If you can afford to do it, the backstage tour is absolutely fantastic. We thought it was pricey, but decided to do it anyway after seeing the bad reviews here about the essential tour. It is a very early start (645am) at the Stage Door. We had a super guide - Adam - who is also a trombone player in... more

Quick tour inside the Opera house. Saw the various halls and watched video presentations of the history of the Opera house. Access to some beautiful venues with nice views of the harbour. Photography is restricted in certain areas. Sometimes halls may be inaccessible due to practice sessions of stage performers. Best to go early in the day as halls start... more

It is one of the main attractions of Sydney, you have to go see it whether by water or by foot - it's a must! I do agree with sentiments of other travellers that up close the Opera House is hardly spectacular - they must do some photoshopping in those 'perfect' shots of it lol. Nonetheless, it looks great as... more

The iconic external view of the Opera House is just as wonderful at close quarters but the Opera House within was dingy and with very poor acoustics. Outside best viewed from the water- suggest take a water taxi or ferry over to Manley. more

One of the great icons of Australia. Phenomenal to see the optical illusion of several buildings making the iconic symbol. Breathtaking building with a beautiful opera stage. If you want to see the stage, then you will have to pay a fee but to see the buildings is free. more

We came upon the Opera House while wandering through the Botantical Gardens. I expected to be amazed, but found myself slightly disappointed. The views that you get on TV and from professional photos are so perfect that the real thing seems a bit lackluster on the outside. Cool building and all, but still. . . Later in my trip, however,... more

We visited here on our own, without a tour group. My first time in Sydney. The Opera House is more amazing in real life. You don't appreciate the true beauty of the bulding until you're standing there in front of it. We sat on the steps for a few hours close to sunset just people watching and relaxing. more

If you get the chance and can afford it, the backstage tour is awesome. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the arts and the history of the Opera House. Being able to go onto the same stage that so many great names have performed on was amazing. Additionally, breakfast in the Green Room was a real treat. Not only was... more

I was really excited to take this tour and it ruined our entire day. The 1/2 hour tour is only in asian languages, so you can opt for either of the 2 longer tours. We took the 1 hour tour (I think it was about $35 AUD). The tour had headsets that were both unneccessary and terrible quality. The tour... more