Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch a live performance under the stars, surrounded by thousands of people, in the heart of Melbourne? If so, then you should definitely visit the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, one of the most iconic and popular outdoor venues in the city.
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is a large amphitheatre located in the lush surrounds of Kings Domain, a parkland near the Yarra River. It was built in 1959 as a gift from the philanthropist Sidney Myer to the people of Melbourne, and has since hosted countless events, concerts, and performances, featuring local and international artists, such as The Beatles, AC/DC, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and many more.
The bowl has a capacity of up to 25,000 people, and offers a variety of seating options, from reserved seats to general admission lawn areas. It also has a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and a retractable canopy that covers the stage and part of the audience. The bowl is open over the summer months, from November to March, and hosts a diverse range of events, from classical music to comedy, from sports to theatre, and from festivals to family-friendly shows.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and authoritative guide for planning your visit to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Whether you are a music lover, a culture vulture, or a nature enthusiast, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. So, what are you waiting for? Read on and discover how to make the most of your visit to this amazing venue.
Tours and Activities
One of the best ways to experience the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and its surroundings is to take a tour or book an activity that includes or features the bowl. There are many options to choose from, depending on your interests, budget, and time. Here are some of the best tours and activities that we recommend:
Melbourne City Sights and Sidney Myer Music Bowl Tour: This is a half-day tour that takes you to the most iconic landmarks and attractions in Melbourne, including the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. You will enjoy a guided walk around the bowl, learn about its history and architecture, and see the stage where many famous artists have performed. You will also visit other places, such as Federation Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street Station, Queen Victoria Market, and more. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a comfortable coach, and a professional guide. The price is $65 per person, and the duration is 4 hours. You can book this tour here.
Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Royal Botanic Gardens Picnic: This is a relaxing and romantic activity that lets you enjoy a picnic at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, followed by a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. You will receive a picnic basket filled with delicious food and drinks, such as sandwiches, salads, cheese, crackers, fruit, wine, and more. You will also get a picnic blanket, cutlery, and napkins. You can choose your own spot at the bowl, and enjoy the views and the atmosphere. After your picnic, you can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are adjacent to the bowl, and see the beautiful plants, flowers, and wildlife. The price is $85 per person, and the duration is 3 hours. You can book this activity here.
Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Yarra River Cruise: This is a fun and scenic activity that combines a cruise on the Yarra River with a visit to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. You will board a comfortable boat at Southbank, and enjoy a 1-hour cruise along the river, passing by landmarks such as the Eureka Tower, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Docklands. You will also get to see the Sidney Myer Music Bowl from a different perspective, and learn some interesting facts and stories about it. After the cruise, you will disembark at the bowl, and have some free time to explore the venue, take photos, and relax. The price is $45 per person, and the duration is 2 hours. You can book this activity here.
Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Melbourne Skyline Helicopter Flight: This is an exhilarating and unforgettable activity that gives you a bird’s eye view of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the Melbourne skyline. You will hop on a helicopter at Essendon Airport, and fly over the city, admiring the stunning sights and landmarks, such as the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the Yarra River, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Eureka Tower, and more. You will also get to see the bay, the coast, and the countryside. The flight is accompanied by a pilot, who will provide commentary and point out the highlights. The price is $250 per person, and the duration is 20 minutes. You can book this activity here.
Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Melbourne Zoo Combo Ticket: This is a family-friendly and budget-friendly activity that allows you to visit two of the most popular attractions in Melbourne, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the Melbourne Zoo. You will get a combo ticket that gives you access to both places, and lets you explore them at your own pace. You can enjoy the events and performances at the bowl, and see the animals and exhibits at the zoo. The combo ticket also includes a free tram ride between the two attractions, and a map and guidebook. The price is $35 per person, and the duration is flexible. You can book this activity here.
Events and Performances
One of the main reasons to visit the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is to attend one of the many events and performances that are scheduled at the venue. The bowl hosts a diverse range of events, from classical music to comedy, from sports to theatre, and from festivals to family-friendly shows. There is something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what your taste, mood, or occasion. Here are some of the current and upcoming events and performances that you can attend at the bowl:
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Summer Series:
This is a series of concerts that features the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest and most prestigious orchestras in Australia, performing a selection of classical and contemporary music at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The concerts are free and open to the public, and are held on selected evenings from January to March. You can enjoy the music under the stars, and bring your own picnic, blanket, and chairs. The concerts are also broadcast live on ABC Classic FM and online. The program includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and more. You can find the dates, times, and details of the concerts here.
Australian Open Live at the Bowl:
This is a unique event that allows you to watch the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, live on the big screen at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. You can catch all the action and excitement of the matches, and cheer for your favourite players, while enjoying the atmosphere and amenities of the bowl. The event is held from January 17 to January 30, and tickets start from $5 per person. You can also enjoy live music, food and drinks, and other entertainment at the bowl. You can find the schedule, tickets, and information of the event here.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala:
This is a hilarious event that features some of the best comedians from Australia and around the world, performing their stand-up, sketch, musical, and improv comedy at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The event is the opening night of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, one of the largest and most popular comedy festivals in the world, and is also a fundraiser for Oxfam Australia, a charity that fights poverty and injustice. The event is held on March 29, and tickets start from $49.90 per person. You can expect to laugh out loud, and have a great time, while supporting a good cause. You can find the lineup, tickets, and information of the event here.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Concert:
This is a magical event that brings the award-winning play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to life with a live orchestra at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. You can watch the play, which is based on the story by J.K. Rowling, and follows the adventures of Harry Potter’s son Albus and his friend Scorpius, as they travel back in time and face the consequences of their actions. You can also listen to the original score by Imogen Heap, performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter. The event is held from April 7 to April 10, and tickets start from $59 per person. You can find the dates, tickets, and information of the event here.
Midnight Oil and First Nations Collaborators:
This is a rockin’ event that features the legendary Australian band Midnight Oil, along with some of the most talented and influential First Nations artists, performing their songs and stories at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The event is part of the Makarrata Live tour, which celebrates the release of the band’s latest album The Makarrata Project, and also supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a call for constitutional recognition and voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The event is held on April 17, and tickets start from $99 per person. You can find the tickets and information of the event here.
These are just some of the events and performances that you can attend at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. There are many more to choose from, depending on your preferences and availability. You can find them all on Ticketek, the leading online platform for booking tickets for events and performances in Australia and New Zealand.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket today, and enjoy the Sidney Myer Music Bowl like never before.
