Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
4
About
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is located in the Kings Domain Gardens, close to Arts Centre Melbourne and the Southbank entertainment precinct. This hugely popular summertime venue stages everything from free summer symphonies to performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment. It is home to Carols by Candlelight and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's free summertime concert series. Capacity varies, depending on event type. Getting there: If you are driving to the venue, Arts Centre Melbourne car park is a short walk with entry from the rear of Sturt or Kavanagh Streets. Otherwise it is a short walk from Flinders Street Station or a tram ride up St Kilda Road.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
185 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
62
Average
19
Poor
7
Terrible
6
Caroline J
Hanoi, Vietnam3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
I bought 10 tickets for Carols by Candlelight, in the stalls, row T for the cost of approximately $2000, which from the seating map indicated shelter from the weather due to the sails overhead.
There was no notification that this was not the case.
On the night, the rain was incessant to the point that an hour and a half into the event only three of us were left, the others leaving, absolutely soaked to the point that it was not enjoyable anymore.
I understand that’s it an outdoor event and inclement weather is a risk but for the price I paid I would have expected a notification that the seats chosen would expose us to the weather (like you do when buying a concert ticket seat with restricted viewing), so you have a choice whether you want to upgrade to seat further up the front or buy a ticket on the lawn where you would pay considerable less and get just as wet!
I emailed Vision Australia to give them feedback and never got a reply! I guess as long as they get their donations, they don’t really care about their audience.
My advice - don’t buy a ticket in the stalls unless you can get one in rows A - R
There was no notification that this was not the case.
On the night, the rain was incessant to the point that an hour and a half into the event only three of us were left, the others leaving, absolutely soaked to the point that it was not enjoyable anymore.
I understand that’s it an outdoor event and inclement weather is a risk but for the price I paid I would have expected a notification that the seats chosen would expose us to the weather (like you do when buying a concert ticket seat with restricted viewing), so you have a choice whether you want to upgrade to seat further up the front or buy a ticket on the lawn where you would pay considerable less and get just as wet!
I emailed Vision Australia to give them feedback and never got a reply! I guess as long as they get their donations, they don’t really care about their audience.
My advice - don’t buy a ticket in the stalls unless you can get one in rows A - R
Written February 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jmm
2 contributions
Apr 2022
Went to see Crowded House on Friday 8 April. The venue was overcrowded, there was absolutely no room to sit or stand on the lawn opposite stage - 1.5 hours before the concert started. Clearly the tickets had been oversold. We sat on the side of the hill and could not hear Crowded House - it was extremely muffled and we ended up leaving after the first two songs in disbelief. We spent $600 on tickets and they were completely wasted. I have been to various concerts at Sidney Myer Music bowl that were amazing, clearly there was an issue on the night that was unresolved. We spoke to one of the groundsmen outside the venue who also agreed that the sound was faulty and he had noted that during the sound check the sound was poor. So clearly there was a problem here on the night and Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Ticketek should be providing a full refund as we didn't get to hear anything. They should also be extremely mindful of the amount of people they are letting in as clearly this was oversold and that destroys the quality of the experience for everyone.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,594 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is a Melbourne icon. It was the gift of Sidney Myer, retailer and philanthropist. The Myer Music Bowl is used, mainly in the warmer months, especially for the annual Christmas gala, which is a highlight of the festive season.
Written September 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren H
London, UK11 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
I went to The xx concert here, and had lawn tickets (so you essentially stand on a hill behind the seating).
I was extremely nervous prior to going that it wouldn’t be a good experience - I wouldn’t be able to see, I wouldn’t be able to hear.
However, we very easily found a spot to stand and could have gone higher up the hill for a better view if we wanted. They had giant screens hanging from the roof that you could see if someone tall stood in front of you. And the sound was actually really good - I would be happy to stand anywhere in the venue, as we walked around a little bit and it was clear from wherever we stood.
There were great food trucks up on the hill, and we saw a few people who had prepared a picnic and were sitting during the earlier acts (such a good idea - will definitely do this at some point).
And as for standing outside - it rained EXTREMELY hard. We thought we were being hailed on at one point. But no matter how heavy the rain got we could still hear, and it had a bit of a festival vibe with everyone in ponchos having a good time anyway.
Definitely would go here again - all my worries were totally relieved.
