Experience two very special concerts under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, presented in conjunction with Melbourne Opera Company. Enjoy the sumptuous voices of Melbourne's most accomplished and up and coming artists with the beautiful accompaniment of the company's orchestra.

The Merry Widow
Sunday 12 February at 6pm
A glorious concert version of Melbourne Opera Company's acclaimed production of The Merry Widow.

Mozart By Moonlight
Sunday 4 March at 6pm
A magnificent evening of arias from Mozart’s best-known operas.

WHERE: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Enter via the Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance

PRICES: adult $45, concession $40, group 10+ $40, child (under 16 years) $25, booking fee may apply

BOOK TICKETS: purchase securely online or call 1300 122 344, or through Ticketmaster 136 100
Cash sales from the on-site box office from 1 hour prior to the start time.

Skip down to the FAQ

ATTENDING OPERA UNDER THE STARS FAQ

1. From what time can we arrive?
2. Do I have to book or can I buy a ticket when I get there?
3. It's held outside isn't it? Are there chairs?
4. What else should we bring?
5. Are food and drink available to purchase?
6. How do we get there?
7. Is the performance site accessible for those with mobility issues?
8. We can't go on the night we booked for, can I change my tickets to another date?
9. What happens if it rains?

1. From what time can we arrive? The site is open to ticket holders from 1 hour prior to the start time.

2. Do I have to book or can I buy a ticket when I get there? Booking is advised, however you can buy tickets on arrival at the on-site box office from 1 hours prior to the start time (cash only, no credit card facilities).

3. It's held outside isn't it? Are there chairs? The performance is held outdoors in the beautiful environs of the Southern Cross Lawn in the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is a picnic style event so bring a blanket or cushions to sit on, or you are welcome to bring your own chairs. Low or standard height chairs are available to hire for $5 cash on arrival.

4. What else should we bring? A picnic full of all the goodies you like to eat and drink. Warm clothes as sometimes it can get cool in the evening. And remember, please use rubbish bins provided or take your rubbish with you after the show.

5. Are food and drink available to purchase? Yes, our cash only on-site bar offers hot chocolate, tea and coffee, soft drinks, water, beer, wine, spirits, snacks, chocolate, lollies, chips, etc.

6. How do we get there? Public transport is advised as parking can sometimes be difficult to find or be a long walk from the gardens.

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - enter via the Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance
Driving: Free and metered 2, 3 and 4 hour parking is available in surrounding streets.
Public transport: Take the train to Flinders Street Station. Then take a tram (3, 5, 8, 16, 64 or 67) to the Domain Road Interchange. Walk towards the Shrine of Remembrance and on the other side of it you will see Birdwood Avenue and the Observatory Gate. The performance area is immediately on your left after entering.

7. Is the performance site accessible for those with mobility issues? The performance site is accessible by paved footpaths, however there is a short grassy area to traverse to reach the audience area. Production staff are available to assist if required.

8. We can't go on the night we booked for, can I change my tickets to the other concert? Yes, your tickets may be transferred to the other concert. Please call 1300 122 344 during business hours Monday to Friday or email your booking details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it including your order number, booking name, number of tickets, mobile number, session booked for and preferred new concert.

9. What happens if it rains? Call 1300 122 344 for a weather update. Usually performances do proceed if there is only very light misty drizzle. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: If the Australian Shakespeare Company cancels the performance due to inclement weather your tickets will be valid for another performance during the same production season (call 1300 122 344 to re-book). If it is not possible for you to attend another performance during the same production season we provide a credit note for the value of your tickets (not including any handling fees), valid for at least 12 months from your original performance date. A credit note will only be offered if the performance is cancelled. When a performance is cancelled in advance of the start time due to inclement weather we inform ticket holders by SMS or telephone.