The Backstage Tour at a glance
The Backstage Tour is the early-morning tour for people who want to see the working side of the Sydney Opera House. It starts at 07:00 every day, and check-in at the Stage Door is at 06:45. It lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes, which is 135 minutes, and it includes breakfast in the Green Room. Older articles often say 2.5 hours or quote cheaper prices. Neither is current.
Availability is limited, and the group is capped at 12 people. This site is independent and does not sell the tour. It is not connected to the Sydney Opera House. Prices are in Australian dollars (AUD), as listed in 2026.
Key details
All times local, all prices in AUD as listed in 2026.
| Detail | Backstage Tour |
|---|---|
| Start | 07:00 daily; check-in at 06:45 at the Stage Door |
| Length | About 135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes), breakfast included |
| Price | AUD 199 per adult; AUD 210 from 1 April 2027 |
| Children and concession | No separate child or concession rate is listed |
| Minimum age | 10 years; ages 10 to 15 with an adult at all times; under 10 not admitted for safety reasons |
| Group size | Maximum 12 people |
| Booking deadline | By 17:00 on the day before |
| Language | English; groups of 8 or more can ask about other languages |
| Closed | 25 December 2026 and 31 December 2026 |
The price is for an adult, and no child discount is listed, so a family of four pays four full tickets if the children are old enough. Group prices are not per person prices, so read the booking page carefully if you book as a group.
Our picks: behind the scenes
The backstage tour with breakfast, a city walk with a behind-the-scenes ticket and the standard guided tour.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
City walk with a behind-the-scenes Opera House ticket
A local guide on a city walk, cold water, tea or coffee and a ticket for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Opera House. Other food and drinks are extra.
Check availability →
VIP backstage tour with breakfast
A backstage tour, then breakfast with your guide in the Green Room. Transfers to and from the Opera House are not included.
Check availability →Opera House guided tour with entry
A live guide and entry to the building. A cloakroom takes small bags and prams; large luggage cannot be stored.
Check availability →Backstage and behind-the-scenes tours
Tours that go beyond the standard route, plus other ways to see the Opera House, with live prices and availability.
What the tour covers
And what it does not promise.
Backstage corridors and rehearsal rooms
The tour is described as taking you through the backstage corridors, rehearsal rooms and the orchestra pit. Which rooms you enter depends on what is running in the house that morning.
Breakfast in the Green Room
Breakfast is part of the 135 minutes. It is the point where the group sits down, and it is a good moment to ask your guide questions.
Not every hall
Do not book it expecting a walk through every hall. A tour cannot promise that you will enter both big halls or meet performers. The tickets page covers how to see a hall in use.
Stairs and standing
Expect about 300 steps and long periods of standing. A step-free alternative is the Mobility Access Tour, described on the tours page.
Rules to know before you go
- Shoes: flat, closed shoes with rubber soles are required for safety. Sandals and heels are not suitable.
- Bags: bags larger than A4 must be handed in. Do not count on being able to store suitcases or large bags, because storage is not guaranteed.
- Photos: photos are allowed as your guide instructs. Video recording is not allowed.
- Age: children under 10 cannot take part. Ages 10 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult throughout.
- Booking: reserve by 17:00 on the day before. There is no walk-up option for the 07:00 slot.
If you are not sure whether the tour suits your group, compare it with the standard tour on the tours page. The standard tour is cheaper, shorter and runs in more languages.
Getting there at 06:45
Plan the early start the evening before.
By train
Circular Quay station is served by the T2, T3 and T8 lines, and the stop guide lists operation from 05:00 to 01:00. From Circular Quay it is a 7–10 minute walk to the Opera House, so plan to leave the station by about 06:30.
Circular Quay →By car
The Wilson car park on Macquarie Street is open 24 hours a day. The forecourt is largely car-free. Early Bird parking is no longer sold at this car park.
Stay close
If you do not want a long early commute, sleeping near Circular Quay or in The Rocks makes the start easier. See where to stay for the areas.
Backstage Tour: frequently asked questions
How much does the Backstage Tour cost?
AUD 199 for an adult in 2026, rising to AUD 210 from 1 April 2027. No separate child or concession price is listed. Do not use older prices you may find in articles.
How long does it take?
About 2 hours 15 minutes, or 135 minutes, including breakfast in the Green Room. It starts at 07:00, and check-in at the Stage Door is at 06:45.
How old do children have to be?
The minimum age is 10. Children aged 10 to 15 must be with an adult the whole time. Younger children are not admitted for safety reasons.
Can I book on the day?
No. You need to book by 17:00 on the day before, and places are limited to 12 people per tour.
What should I wear?
Flat, closed shoes with rubber soles are compulsory. Expect about 300 steps and long periods of standing, so wear comfortable clothes.
Is the tour offered in German?
The tour is run in English. Groups of 8 or more can ask about other languages, but a tour in another language is not guaranteed.