Bondi Beach, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Swimmers heading out into the ocean from Bondi Beach, Sydney.
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A supercharged calendar packed with world-class shows and showdowns. Music in the balmy night air. The sparkling sunshine spotlighting all the new places, adventures and memories you’ll make. And everywhere, the joy of surprise as you go with the flow in a place where all great things seem possible… There’s nowhere like Sydney in the summer. Ready to make this one your best ever? Here is your ultimate go-outside-and-play list…
Be welcomed into Sydney’s heart
Peek beneath the city’s glittery surface and you’ll see its inclusive heart brings people together. Be inspired as Bangarra Dance Theatre shares Australia’s cultural heritage through powerful Aboriginal storytelling; and get festive as NOËL Sydney brings the Christmas magic with markets, music and spectacular light shows. Dance into the new year as ELEVATE Sydney transforms the Cahill Expressway into party central for four funk-filled days, and as Sydney WorldPride 2023 celebrates all the colours of the LGBTQIA+ rainbow. And, all summer long you can add your voice to the grandstand’s roar as international tennis, cricket and more sporting showdowns makes communities come together to cheer as one.
Set your imagination free
Enjoy every type of creativity under the sun as shows and shindigs light up the city. Since 1871, the Art Gallery of NSW has been a mecca for masterpieces – now it’s a work of art itself, with the Sydney Modern Project unveiling a brand new building, outdoor spaces, and dynamic galleries. At the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sydney International Art Series hosts Do Ho Suh’s first solo exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, and you can look behind the seams of designer Carla Zampatti’s life in a world-first retrospective at the Powerhouse. The inspiration continues at the Sydney Festival, with a landmark Frida Kahlo installation, music evoked by Brett Whiteley’s paintings, and performances at 39 venues from Sydney Town Hall to the Riverside Theatres.
ELEVATE Sydney, 2022 Credit: Destination NSW
ELEVATE Sydney, 2022
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ELEVATE Sydney, 2022 Credit: Destination NSW
ELEVATE Sydney, 2022
Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon Credit: Sydney Festival
For the first time in Australia, a unique biographical exhibition allows you to better understand Frida Kahlo, the woman whose perseverance, rebellion and talent placed her eons ahead of her time.
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Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon Credit: Sydney Festival
For the first time in Australia, a unique biographical exhibition allows you to better understand Frida Kahlo, the woman whose perseverance, rebellion and talent placed her eons ahead of her time.
Linger a little longer over a special meal
Refreshing seafood; tangy tropical fruit; the sheer joy of all things barbecued and savoured alfresco… summer serves memorable dining on a platter, and Sydney has a delicious spread of new experiences to tingle your tastebuds. Feast on a fiesta of flavours at two OPEN FOR LUNCH events on 2 December – George Street rolls out a culinary extravaganza with live music and bites from Luke Mangan, Mimi’s and Totti’s; meanwhile at Commbank Stadium, there’s entertainment and a three-course menu designed by Matt Moran. Plus, there are a number of just-opened eateries to explore across the city. At The Charles, there’s elegant eats and Art Deco styling; Maydanoz offers delicious Turkish fare; across the harbour, RAFI’s alfresco areas are the perfect spot to indulge in a chef’s choice banquet; and in Inner Sydney, both Gildas and Fontana plate up standout dishes as colourful as their eclectic surrounds.
Be moved by musical performances
From Field Day’s beats to The Enmore’s indie riffs, Sydney’s summer concerts will make your toes tap – and a range of musicals will move your heart. Feel uplifted as Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of human connection at the Theatre Royal, and as you sing along with the hilarious Cinderella at Sydney Lyric Theatre. Watch your little ones’ faces light up as Madagascar the Musical takes you all on a wild adventure. And immerse yourself in drama as the harbour’s shimmering scenery stars in Carmen on Cockatoo Island – a contemporary remix of the opera classic featuring awe-inspiring fireworks and thrilling car chases.
Take your place in a living postcard
Wash away the everyday on Sydney Harbour. Feel your adrenaline surge as super-maxis thunder across the harbour as the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race begins, and as nine teams battle it out at the SailGP. For a change of pace, explore its secret beaches from your own private charter, or get your hit of Vitamin Sea on a kayak tour, where the sunrise’s golden glow makes you feel like you have this magical playground all to yourself.
