Frequently Asked Questions

There are two performances at Sydney Opera House on New Year's Eve: The Opera Gala in the Concert Hall, or Madama Butterfly in the splendour of the Joan Sutherland Theatre.

Find out some of the frequently asked questions of New Year's Eve at Sydney Opera House here.

Looking for more answers?

We’re working on adding more FAQs as more information becomes available. Please check back soon, or email tourism@opera.org.au if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Important Information

Everyone visiting the Sydney Opera House on New Years Eve is strongly encouraged to plan and allow extra travel time. Large crowds are expected on the Opera House precinct and around the CBD, and significant road closures will be in place.

Getting to the Sydney Opera House

Public Transport is Recommended

Public transport is the best way to get around on New Year’s Eve, with main roads closed in the Sydney CBD. Specific public transport information is updated closer to the event by Transport NSW.

No Parking Available

Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave their car at home due to widespread road closures and use public transport wherever possible.

Transport by Taxi

Taxis cannot be booked to pick up or drop off close to the venue due to road closures. Due to the large numbers of people attending the general public precincts, wait times are lengthy.

Arriving at the Sydney Opera House

Pre-Performance Dinner at 5:00pm

We encourage people to enter the Macquarie Street event entrance at 4:30pm to allow plenty of to time to make your way through security and arrive at the theatre for dinner service which begins with arrival drink at 5pm sharp.

The Opera Gala or Madama Butterfly at 7:45pm

If your evening does not include the pre-performance dinner, we recommend arriving at the Macquarie Street event entrance from 5:45pm to allow plenty of time to make your way through security and enter the theatre no earlier than 6pm when the foyers open.

Midnight Party from 10:30pm

Guests who have also purchased tickets for the post-performance Midnight Party will be directed to the entrance to that party at the conclusion of the performance. The Midnight Party is held in the Northern Foyers of the theatre and you'll be required to show your Midnight Party ticket to enter that space. The Midnight Party will conclude at 1:30am.

If you don’t have tickets to the Midnight Party, there are a limited number of outdoor viewing areas you’ll be able to access following the performance. Please note that these spaces are limited and can’t be guaranteed. There are partially obstructed views of the midnight fireworks from the Foyers inside the Sydney Opera House and patrons may not have a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Find out more about package add-on options for New Year's Eve

Dress Code

While there is no formal dress code for New Year’s Eve, we encourage you to dress up and make a special night of it! If required, there are facilities to cloak your items inside the Sydney Opera House.

Specific Needs Access

Any guests with accessibility needs must contact Sydney Opera House on 02 9250 7777 before the event to help plan their evening or visit https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit/accessibility for more information. Patrons who require information about accessible transport can call the Sydney New Year’s Eve Accessibility Officer on 02 9265 9333.

Security Requirements

All bags will be checked at site entry. Due to the volume of people anticipated, please leave enough time to negotiate security checks. Prohibited items will be removed. For more information on this and general Sydney Opera House security standards please visit https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit/safety-and-security.