FIFA Fan Festival Sydney 2023Credit: Destination NSW
Fans celebrating at FIFA Fan Festival, Tumbalong Park.
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With its supercharged events calendar and welcoming spirit, no one throws a party like Sydney – and from now to 20 August, the free FIFA Women’s World Cup Fan Fest’s in full swing, lighting up Darling Harbour with live matches on the big screen, legendary entertainers and fun activities to keep the good times rolling beyond the game. Here, we’ve rounded up some unmissable highlights; consider this your written invitation to join the action in the heart of Sydney – Australia’s home of football.
Party with thousands of new friends
As the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 (FIFAWWC) live matches light up Stadium Australia and the Sydney Football Stadium, nearby Darling Harbour is the buzzy epicentre for all things entertainment on 11, 12, 15, 16, 19 and 20 August – when the ultimate Final showdown will decide the winner. Throughout the tournament you can join 5,000 fans at Tumbalong Park and catch the action on giant screens and, in between cheering on the Matildas, lace up your boogie boots as some of Australia’s most beloved headliners hit the stage, including Jacoténe, Ruby Archer, Chloe Gill, Jack River and Mia Wray. With music and a feel-good buzz in the air, you can’t help but move – and be moved.
Join the world in a sing-along
Football’s power to bring people together has long inspired the great songwriters – and this year’s FIFAWWC anthem boasts triple the inspiration. Pop legends, Australia’s Tones and I, US rapper BIA and France-born Senegalese star Diarra Sulla, have joined creative forces for the year’s ultimate banger, “Bring It On” – the walk-on track for all 64 championship matches. Don’t miss the trio performing the anthem live on 15-16 August – click here to reserve your place and “Boom, boom, do not delay!”
Get a taste of the action – and local favourites
From the grandstand’s technicolour to its soundtrack of cheers, FIFAWWC is a sensory playground – and the Fan Festival elevates the experience with a moreish spread of tastebud tinglers. Tuck into a traditional barbecue as Aboriginal native food chef Sharon Winsor plates up delicious indigenous ingredients, and bite into the Sydney Tuna Cheeseburger – created by award-winning seafood chef Josh Niland especially for the festival. Plus, there’s quintessentially Sydney street-eats like gozleme, pizza and dumplings, and two onsite bars serving Aussie beer and wine.
Get inspired and smash your goals
Nothing’s quite as inspiring as seeing world champions at their best, and along with watching your heroes flex their skills on Tumbalong Park’s big screens you can put your skills to the test at the Fan Festival Playground. Get a kick out of the shooting-speedometer and cross-bar challenges; learn from the experts at training clinics; chase that winning feeling in penalty shootouts and soccer matches on a pop-up pitch; and challenge your squad with football snooker and football minigolf.
FIFA Fan Festival Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Fans celebrating at FIFA Fan Festival, Tumbalong Park.
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FIFA Fan Festival Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Fans celebrating at FIFA Fan Festival, Tumbalong Park.
FIFA Fan Festival Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Fans celebrating at FIFA Fan Festival, Tumbalong Park.
#feelnewsydney
FIFA Fan Festival Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Fans celebrating at FIFA Fan Festival, Tumbalong Park.
Be intrigued by game-changing artefacts
Uniting, uplifting and supporting athletes from across the globe, FIFAWWC has been a game-changer for women in sport since 1991. Immerse yourself in its remarkable journey at Fan Fest’s onsite FIFA Museum – the first of its kind in Australia. Hyundai's Goal of the Century exhibit showcases just how far we’ve come, while the Calling the Shots display highlights the passionate players, coaches and fans embodying FIFA WWC’s pioneering spirit. Get up close to the Winner’s Trophy and explore a trove of treasures including signed mementoes and The Rainbow of Shirts, which brings together the 32 jerseys of this tournament’s teams.
Wear your colours with pride
They say fans are the twelfth member of every football team, so invest in a uniform. Fan Fest hosts Australia’s largest flagship FIFAWWC store, with two levels of official merch for each of the participating teams. Show your support and kit yourself out in your side’s gear and apparel, and pick up unique collectibles including the official FIFAWWC ball so you can play on long after the tournament ends.
Join the action beside the harbour
As well as the nonstop fun at Tumbalong Park, the fun continues around the harbour as Stadium Adidas takes over Mrs Macquarie’s Chair from 10-20 August. Here you’ll enjoy a huge pop-up adventure zone with surprises like skill-testing challenges with the OCEAUNZ Official Match Ball; jaw-dropping technology and hands-on sensory experiences. You may even run into football living legends Alessia Russo, Lena Oberdorf, Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord. This free, feel-good event runs every day from 11am-8pm, but places are limited – book ahead to reserve your spot today.
Follow the party vibes across Sydney
FIFAWWC 2023 is the biggest women’s sporting event in world history – and its electric energy is filling every pocket of the harbour city! So, beyond the grandstands and the official Fan Festival, follow TimeOut Sydney’s guide to the bars, pubs and party zones levelling up the viewing experience, including live sites at Parramatta Square and Rouse Hill; the Surry Hills pub serving free margaritas when the Matildas score, and more.
For more information on FIFA Fan Festival click here.
FIFA Fan Festival Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Fans celebrating at FIFA Fan Festival, Tumbalong Park.
#feelnewsydney
FIFA Fan Festival Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Fans celebrating at FIFA Fan Festival, Tumbalong Park.
FIFA Fan Festival Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Fans celebrating at FIFA Fan Festival, Tumbalong Park.
#feelnewsydney
FIFA Fan Festival Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Fans celebrating at FIFA Fan Festival, Tumbalong Park.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.