The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar, Sydney
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The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar, Sydney
Sailing, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over a sail boat on Sydney Harbour.
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Sailing, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over a sail boat on Sydney Harbour.
Renew your view and fill your cup
At the city’s freshest rooftop bars, sweeping views make every night feel young. Reconnect with friends at the brand-new Aster Bar, where there’s jaw-dropping 32nd-floor vistas and the expert mixologists create cocktails right at your table. On Crown Towers Sydney’s 26th floor in buzzing Barangaroo, CIRQ offers sophisticated outdoor spaces and bespoke cocktails starring native botanicals. At Zephyr in nearby Darling Harbour, the panoramas are as impressive as the exclusive spirits. And, refresh your perspective with a sky-high thrill – ride to a new rush at Luna Park, see the cityscape through First Nations eyes on a Burrawa BridgeClimb, and explore by door-less helicopter.
Wake up to new inspiration
Sydney’s always adding fresh sparkles to its skyline, and you can sleep amongst them at just-opened stays across the city. In pulsing Paddington, Oxford House offers laidback luxe rooms, eclectic artwork and plush amenities; in nearby Surry Hills, the ultra-cool Ace Hotel pays homage to its former life as an historic brick factory with industrial-chic interiors. In the city centre, the heritage Porter House boasts stylish suites as well as a modern brasserie, delicatessen and lively bar. Beside the harbour, take your pick of dreamy retreats – breathe in the vistas at the just-refurbished Intercontinental Sydney, nestled between the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge; or glamp at historic Cockatoo Island.
Aster Bar Credit: InterContinental Sydney
Aster Bar, InterContinental Sydney
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Aster Bar Credit: InterContinental Sydney
Aster Bar, InterContinental Sydney
Ace Hotel, Sydney Credit: Ace Hotels
The first southern hemisphere hotel from the Ace Hotel Group has now opened in Surry Hills, Sydney
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Ace Hotel, Sydney Credit: Ace Hotels
The first southern hemisphere hotel from the Ace Hotel Group has now opened in Surry Hills, Sydney
More Inspirational Stories
Mulwala Water Ski Club, MulwalaCredit: Destination NSW
Mulwala Water Ski Club located in the Riverina Murray region in Mulwala, offers an outdoor bar and casual relaxed dining overlooking Lake Mulwala. Learn to water ski on a world-class, private, twin lake the Max Kirwan Ski Park.
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Cool off with an adventure: NSW is a watersports playground
Mulwala Water Ski Club, Mulwala Credit: Destination NSW
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Hot sands, wild rivers, bays with towers of coral and waves that curl like a rockabilly quiff – NSW is a paradise for adventure on and under the water. For adrenaline-chasers, there are world-class waves and whitewater runs, foils and jet boats built for speed, and reefs home to sharks and turtles. For the quiet adventurers, try paddleboard expeditions, fishing for rainbow trout and bass in pristine rivers, and colourful snorkelling spots.
Your next adrenaline hit
Surfing may be the famous action-hero of the NSW watersports scene, but the state’s rivers, lakes, bays and beaches also host a huge diversity of aquatic adventures to get the heart racing. Take in Sydney Harbour’s icons, while spinning, splashing and thundering past in a jet boat with Oz Jet Boating or Thunder Jet Boat. In Western Sydney, Penrith is a hub for adventure. Penrith Whitewater Stadium, purpose-built for the 2000 Olympics, is uniquely set up for both beginner paddling and intense raft adventures, as well as kayak courses where you can test yourself against Olympic times; Cables Wake Park teaches you to wakeboard via zipline (jumps and obstacles included); and Jet Pack Adventures lets you feel like a water-powered Iron Man.
In Brooklyn, on the Hawkesbury River, Jet Ski Safaris will take you around the bends of the river at 30 knots, while Fliteschool Manly and OzFoiling (with multiple locations on the Mid North Coast) will teach you how to cruise the coastline via eFoil, a motorised surfboard that glides above the water like an elegant seabird. Outside of Sydney, on the Murray River, encounter one of the greatest and oldest waterski clubs in the world at Mulwala Water Ski Club.
