On The Steps Visitor information
Security
The safety and security of our visitors, patrons and staff is our highest priority. The Opera House works closely with the NSW Police and other relevant authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment. As a condition of entry into the venue, bag inspections and electronic screening will be carried out at security checkpoints upon entry to the site. We strongly encourage patrons to leave bags at home and to avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House.
Conditions of entry
All patrons and visitors attending the On The Steps Forecourt events at the Opera House must present their bags and personal belongings for visual inspection or x-ray screening as a condition of entry. Ticketholders may be electronically screened by Opera House security staff.
The following items are considered prohibited and will be confiscated if found:
- Alcohol
- Illegal substances including controlled, dangerous or illicit drugs
- Incendiary devices (flares, fireworks and smoke bombs)
- Glass items
- Knives and any sharp items
- Lasers
- Any items that may cause a public nuisance
- Any items that can be used as a weapon
- Any items which look like a weapon, this includes replicas and toys
- Unauthorised advertising material or flyers
- Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- Musical instruments which can cause a public nuisance such as vuvuzelas, drums or any amplified music
- Large umbrellas (bigger than 125cm in diameter)
- Sunshades and tent structures, which are not permitted on site
- Cushions and portable seating of any kind
- Any other item that in the opinion of Opera House security could cause harm or public nuisance
Ticketholders and visitors have the option to leave with their prohibited items should they not wish to forfeit them in accordance with the above conditions of entry. All confiscated and prohibited items will be disposed of, and will not be held. Possession of unlawful items will be reported immediately to NSW Police.
Security staff will monitor patrons for RSA and refuse entry to any intoxicated persons in accordance with the Liquor Act 2007.
Accessibility
Our goal at the Sydney Opera House is to provide barrier-free access, making the site, building and the experiences we offer accessible to all. All On The Steps Forecourt events are accessible to all ticketholders with disability or limited mobility. There are wheelchair and companion seating locations, and accessible toilets available. Selected concerts are Auslan interpreted.
To book accessible seating contact Box Office:
Telephone
+61 2 9250 7777
(Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST)
Email
bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com
For general information on accessibility, you can visit our website here.
Getting here
Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave their car at home and use public transport wherever possible. Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a six minute walk to the Opera House.
Frequently asked questions
There is high demand for tickets to the On the Steps forecourt events and many are expected to sell out. To avoid disappointment we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online before travelling to the Opera House. A temporary box office on the southern end of the Forecourt will be open approximately 30 minutes prior to gates opening each day.
For safety and security reasons there will be no pass-outs at any of the On the Steps forecourt events. You won’t be able to re-enter once you have left the venue.
Please refer to our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance and contact our Box Office on (02) 9250 7777 as soon as possible to enquire about options available to you.
If you have purchased a VIP Package/Experience for one of the On The Steps concerts, you will receive a text or email from Live Nation 3-5 business days before the event with timings and additional information. Please contact vip@livenation.com.au if this is not received.
Yes. The safety and security of our visitors, patrons and staff is our highest priority. Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags on entry. Please travel lightly and do not bring items that are not permitted as per our conditions of entry.
Cashless payment methods are strongly recommended. Please bring a credit or debit card for any on-site purchases to assist with swift transactions and alleviating queue times.
There are no ATM facilities available on the forecourt. Please bring a credit or debit card for any on-site purchases to assist with swift transactions and alleviating queue times.
For the safety of everyone at the event, certain items not permitted. No umbrellas, strollers, chairs, laser pointers, sparklers, professional cameras or recording devices or selfie sticks, sharp knives or objects. No oversized items larger than an A4 piece of paper including extra-large backpacks, briefcases and suitcases. All bags will be checked on entry, your cooperation is appreciated. Please check conditions of entry for more information about what can and cannot be brought into the event.
There is no cloaking facility on the forecourt. Please check conditions of entry for more information about what cannot be brought into the event and leave these items at home.
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Opera House is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the Opera House is a smoke-free site; this includes cigarettes, vapes, e-cigarettes, cigars and water pipe tobacco smoking. Read our Smoke-free Environment Policy.
Unless it is deemed unsafe to do so, all On the Steps performances will proceed rain, hail or shine. There is no shade available in the public viewing area on the forecourt. Visitors are encouraged to check the weather and come prepared. Wear a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing. Please check conditions of entry for more information about what can and cannot be brought into the event.
No BYO alcohol, beverages, food or glass. Ticketholders are welcome to bring their own water bottle (as long as it isn’t made of glass). Refillable water stations will be available on site.
There will be food trucks and a fully licensed bar operating on site from when gates open until shortly before the end of the concert. Vegan and vegetarian options, as well as both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.
Access to the Forecourt is via security checkpoint underneath the Monumental Steps. Signage will be in place to direct you on the day.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave their car at home and use public transport wherever possible. Please plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time when arriving for an event.
Refer to the event information for age restrictions. Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times. The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.