The world's most recognisable living scientist, Stephen Hawking, will give his first ever talk to Australian audiences at the Opera House in April.

While the theoretical physicist will not speak in person – he'll appear via a live video link from the University of Cambridge – his daughter, Lucy Hawking, will be on stage at the Opera House for the event.

Professor Stephen Hawking will speak to an Australian audience at the Opera House in April. Credit:AFP

Professor Hawking is one of the few scientists in the world to gain celebrity status, friend and fellow physicist Paul Davies says.

"The appeal of Stephen Hawking is that he addresses the sorts of things people love to discuss at dinner parties: how did the universe come to exist, what is human destiny, what are the laws of nature?" said Professor Davies, who will introduce the Opera House talk.