Find a wave
With reliable breaks on some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, NSW is a premium spot on the international surf circuit. Surfers with their own board and years of experience behind them can find world-class waves all up the coast while newbies can join in on a surfing lesson, all you have to do is choose which one and which beach. You can also practice on a perfectly shaped, perfectly reliable wave (with multiple options suitable for beginners or experts) at URBNSURF, Olympic Park’s surf park, and finish off with a meal at RAFI, the onsite Applejack-run restaurant and bar that overlooks the waves.
URBNSURF Sydney Credit: Applejack_Sandy’s_URBNSURF Sydney
URBNSURF Sydney
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URBNSURF Sydney Credit: Applejack_Sandy’s_URBNSURF Sydney
URBNSURF Sydney
Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Experience the incredible speed of the red shark boats as they blast across Sydney harbour at high speed with Oz Jet Boating.
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Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Experience the incredible speed of the red shark boats as they blast across Sydney harbour at high speed with Oz Jet Boating.
Explore NSW’s coral reefs
The pristine, ecologically rich seas of NSW have seen the development of 10 protected marine parks covering more than 100,000 square kilometres, offering a haven to wildly diverse range of sea life. Beyond those areas, in the harbour and the bays of the coastal cities, there are also vibrant ecosystems ripe for snorkel or scuba dive trips. Self-guided snorkelling can be done in most places along the coast and, provided you have the equipment and training, so can diving. Or learn the ropes with a tour. Woebegone Expeditions and Courses will teach you how to explore the reefs of the South Coast with safe, freediving techniques; Region X Snorkel Tours has you jumping off a kayak with a snorkel around Batemans Bay; and Ecotreasures fits in a headland walk between time in the aquatic reserve around Manly. For new divers, you can explore the lower North Coast with Jetty Dive Centre or the tropical far North Coast with Cooly Eco Adventures. While Sydney Underwater Scooters will set you up with a handheld swim-assister and show you the clear waters and underwater fauna of Sydney’s Gordon’s Bay.
Paddling sunrise to sunset
Every river, bay and lake has a different scene and a different story, and cruising on a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lets you discover at your own pace. NSW is also full of explorers and local experts ready to guide you along the way. In Sydney, Sydney Harbour Kayaks and Sydney by Kayak will introduce you to the harbour at its multicolour best with dawn and dusk paddles. Manly Kayak Centre has both hire and guided options for kayaks and SUP, as well as giving you the opportunity to try your hand at SUPBALL, which is like polo but replaces the horse with a SUP. Cronulla SUP and Balmoral Paddlesurf let you explore less famous, but no less beautiful, beaches of Sydney’s south and north respectively.
On the Sapphire Coast combine your next river adventure with a story, like on Navigate Expeditions’ Aboriginal Culture Tour, where you journey into the land’s Indigenous heritage, or a Kayak and Shuck Tour where you visit the oyster farms. On the North Coast, social enterprise and SUP tour guides Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours offers cultural eco-tourism on a paddleboard around the pristine waters of Solitary Island Marine Park. Not far away in The Tweed, Watersports Guru offers SUP lessons and hire, allowing you to cruise the waters Cudgen Creek while taking in the local birdlife – if you’re lucky you may even see a pod of dolphins.
Reel in a new experience
With pristine rivers and wild oceans, NSW is a dream for fishing for both newbies and those looking for the next big catch. Out on the oceans of the South Coast Kiama Charter Service will help you pull in your first deep-sea fish (go for blue-eye trevalla, gemfish or hapuka). While Port Macquarie Fishing Charters, Reel Ocean Adventures (in Tuncurry) and Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters, provide the boats, deep-sea equipment and vibes on the North Coast. Inland, learn traditional yabbying in the bush at Narrabri Fish Farm, or set up your own line on NSW’s most epic jetties at Coffs Harbour, Lake Macquarie and Lake St Clair in the Hunter Valley. If you know the ways of a fly fisher, the Snowy Mountains and Blue Mountains are the hot spots.
Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a day of kayaking on Sydney Harbour.
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Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a day of kayaking on Sydney Harbour.
Navigate Expeditions, Kalaru Credit: Destination NSW
Guests on a walking tour with Navigate Expeditions in Kalaru
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Navigate Expeditions, Kalaru Credit: Destination NSW
Guests on a walking tour with Navigate Expeditions in Kalaru