Felons Brewing Co. Manly WharfCredit: Destination NSW
Positioned along the iconic Manly Harbourfront, Felons Brewing Co. Manly is a place for the community to drop their shoulders & soak up the good life.
There’s nothing like a Sydney summer. From secret beaches to rooftop bars, golden-hour kayaking to late-night bites, Sydney is bursting with unforgettable experiences that stretch from the city centre to the Northern Beaches and Western Sydney.
Whether you’re diving into the ocean at dawn, sipping cocktails under the stars, or exploring First Nations culture on the harbour, Sydney offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural richness and thrilling adventure.
This season, Sydney transforms into a stage for celebration, culture and connection. From blockbuster musicals to high-octane sporting spectacles, the city’s event calendar is bursting with energy.
Dive into Sydney’s Best-Kept Secrets
From the iconic Bondi Beach and Palm Beach to hidden gems like Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Store Beach in Manly, Sydney’s coastline is a treasure trove of swim spots. Discover family and pet-friendly beaches like Balmoral Beach and Malabar Beach or explore the best surf spots and ocean pools including South Curl Curl Rock Pool on the Northern Beaches and Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain.
Mahon Pool, Maroubra Credit: Destination NSW
Swimmers enjoying Mahon Pool, Maroubra.
Mahon Pool, Maroubra Credit: Destination NSW
Swimmers enjoying Mahon Pool, Maroubra.
North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer's arriving early to catch a wave at North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen.
North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer's arriving early to catch a wave at North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen.
Paddle, Sail, Cruise and Snorkel
Sydney Harbour transforms into a playground this summer and there are plenty of new ways to see it from a different angle. Glide across the water with Kayaking Sydney’s sunset tours, snorkel with EcoTreasures in Manly, or sail into the evening with Manly Sailing or Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruises. For high-adrenaline fun, try jet boating, jet skiing or wakeboarding in Western Sydney.
Discover Sydney on Foot, Bike or Run
From the iconic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk and bushland escapes like the Fairyland Loop, to urban gems such as the Glebe Foreshore and Manly Dam, every trail offers a unique perspective of the city. Active explorers can join guided cycling and running tours that blend fitness with storytelling, while wellness-focused experiences in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offer a deeper connection to nature and culture. Whether you're seeking cliffside views, quiet bushland or harbourfront strolls, Sydney’s outdoor experiences promise something for every pace and passion.
Sydney’s Scenic Golf Escapes
Across the city and its surrounds, lush fairways and coastal links offer the perfect excuse to tee off under the sun. From the dramatic clifftop views at St. Michael’s Golf Club in Little Bay to the laid-back charm of Palm Beach Golf Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Sydney’s courses cater to every skill level and style. In Western Sydney, Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman, provides a championship-level challenge amid rolling hills.
Manly Sail, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoys a swim from a sail boat during a Manly Sail sail trip in Sydney Habour.
Manly Sail, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoys a swim from a sail boat during a Manly Sail sail trip in Sydney Habour.
WATSSUP Watsons Bay Stand Up Paddling, Watsons Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Watsons Bay Stand Up Paddling (WATSSUP) is a Stand Up Paddle School, located in the heart of Sydney Harbour at Watsons Bay
WATSSUP Watsons Bay Stand Up Paddling, Watsons Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Watsons Bay Stand Up Paddling (WATSSUP) is a Stand Up Paddle School, located in the heart of Sydney Harbour at Watsons Bay
Sydney’s Summer Dining Scene Shines
This summer, Sydney’s culinary scene is turning up the heat with rooftop bars, waterfront dining and immersive food experiences that showcase the city’s vibrant flavours. Enjoy fresh fish and chips by the sea or indulge at standout venues like Rick Stein at Coogee, Felons Seafood in Manly and Gina at Barangaroo. Sip cocktails with sweeping views at rooftop favourites Smoke, Joji and Lady Banks, or keep the night alive at stylish supper clubs and late-night haunts including Letra House, Herbs Taverne and Bar Freda’s. For a different way to see Sydney, join a brewery or distillery tour, take a food-focused walking tour, a dinner cruise or roll up your sleeves in a cooking class.
