While the word “iconic” is often overused, it perfectly describes the Sydney Opera House — a symbol of Australia and its lively arts scene since it rose over Sydney Harbour in October 1973.
The 50th anniversary celebrations extend into 2024 with a variety of activities, festivals and performances. These events encourage travelers from North America and beyond to (re)discover Sydney and Australia. In addition, a free digital program explores the Opera House’s legacy and future, showing how Australians are marking this milestone.
© Destination New South Wales
In July 2023, Midden by Mark Olive opened at the Sydney Opera House with a clear and compelling concept: the celebrity chef highlights his Indigenous heritage by using native Australian seasonal ingredients and First Nations culinary traditions. The menu celebrates Australia’s diverse produce with dishes such as blue gum–smoked barramundi, wallaby shanks braised in bush tomato, and Quandong-glazed chicken stuffed with warrigal greens. For 2024, special packages combine a one-hour VIP guided tour with a two-course dinner paired with two Australian wines or beers.
The Bennelong Experience showcases the quality and variety of Australian food and wine beneath the Opera House sails. The Midden Experience offers alfresco, harbor-side dining that reflects Sydney’s culinary character. Guests can further enhance their evening by attending a world-class performance at the Opera House after dining.
© Destination New South Wales
Beyond dining experiences, several 2024 events leverage the Opera House’s dramatic architecture to deliver unique perspectives on Sydney’s arts, culture and food scenes.
Mardi Gras and Vivid Sydney 2024
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the country’s best-known pride festival, takes place in mid-February. Later in the year, Vivid Sydney — Australia’s largest festival of creativity, food, innovation and technology — runs from May 24 to June 15. Both festivals transform the city with colorful parades, light installations and public events that further accentuate the Opera House’s architectural presence.
The Biennale of Sydney
The 24th Biennale of Sydney, the nation’s largest contemporary art event, runs March 9–June 10 across multiple venues in the city. Titled Ten Thousand Suns this edition features 39 invited artists. Most events in the Biennale program are free to attend, making contemporary art accessible to a wide audience.
Sydney Fish Market
The long-awaited completion of the Sydney Fish Market’s $474 million renovation is one of 2024’s major highlights. Rebuilt on Blackwattle Bay on the harbor’s western side, the upgraded market and its surrounding precinct provide fresh reasons to visit Sydney Harbour. The revitalized space includes an expanded, purpose-built market and the famed Sydney Seafood School, where visitors can join cooking classes that showcase the area’s fresh catch.
With its blend of world-class architecture, outstanding performances, vibrant festivals and renewed culinary attractions, Sydney and its Opera House remain a compelling destination for visitors seeking arts, food and culture in 2024.