Safety and security
The safety and security of patrons, visitors and staff is our highest priority.
We’ve updated our routine security measures in line with major venue and event security standards locally and internationally to ensure every visitor to the Sydney Opera House feels safe and welcomed when on site.
Plan to arrive early
If you are collecting your tickets from the Box Office, we recommend you do so at least 30 minutes before the event. If you already have your tickets, aim to arrive at least 20 minutes before the event. This should allow enough time for the mandatory visual inspections/x-ray screening and/or cloaking of bags and personal belongings by Opera House security staff before entering the venue.
Entry to venues
Entry to venues inside the Opera House including theatres, the Utzon Room, the Centre for Creativity and Bennelong Restaurant is via a single entry point located under the Monumental Steps.
Entry to the Yallamundi Rooms is via the Northern Broadwalk.
Bag checks and screening
All ticketholders must present their bags and personal belongings for visual inspection or x-ray screening by Opera House security staff before entering the venue as a safety precaution and condition of entry. Ticketholders attending a performance may be electronically screened by Opera House security staff. Checks and screenings are carried out at the entrance to each venue.
Prohibited items
The following items are prohibited:
• Alcohol
• Glass beverage containers
• Illegal substances including controlled, dangerous or illicit drugs
• Flammable devices (flares, fireworks and smoke bombs)
• Anything that could be used as a weapon such as sharp items including knives
• Suspicious items or items which may look like a weapon
• Professional cameras or recording devices
• Laser pointers
• Offensive signage or clothing
• Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Any other item that may cause harm or public nuisance or could interfere with the event
Cloaking
We strongly encourage patrons to leave bags at home and to avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an A4 sheet of paper) to avoid delays.
Larger items – including handbags bigger than A4-size, backpacks, umbrellas, suitcases and prams – are not permitted inside the venues and must be cloaked. Cloaking is at the discretion of Opera House venue security staff and all items will be visually inspected.
Items presented to the cloaking desk will only be accepted from patrons with a valid performance ticket.
At no time should your bag be left unattended.
Safety at the Sydney Opera House
The safety and security of patrons, visitors and staff is our highest priority.
We work closely with NSW Police and all relevant authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
Our procedures are regularly reviewed and evaluated based on the current security environment and arrangements at other similar institutions in Australia and overseas to ensure appropriate security measures are in place.
Should patrons or visitors have any further questions, contact us via email at: infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com.
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