Accommodation with Views, Pools and Pets
Make the most of summer with a stay close to the water and right in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant lifestyle. Manly Pacific, Rydges Cronulla Beachside, and The Salty Dog in Newport offer breezy beachside escapes with stunning ocean views, while the Park Hyatt Sydney remains a luxury favourite with uninterrupted vistas of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Cool off in standout pools at Crown Towers, Oxford House, and The Old Clare Hotel, each offering a stylish retreat from the summer heat. Travelling with pets? Sydney’s top hotels, including Kimpton Margot Sydney, Ovolo Woolloomooloo, and QT Hotels, ensure furry companions are pampered with gourmet menus and thoughtful in-room amenities.
Smoke Bar in Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Perched atop Barangaroo House, Smoke Bar is a sleek rooftop destination offering panoramic harbour views, inventive cocktails, and a curated menu of elevated snacks and share plates. With live DJs and a sunset-ready vibe, it’s the perfect spot for Golden Hour—grab a drink, watch the sun dip over the water, and settle in for a stylish night out in the heart of Sydney.
Smoke Bar in Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Perched atop Barangaroo House, Smoke Bar is a sleek rooftop destination offering panoramic harbour views, inventive cocktails, and a curated menu of elevated snacks and share plates. With live DJs and a sunset-ready vibe, it’s the perfect spot for Golden Hour—grab a drink, watch the sun dip over the water, and settle in for a stylish night out in the heart of Sydney.
Pier One Sydney Harbour Hotel Credit: Pier One Sydney Harbour Hotel
Pier One Sydney Harbour welcomes canine guests in select Water View accommodation rooms, where four-legged friends can enjoy their own bed, food bowl and water bowl.
Pier One Sydney Harbour Hotel Credit: Pier One Sydney Harbour Hotel
Pier One Sydney Harbour welcomes canine guests in select Water View accommodation rooms, where four-legged friends can enjoy their own bed, food bowl and water bowl.
Reconnect and Recharge
Take time to switch off and reconnect with nature this summer. Start your day with sunrise yoga by the sea, float through a sound bath in Rose Bay, or join a forest bathing walk through Lane Cove National Park only 20 minutes from the heart of the city. For a truly unique experience, Wellness Afloat offers luxury wellness cruises on Sydney Harbour, combining movement, mindfulness and breathtaking views on the water. Less than an hour from the city and nestled near Scheyville National Park, retreats like Billabong Retreat and Swami's Yoga Retreat offer rejuvenating wellness escapes. Surrounded by the lush Cumberland Plain woodland, these sanctuaries invite you to restore and recharge.
Deepen Your Connection to Country
Discover Sydney’s rich Aboriginal heritage through immersive experiences like the Royal Botanic Garden’s Aboriginal Cultural Tours and the Burrawa BridgeClimb, which offer a unique perspective guided by First Nations storytellers. Don’t miss the powerful performances of Bangarra Dance Theatre’s seasonal program, showcasing contemporary Indigenous dance. At the Australian Museum, the Waranara Tour offers cultural insights into how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples became one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations. Meanwhile, the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ Yiribana Gallery is a dedicated space celebrating Indigenous art from across the country, showcasing diverse styles, media, and stories that span generations.
Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruises, Clark Island Credit: Destination NSW
Guests learning about the traditional culture, history and stories of Sydney Harbour on an Aboriginal guided tour with Tribal Warrior on Be-lang-le-wool (Clark Island), Sydney.
Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruises, Clark Island Credit: Destination NSW
Guests learning about the traditional culture, history and stories of Sydney Harbour on an Aboriginal guided tour with Tribal Warrior on Be-lang-le-wool (Clark Island), Sydney.
Billabong Retreat, Hawkesbury region Credit: Billabong Retreat
The yoga space at Billabong Retreat, in the Hawkesbury region northwest of Sydney.
Billabong Retreat, Hawkesbury region Credit: Billabong Retreat
The yoga space at Billabong Retreat, in the Hawkesbury region northwest of Sydney.