I was extremely nervous prior to going that it wouldn’t be a good experience - I wouldn’t be able to see, I wouldn’t be able to hear.
However, we very easily found a spot to stand and could have gone higher up the hill for a better view if we wanted. They had giant screens hanging from the roof that you could see if someone tall stood in front of you. And the sound was actually really good - I would be happy to stand anywhere in the venue, as we walked around a little bit and it was clear from wherever we stood.
There were great food trucks up on the hill, and we saw a few people who had prepared a picnic and were sitting during the earlier acts (such a good idea - will definitely do this at some point).
And as for standing outside - it rained EXTREMELY hard. We thought we were being hailed on at one point. But no matter how heavy the rain got we could still hear, and it had a bit of a festival vibe with everyone in ponchos having a good time anyway.
Definitely would go here again - all my worries were totally relieved.
Written January 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KayM123
Melbourne, Australia108 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
Saw Gotye there from the top of the hill. He was excellent but venue seemed to be the wrong one for his concert and didn't do him justice. Very poor sound quality,so quiet and distorted that people started chatting and that was really all you could hear. Saw a few people walk out. Smokers all around us and couldn't see through the people in front of us. Had to keep moving to get a glimpse of the stage. I wouldn't go there again and felt that I had been ripped off! (night cost around $200)
Just outside the venue you can sit on the grass with more space, your own food and wine and a comfy chair if you like for free! The sound is exactly the same as on the other side of the fence. That is definately the way to go.
Just outside the venue you can sit on the grass with more space, your own food and wine and a comfy chair if you like for free! The sound is exactly the same as on the other side of the fence. That is definately the way to go.
Written January 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara102
Melbourne, Australia69 contributions
Jan 2018
Loved the performance. It's riveting, lively, irreverent and true to Shakespeare and no doubt reflects the original Globe experience where audiences felt a part of the play. it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the story by reading the play or watching a DVD . The Holllow Crown is a good start. There is no need to pay a lot for tickets. We sat in the middle tier of Section D and row A in this and in Section E was in full sun for matinee performance. Fortunately we could move back but there was still scaffolding and structural columns obscuring some of the show. In my opinion the best seats are F to I. Mid and top rows have seats. Lower tier are stepped down seating, so you may be leaning back on someone's legs. It's a very intimate venue.
Written January 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgfMelbourne
Ascot Vale, Australia250 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
The Pop Up Globe is a replica of Shakespeare's theatre constructed at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl. It's a production by gifted Kiwis. Four of Shakespeare's play are featured.
The season runs until mid January 2018.
I studied 2 Shakespeare plays in school but since then have felt his plays out of reach. Not so at Pop Up Globe's theatre. The joyous, witty, enthralling plots, dances and bloody battles are so close you can feel them, especially for the 'groundlings' (audience members who pay only $20 to stand in front of the stage throughout the whole performance). If you go as a groundling I suggest you accept a plastic poncho when offered.
I have seen 4 plays. I knew little of any of them. I started with a ticket to Much Ado About Nothing. So witty, funny, contemporary at moments; and so, so well done. Extraordinary cast and direction. I loved it so much I've since enjoyed As You Like It, Henry V, and finally, Othello. Othello - OMG!
Melbourne school kids are lucky at the moment as they get to experience, as do all the audience, Shakespeare plays performed as he wrote them: close-up, audience participation, superb costumes, and relevant to his times.
Ticket prices vary from cheap, stand up tickets, to expensive 'royal' seats above the stage. There are 4 levels, including the groundlings. I preferred the middle level with a seat with a back.
Each performance is for about 2 hours, 40 minutes with a 10-15 minute film interval. There are matinees and evening performances.
In the end, doesn't matter where you sit (or stand). Don't miss this opportunity.
New Zealanders do Shakespeare in a unique way!
The season runs until mid January 2018.
I studied 2 Shakespeare plays in school but since then have felt his plays out of reach. Not so at Pop Up Globe's theatre. The joyous, witty, enthralling plots, dances and bloody battles are so close you can feel them, especially for the 'groundlings' (audience members who pay only $20 to stand in front of the stage throughout the whole performance). If you go as a groundling I suggest you accept a plastic poncho when offered.
I have seen 4 plays. I knew little of any of them. I started with a ticket to Much Ado About Nothing. So witty, funny, contemporary at moments; and so, so well done. Extraordinary cast and direction. I loved it so much I've since enjoyed As You Like It, Henry V, and finally, Othello. Othello - OMG!
