive-listening devices (headsets and neck loops) are available at the cloaking desk for use in all venues except the Utzon room which has a hearing loop system.
There are accessible toilet facilities available in the Western Theatres Foyer (Ground Level) and Box Office Foyer (Level One).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The Sydney Opera House is a six-minute walk to Circular Quay which is regularly served by public buses, trains and ferries to Circular Quay.
To get information about public transport around Sydney call 131 500 or visit the Transport Info website.
PARKING
Wilson Parking operates the Sydney Opera House car park beneath the building at 2A Macquarie Street. Receive 10% off with Wilson Parking when you pre-book your parking online with promo code SYDNEY20. Pre-book your parking at bookabay.wilsonparking.com.au.
For any parking enquiries please email info@wilsonparking.com.au or call 1800 PARKING (1800 727 5464).
SHUTTLE BUS
Designed for elderly and less mobile customers. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. The bus runs between Circular Quay at Stand B on Alfred Street (under the Cahill Expressway) and the Vehicle Concourse. Please note that there is no bus service for any theatres on Sunday evenings.
TAXI/DROP OFF
Visitors and patrons arriving and leaving by taxis and private vehicles will be directed to the designated taxi rank on Macquarie Street, past the Wilson’s Carpark entrance.
BIKE
Sydney Opera House continues to promote and support sustainable transport by providing facilities on site to safely park bikes while visitors and patrons enjoy their visit.
BAG CHECKS & SCREENINGS
All ticketholders must present their bags and personal belongings for visual inspection or x-ray screening by Sydney Opera House security staff before entering the venue as a safety precaution and condition of entry. Ticketholders attending a performance may be electronically screened by Sydney Opera House security staff. Checks and screenings are carried out at the entrance to each venue. We strongly encourage patrons to leave bags at home and to avoid bringing any large items to Sydney Opera House (anything larger than an A4 sheet of paper) to avoid delays. Larger items, including but not limited to, handbags bigger than A4-size, backpacks, umbrellas, suitcases and prams, are not permitted inside the venues and must be cloaked. Cloaking is at the discretion of Sydney Opera House venue security staff and all items will be visually inspected. Items presented to the cloaking desk will only be accepted from patrons with a valid performance ticket. At no time should your bag be left unattended.
