Sydney Opera House and Manly ferry terminal locked down following 'bomb threat'

Reports of a 'bomb threat' shut down the area surrounding the Sydney Opera House and the Manly ferry terminal at Circular Quay earlier today.

The lockdown ended around 3.30pm today after the area was evacuated for a few hours.

Sydney Opera House staff have confirmed all performances scheduled for tonight will go on as planned.

"You may have seen media reports relating to a NSW Police operation conducted in the vicinity of the Opera House as a precautionary measure this afternoon. That operation has now concluded and all Opera House venues, bars, restaurants and the Wilson Car Park are operating as usual," a statement read.

"Please contact the Box Office on (02) 9250 7777 should you have any further questions".

During today's lockdown the Manly ferry service was suspended and access to the terminal was cut off.

At the time NSW Police spokesman said police were taking precautions after a threat was received about an object inside the Opera House.

“It’s a search for an object. There was a threat and we have to take it seriously,” the spokesman said.

A Sydney Opera House employee shared a company email to Reddit from the Head of Security, Emergency Planning & Response which said all performances and tours had been cancelled while employees were allowed to stay inside.

“Colleagues, A security threat has been received by NSW Police which they advise may involve the Opera House. Police are on site currently assessing the situation. The site has been closed to the public,” the email said.

“This afternoon’s performance of Stick Man has been cancelled and Tours, Creative Play and SATH have been cancelled until further notice.

“Members of the public have been asked to leave the site while Police assess the situation.

“NSW Police advise that SOH staff and contractors may remain in the building during this time. Staff are asked to keep their passes with them at all times.

Yahoo7 reporter Cam Storey also saw heavy police presence outside the Manly ferry terminal.

Carolyn Paterson, 31, told Yahoo7 she had taken her family to the Circular Quay area for the first time.

“It’s the kids first time in Sydney, they’re probably disappointed,” she said.

“We brought them to see the Opera House but we can’t now”.

Construction workers told Yahoo7 they were working inside the venue but were waiting outside following rumours of a bomb threat.

Opera singer Anthony Mackey posted on his Twitter that the iconic venue is in 'lockdown',

"Can't leave the house," he wrote.

A business owner who did not wish to be named said he heard rumours of a bomb threat in the Opera House.

Colleen from Gracelands was also told rumours of a 'bomb threat'.

She told Yahoo7 she had arrived at the Opera House before the incident.

She took her family from Queensland sightseeing around the harbor and came back to get her car when she realised the area had been shut down.

She said she was waiting for police to reopen it so she could take her family home.

She told Yahoo7 she asked construction workers what was going on and they told her it was ‘a possible bomb threat’.

"What's happening at the Opera House? Police evacuating the area??" one Facebook user wrote, with another man saying the ferries in the area have been stopped.

Opera Bar staff were also told to evacuate but were not told why.