Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour Guys & Dolls

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is an open-air and all-weather event

The venue, audience seating, and the stage are completely uncovered. The event is an all-weather experience and we’re committed to going ahead with a performance of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour even in doubtful or unfavourable weather conditions. Please come prepared so that you are as comfortable as possible, and ready to support the performers, who will carry on singing and dancing in the rain.

Performance pauses and cancellations

We will only cancel a performance during electrical storms (within 10km radius) or during times of extremely high winds and/or rain. We will not cancel a performance until 7.30pm or later. We may decide to cancel a performance once the show is underway. Please plan to travel to the venue for a 7.30pm performance start time even in unfavourable weather conditions.

In some weather conditions, we may delay the start time of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour or pause for up to 50 minutes at any point throughout the performance.

Auxiliary expenses including travel, accommodation or hospitality which you have arranged in conjunction with the performance are at your own risk and Opera Australia cannot refund these.

Mrs Macquaries Road, leading into the venue, is likely to experience traffic congestion. We highly recommend avoiding this road by catching public transport or parking in surrounding car parks and then catching our free shuttle bus. 

Public transport

When walking from the train/bus remember that access to the venue via the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is only possible prior to 6pm. After this time, the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is closed from all entrances and not possible to walk through.

The nearest train stations are:
St James: approximately a 16-minute walk* (1.3 km)
Martin Place: approximately an 18-minute walk* (1.5 km)
Circular Quay: approximately a 29-minute walk* (2.3 km)

*These linked maps and estimated walk times use routes outside of The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. If you're walking before the Garden gates close (prior to 6.30pm in March and 6pm in April), using a route through the Garden will save time.  

Bus route 200 stops on Macquarie Street. 

All schedules, times and dates can be viewed at the transportnsw.info.

Water taxi

Water taxis run a special service during the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour performance season.

Water taxis will depart regularly from  Man O’War Jetty (near the Sydney Opera House) from 5pm until 7.30pm* and drop off at The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool wharf in Woolloomooloo Bay, which is a 3-minute walk to the venue. Please note there is a number of stairs leading up from the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool wharf to the performance venue.

After the performance, taxis will recommence for the return trip and make a drop-off stop only at Circular Quay. Tickets are $15 one way or $30 return.

* This is a latecomers service and will get you to the venue AFTER the start of the performance. Note that patrons arriving late will not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. This break may not be until interval. Patrons who are late may not be seated in their allocated seat.

Parking

The Domain Car Park is the closest car park. From 4:30pm, a flat rate of $10 applies. The carpark will be open until 1am during the performance season. A free shuttle bus is available to guests who park in the Domain Car Park (see details below). Parking spots for those with disability parking permits are located at the northern end of the ground floor.

There is metered parking along Mrs Macquaries Road, Hospital Road and Macquarie Street. Meters accept cash, credit card or payment by mobile phone. You need to register to pay with your mobile phone at https://parknpay.nsw.gov.au.

Art Gallery Road, leading into the venue, is likely to experience traffic congestion. We highly recommend arranging an alternative drop off/meeting point.

Shuttle bus 

The pre-performance shuttle service starts at 4:30pm and runs on a loop from the Domain Car Park (departing from Sir John Young Crescent on the ground floor) to the venue entrance on Mrs Macquaries Road. The shuttle ride takes approximately 5 minutes, depending on traffic.

The post-performance shuttle service starts from 10:15pm and runs until midnight, or until the last patron has left, and stops at both the Art Gallery of NSW and the Domain Car Park.

View shuttle bus drop-off and pick-up points (PDF)

View shuttle pick-up point at the Domain Car Park (PDF)

The Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour shuttle bus departs from the ground floor of the Domain Car Park and is wheelchair accessible.