Sydney’s Summer Stage
The curtain rises with Back to the Future: The Musical bringing the nostalgic movie to life on stage at the Sydney Lyric Theatre while the outrageous musical comedy The Book of Mormon continues to entertain audiences throughout the season. Art lovers can immerse themselves in blockbuster Sydney International Art Series exhibitions, featuring the new Ron Mueck exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW and Data Dreams: Art and AI exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in The Rocks.
Wrap up the year with festive events across Sydney celebrating the festive season, followed by the city’s world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks lighting up the harbour. The excitement continues on the water with the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, a Boxing Day tradition that draws global attention as sleek racing yachts set sail from Sydney Harbour.
January kicks off with the Sydney Festival, a city-wide celebration of music, dance and theatre, followed by a packed program of free Australia Day in Sydney across the city on 26 January, bringing communities together with live entertainment, cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. And for high-speed thrills, the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix returns to the harbour, showcasing elite sailing in one of the world’s most spectacular settings.
Cricket takes centre stage with the Women’s T20I Series vs India and the final Test match of The Ashes at the Sydney Cricket Ground, while the AFC Women’s Asian Cup brings international football to Stadium Australia and Western Sydney Stadium. Finally, the summer season wraps with the vibrant Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
Destination NSW proudly supports a number of major summer events that enhance Sydney’s appeal and drive visitation across the season, including:
- Back to the Future: The Musical - Now showing at Sydney Lyric Theatre
- The Book of Mormon - Now showing at Capitol Theatre
- NRL Pacific Championship Finals - 9 November at CommBank Stadium
- SIAS: Data Dreams, Art and AI – 21 November until 26 April at Museum of Contemporary Art AustraliaSIAS: Ron Mueck, Encounter – 6 December to 12 April at Art Gallery of NSW
- Christmas in Sydney - December, various locations
- Cricket Australia Men’s Ashes – 4 to 8 January at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
- Sydney Festival - 8 to 25 January at various locations
- Australia Day in Sydney - 26 January at various locations
- Cricket Australia Women’s T20I Series vs India – 1st T20I - 15 February at SCG
- KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix - 28 February and 1 March on Sydney Harbour
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade - 28 February on Oxford
Whether it’s a weekend escape or a week-long adventure, Sydney is the place to be this summer. With world-class events, stunning waterscapes and vibrant culture, your days (and nights) will be packed with salty-skinned joy.
BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical Credit: Destination NSW
BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is coming to the Sydney Lyric from September for its Australian Premiere.
BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical Credit: Destination NSW
BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is coming to the Sydney Lyric from September for its Australian Premiere.
Oxford Street Fair, Sydney WorldPride 2023, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple celebrates at the Oxford Street Fair, a part of Sydney World Pride, a 17-day celebration of queer Australian people and culture, with more than 300 events across the city â?? including Sydney's famous Mardi Gras Parade.
Oxford Street Fair, Sydney WorldPride 2023, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple celebrates at the Oxford Street Fair, a part of Sydney World Pride, a 17-day celebration of queer Australian people and culture, with more than 300 events across the city â?? including Sydney's famous Mardi Gras Parade.
More Inspirational Stories
Snowies Alpine Walk, Snowy MountainsCredit: Destination NSW
A couple takes in the amazing views during a hike along the Snowies Alpine Walk, - Perisher to Bullocks Flat, Snowy Mountains, Snowy Mountains
Whether you’re an experienced bushwalker or you’re dipping your boot-clad toes into the world of multi-day hikes for the first time, you’ll find the perfect itinerary to match your walking style within the NSW Great Walks collection. From challenging treks through rainforests and gorges to spectacular coastal hikes and an epic alpine adventure, here’s a rundown of seven great walks that showcase the diversity of incredible landscapes you’ll encounter across New South Wales.
Walk on the edge of the sublime in the Blue Mountains
Enjoy a relatively gentle introduction to the joys of long hikes on the two-day, 19km Grand Cliff Top Walk in the Blue Mountains, a 75-minute drive or a two-hour train ride from Sydney.