Melbourne school kids are lucky at the moment as they get to experience, as do all the audience, Shakespeare plays performed as he wrote them: close-up, audience participation, superb costumes, and relevant to his times.
Ticket prices vary from cheap, stand up tickets, to expensive 'royal' seats above the stage. There are 4 levels, including the groundlings. I preferred the middle level with a seat with a back.
Each performance is for about 2 hours, 40 minutes with a 10-15 minute film interval. There are matinees and evening performances.
In the end, doesn't matter where you sit (or stand). Don't miss this opportunity.
New Zealanders do Shakespeare in a unique way!
Written November 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce S
Melbourne, Australia51 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
What a great show! The actors were so engaging and entertaining. We were groundlings and really enjoyed beings so close to the stage. Standing for 2.5hrs requires a bit of fitness and comfortable footwear but worth it.
Written November 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thevonbibras
Sydney4 contributions
The slopping theatre style chairs, get in the way if you are at a festival or dance concert and you want to have a boogie.
Written April 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victorianlad
Melbourne, Australia17,470 contributions
This ageing submerged venue for concerts such as Blind Citizens Australia's Christmas Carols is fondly remembered by many Melburnians as a way to enjoy a glass of wine and a picnic while listening to music, with family members spread out on the grass using picnic rugs.
However on my most recent visit I got up fairly sore from the ground, no doubt a sign of advancing age. It did not help when I spilt some wine.
However, the bowl is easily accessed by tram down St Kilda Road from Flinders Street railway station, or one can easily walk across the Yarra River in a southerly direction.
However on my most recent visit I got up fairly sore from the ground, no doubt a sign of advancing age. It did not help when I spilt some wine.
However, the bowl is easily accessed by tram down St Kilda Road from Flinders Street railway station, or one can easily walk across the Yarra River in a southerly direction.
Written October 19, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a seperate line for ticket holders in the stalls. I’ve seen that there only one entrance and it looks like all one line. I don’t want to get stuck in the general admission line when I already have seats
Written December 2, 2023
As far as I know there is only one entrance
Written December 2, 2023
Empty bottles can be bought in, water fountains can be used to fill empty bottles. This varies from time to time depending on the promoters specifications.
Written March 12, 2023
what is maximum height of chair for sydney myer bowl free mso concert
Written February 6, 2023
Personally sitting at the (balcony) side, is my place of choice (left or right), means you can see everything happening on the stage and still be able to dance!
For a cheaper option byo blanket and sit on the grass area.
Written January 20, 2021
Hannah Barnett
Ballarat, Australia
Hi where is the standing terrace located at Sidney myre music bowl?
Written February 24, 2020
It is an amphitheatre with a grass hill looking down onto the stage. The hill allows you to stand or sit. As you get closer to the stage, there is a separate standing area that is in between the bottom of the hill and behind the seating area. I cant post links but google image "sidney myer music bowl map" to get an idea
Written February 24, 2020
Wondering if a 6 month old infant will be ok
to bring to paul kelly concert dec 12, will be carried in a pouch.
Written August 17, 2019
Hi Kay, we would advise you to purchase some protective headphones for such a small infant as the sound can be quite loud. Please consult with a professional on what is needed.
Written October 10, 2019
Can you bring low level chairs for paid concerts with general admission on the lawns?
Written February 6, 2019
Hi there! It depends on the type of show. Some shows are aimed at a picnic audience (MSO free concerts &
Opera at the Bowl) and in these instances they would be admitted provided the back of the chair is
under 20cms in height. However, due to the large range of shows and variable crowd size, it is not always advised. We do recommend visiting our website and looking for the event you are attending, so you can view the relevant Conditions of Entry, important event information and event FAQs - some rules can change depending on the performers, crowd size, and concert specifications. In some instances, we do not recommend low level seating as most people in the Lawn will stand up and dance so your visibility may be affected. Finally, our Conditions of Entry are always subject to change without notice. For example, you may notice some patrons using portable seating at events even when it is advised not to, due to a smaller crowd size on the day. If you have any concerns, please feel free to call our friendly Customer Support Centre who will be happy to help: 1300 182 183. Enjoy the show!
Written February 7, 2019
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