Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - SYD opera house

Also we are planning to see a opera. Is there a dress code? Would a jacket, dress pants, long collared shirt be OK, or is it tuxedo/suit?

Also we are planning to see a opera. Is there a dress code? Would a jacket, dress pants, long collared shirt be OK, or is it tuxedo/suit? Whatever you feel comfortable in is fine - I have been to the Opera House in jeans and a flanelette shirt (it is the wesite in me) and it has been fine (admittedly was in the Playhouse, but that is another story).

We really don't give a rat's ar5e here in Oz about what you wear, as long as you fork out the $$$$ for your tickets.

Dave

What you said you would wear is fine. I think general standards of what is considered appropriate are nowhere near what they used to be.

Having said that I'm not sure I would bowl-up in jeans and flannels. Although I am not a westie, and their standards are different :D.

What you said you would wear is fine. I think general standards of what is considered appropriate are nowhere near what they used to be.

Having said that I'm not sure I would bowl-up in jeans and flannels. Although I am not a westie, and their standards are different :D.

I was checking cause when I was in Italy and wearing the same thing, I was under dressed. Just gotta make sure I don't look too American ;)

I was checking cause when I was in Italy and wearing the same thing, I was under dressed. Just gotta make sure I don't look too American ;)

But Europeans will wear a tuxedo to the beach;)

But Europeans will wear a tuxedo to the beach;)

Yup.
How is the opera? Should I plan for dinner beforehand? Also, how early is recommended to get there?

Yup.
How is the opera? Should I plan for dinner beforehand? Also, how early is recommended to get there?

I'd be lying if I said I had been to the Opera but when I was younger I used to get dragged along to music recitals by my parents and have been to a few plays in the theatre there for school etc. Generally we used to get there about 45 mins before the show which would give you plenty of time to park and have a quick drink before getting inside.

Depending on what time your show starts then yes I would get a light meal before hand and then supper after.

I havent seen an opera in Sydney but did see a performace of a Bach mass there. It was vey nice, its a fun place to see a performance. What you suggested as attire would be fine based on my experience there. Like at the Met, you see people in everything from jeans to white tie.

Yup.
How is the opera? Should I plan for dinner beforehand? Also, how early is recommended to get there?

The Opera Theatre is relatively small ... some would say cosy or intimate. I have been to several performances and enjoyed every one of them. The location of the Orchestra pit leaves a bit to be desired but the quality of the performance, sets and costumes has been outstanding IMO.

There are several restaurants close by where you can book for dinner either beforehand or after the performance (getting a bit late for most people). In general these places won't be cheap. There is also a small cafeteria at the Opera House that serves light meals and a few desserts and pretty good coffee for a reasonable price. There are tables - probably best to get there about an hour before the performance to make sure you can get one and aren't rushed.

If you eat somewhere else beforehand, as long as you get to the Opera Theatre with about 15-20 minutes to spare you should be ok. They ring the bells and open the doors for access to the theatre 10 mins prior to the performance.

As others have said, don't be concerned about dress - this is Sydney, we are very accepting of just about any kind of dress standard anywhere you go. However, if you do want to "blend in", smart casual with a coat or jacket will get you there.

Have a great time - it's a terrific experience.