Feel the burn as you navigate the often steep clifftop paths linking Wentworth Falls to the regional hub of Katoomba via the charming village of Leura, drinking in the natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, the panoramic views of the densely forested Jamison Valley and iconic rock formations like the Three Sisters.
Break up the trek by staying at a guesthouse or a self-contained cottage in Leura – or plan for one shorter day and one longer day with an indulgent stay at Fairmont Resort & Spa, as you’ll be passing through the resort grounds around a third of the way along the route.
Keen hikers can tackle the majority of the walk in a single day with Blue Mountains Adventure Company, or rest up at accommodation in Katoomba in between shorter days of walking when you book one of not-for-profit operator Emu Trekkers’ two-day guided walks or one of Blue Mountains Tracks & Retreats’ walking weekends.
Traipse between bushland and beaches on the South Coast
Hug a dramatic coastline as you ascend headlands and stroll along secluded sandy beaches on the three-day, 34km Murramarang South Coast Walk. You’ll walk the length of Murramarang National Park on the NSW South Coast, heading south from the national park’s Pretty Beach to the finishing point at Maloneys Beach near Batemans Bay.
Book a self-guided walk and you’ll overnight in a national park cabin at Depot Beach and then at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort in the town of South Durras, waking to the sight of kangaroos grazing in the beachfront dunes before lacing up your boots and beginning the new day’s adventure.
Take the weight of a loaded backpack off your shoulders when you join one of Region X’s three-day guided experiences, starting from Maloney Beach and heading north. (The Batemans Bay-based company also offers a shuttle service to drive you back to your car at the opposite end of the national park if you’ve done the self-guided walk.) Or connect with like-minded travellers on a women-only guided trek with Women Want Adventure.
Grand Cliff Top Walk, Wentworth Falls Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoying the heights and views of the Grand Cliff Top Walk, Wentworth Falls.
Grand Cliff Top Walk, Wentworth Falls Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoying the heights and views of the Grand Cliff Top Walk, Wentworth Falls.
Murramarang National Park, South Durras Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a scenic morning walk around Wasps Head, Murramarang National Park.Please check the NPWS website for alerts and closure information https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
Murramarang National Park, South Durras Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a scenic morning walk around Wasps Head, Murramarang National Park.Please check the NPWS website for alerts and closure information https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
Light up your days on the Sapphire Coast
Be dazzled by one of the gems of the Sapphire Coast as you trace the rocky coastline of the stunning Beowa National Park on the three-day, 32km Light to Light Walk. Begin your odyssey at the 1847 sandstone Boyds Tower near the whale-watching hub of Eden, and head south towards Green Cape Lighthouse, the southernmost lighthouse in NSW, passing clifftops, coastal heathland and eucalypt forest along the way.
Bring your own tents to spend nights in walk-in campsites during a self-guided three-day walk, or join guided expeditions with Navigate Expeditions (featuring an Aboriginal cultural kayaking tour), Sapphire Coast Guiding Co, Life’s An Adventure or Park Trek Walking Holidays.
Planning to come between May and July or between September and November? Be sure to bring binoculars to spy southern right and humpback whales breaching just off the coastline as they make their way to and from Antarctica.
Feel on top of the world in the Snowy Mountains
Keep your cool in the warmer months – November to April – by immersing in the alpine wonderland that is the Snowy Mountains on the four-day, 56km Snowies Alpine Walk. Walking through Kosciuszko National Park, around 5.5 hours from Sydney, you’ll cross Australia’s highest suspension bridge on your way from the ski resort town of Guthega to Charlotte Pass on your first day. Spend up to nine hours on day two following the rewarding Main Range Track, before hiking from Charlotte Pass Village to Perisher Valley and walking 12km on the final day to Bullocks Flat at Crackenback.
Tackle the self-guided four-day walk, pre-booking private accommodation or securing one of the national park lodges, arranging transfers with local operators and stocking up on supplies in the base town of Jindabyne.
Alternatively, join a guided multi-day tour with Life’s An Adventure, The Adventure Gene, Thredbo Guided Hikes, Australian Walking Holidays or Women Embrace Adventure.
