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

We took the Sydney Opera House Essentials Tour and loved the building, but weren't as overwhelmed with the tour. There was a lot of video commentary that could have been better presented by the live guide and we were in a huge group which took some of the magic away from the experience. If you must see right throughout the... more

Do not take this tour, its a tour for the sake of a tour. Seems like you cant go anywhere in Sydney or visit an attraction without someone trying to screw you for money. We were showed a few videos and shown a few of the halls and the Utzon room and thats it-1 hour long. Its nothing spectacular inside.... more

I DO NOT recommed paying to take the basic opera house tour. The problem with the tour is that you will see mainly the lobby areas where you will watch 3 different video monitors on the wall. The info given in these presentations you can obtain on your own by reading a guide book or the internet. You will only... more