Beowa National Park, Edrom Credit: Destination NSW
Walkers enjoying a guided tour with Light 2 Light Coastal Walks along a beach near Mowarry Point in Beowa National Park.
Beowa National Park, Edrom Credit: Destination NSW
Walkers enjoying a guided tour with Light 2 Light Coastal Walks along a beach near Mowarry Point in Beowa National Park.
Snowies Alpine Walk, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
A couple takes in the amazing views during a hike along the Snowies Alpine Walk, - Perisher to Bullocks Flat, Snowy Mountains, Snowy Mountains
Snowies Alpine Walk, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
A couple takes in the amazing views during a hike along the Snowies Alpine Walk, - Perisher to Bullocks Flat, Snowy Mountains, Snowy Mountains
Trek along a string of beaches in Port Stephens
Commit to the 27km Tomaree Coastal Walk in the Port Stephens region, an hour’s drive north of Newcastle or 2.5 hours from Sydney, and you’ll start in spectacular style. The two- to three-day walk begins with a steep climb to Tomaree National Park’s Tomaree Head Summit, where you can take in sweeping views of Nelson Bay, the surrounding coastline and nearby islands.
From Tomaree Head you’ll enjoy a 7km walk through the national park and sheltered Fingal Beach to the town of Fingal Bay, where you can rest up for the night in laidback accommodation like Fingal Bay Holiday Park. Wake refreshed, recharged and ready to follow the path along the jagged coastline for 11km to camp at One Mile or stay at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach. Then savour the walk to the finishing point at Anna Bay’s Birubi Beach, at the edge of the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere.
Hike from hut to hut in the Northern Tablelands
Draw on all of your extensive bushwalking experience and challenge yourself to complete the four-day, 65km Green Gully Track through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, around a 2.5-hour drive from the NSW North Coast town of Port Macquarie or the New England hub of Armidale.
Cross wild rivers carrying your backpack above your head and traverse extraordinary terrain, including Gondwana rainforest and the Apsley-Macleay gorges (one of Australia's largest gorge systems), on each full day of hiking, before recharging at restored stockman huts along the way.
You’ll need to make a booking to undertake the self-guided five-night trek, as you must reserve your group’s exclusive stays at each of the track’s huts and the trailhead cottage. Or enjoy a six-day guided hike with Aussie Bike or Hike – they can pick you up from Port Macquarie airport if you don’t want to drive.
Ramble through ancient rainforest near Byron Bay
Step into a dramatic landscape of ancient Gondwana rainforests, waterfalls and volcanic rims as you follow the four-day, 42km Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk through the lush Byron Bay and Tweed hinterland to the breathtaking Minyon Falls.
Tap your reserves of energy and use all your bushwalking skills as you navigate challenging trails and creek crossings linking Mount Jerusalem National Park, Nightcap National Park and Whian Whian State Conservation Area with a full backpack of supplies. Pitch the tent you’ve lugged all day on an elevated timber platform in each of the three secluded walk-in campsites along the way. You can make it a little easier on yourself by booking Connect Adventures’ guided pack-free walk, or opt for Byron Bay-based Vision Walks Eco Tours’ offering to savour the prospect of luxury camping at the end of each day’s effort.
Note to editors:
Some guided tours of the Light to Light Walk would normally feature a stay at Green Cape Lightstation Keepers’ Cottages; the cottages are closed for renovations in the second half of 2025.
Tomaree Coastal Walk Credit: TomareeCoastalWalk_TomareeHeadSummit_credit DParsons DPE
Tomaree Coastal Walk - Tomaree Head Summit
Tomaree Coastal Walk Credit: TomareeCoastalWalk_TomareeHeadSummit_credit DParsons DPE
Tomaree Coastal Walk - Tomaree Head Summit
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Walcha Credit: Destination NSW
Pedestrian suspension bridge located in Oxley Rivers National Park, Walcha.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Walcha Credit: Destination NSW
Pedestrian suspension bridge located in Oxley Rivers National Park, Walcha.