Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue MountainsCredit: Destination NSW
Hikers enjoy the view at the Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains.
From practising mindfulness in Sydney and stretching out on a yoga retreat in Byron Bay to rejuvenating retreats in wine country and immersing in incredible natural beauty all across the state, here’s how to rest, reset and recharge via a wellness-focused holiday in New South Wales.
Seek out wellness experiences in Sydney
There are plenty of ways to reconnect with yourself and support your wellbeing in Sydney. You may want to treat yourself to a full-body massage at Capella Sydney’s serene Auriga Spa – you’ll walk away from the centrally located luxury hotel with a welcome inner glow.
Restore your sense of balance as you stretch out on a buoyant board anchored off the beach at Rose Bay during a memorable session of Aqua Sculpt Floating Pilates. Or feel at one with the ocean as you forage for edible seaweeds and coastal wild food with educator Diego Bonetto – during a three-hour workshop you’ll roam the coastline from Gordons Bay to Clovelly in the city’s east.
Weave your way into a state of mindfulness via a macramé-making session at Little Lane Workshops in the Northern Beaches suburb of Warriewood. Or lose yourself in the music as you take a dance class at Sydney Dance Company’s harbourside Wharf Studios in the Walsh Bay arts precinct.
As night falls, feed body and soul when you attend a Pay It Forward Dinner on a Wednesday or Thursday evening at Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney in Surry Hills – for every dinner served, the food charity provides a tasty lunch to at least four people in need.
Bliss out in Byron Bay
You’ll be spoilt for choice of life-affirming activities in Byron Bay, the wellness capital of northern NSW.
Still your mind during a five-night or seven-night residential retreat at Byron Yoga Centre, a few minutes’ drive from the town centre. Or opt for the centre’s bed-and-breakfast package and add on yoga, massage and sauna sessions to suit your mood and your body’s needs.
Dive under the breaking waves and revel in the sense of freedom your surfboard brings during a private two-hour lesson with Byron Bay’s Soul Surf School. Or watch from the shore as local surfers effortlessly catch waves while you follow Bundjalung woman Delta Kay of Explore Byron Bay on an inspiring Walgun Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour.
Synch with nature as you sample bush tucker on a complimentary ranger-guided walk through Elements of Byron’s native forest and wetlands when you stay the luxury resort just north of the town centre.
Or base yourself at Sugar Beach Ranch in nearby Ballina, which offers bungalow and camping stays as well as extraordinary encounters with its horses. Experience the unique dynamic between horse and human during an equine therapy session – a powerful tool for healing and enhancing your emotional intelligence.
Elements of Byron Bay, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Elements of Byron guests enjoying morning beachfront yoga sessions, Byron Bay.
Elements of Byron Bay, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Elements of Byron guests enjoying morning beachfront yoga sessions, Byron Bay.
Relax in a river town
Lean into the laid-back vibe of Coffs Harbour, a 2.5-hour drive south of Byron Bay on the NSW North Coast, as you relax and rejuvenate in an idyllic setting. Drop in for a yoga or Pilates session, or simply enjoy a tension-melting massage, at the welcoming Shala Wellness centre.
For something more adventurous try OzFoiling, a low-impact, water-based wellness experience where you glide above the river on an electric hydrofoil board. It’s a graceful, fun-filled way to connect with nature and develop a fun new skill.
Look forward to lazy days by the beach when you stay in town, or base yourself in the charming hinterland hub of Bellingen, around a 30-minute drive away from Coffs Harbour.
Book a tiny house or a glamping tent at Levenvale Farm, a certified organic cattle farm outside of Bellingen, and feel yourself unwind as you drink in the rainforest and farmland views. Or enjoy a classic country escape at The Lodge Bellingen and ease tired muscles in the heated magnesium spa.
Wind down in wine country
Discover unique wellness stays among the vineyards in the Hunter Valley, a two-hour drive north of Sydney. Check into one of The Wellness Farm’s lovely villas, cottage or homestead, enjoy a private massage or even an intravenous vitamin infusion in the comfort of your own room, then relax as Pokolbin’s Stay n' Sip brings a wine-tasting experience to your door.
Sleep deeply in your spacious suite at Elysia Wellness Retreat in Pokolbin on a casual stay or as part of an all-inclusive retreat. Opt for the retreat and spend days soaking up knowledge in wellness seminars, doing breath work and tai chi or simply enjoying spa treatments in between nourishing meals.
Linger in the valley on your last day and head over to Margan winery in Broke for a Garden Tour & Dine tour of the vineyard and its one-hectare kitchen garden. Here you’ll learn about the estate’s regenerative farming and sustainability credentials before savouring a farm-to-table tasting menu at its renowned Margan Restaurant.
Roadtrip in a campervan, Bellingen Credit: Destination NSW
Yellow campervan driving down country roads in Bellingen
Roadtrip in a campervan, Bellingen Credit: Destination NSW
Yellow campervan driving down country roads in Bellingen
Elysia Wellness Retreat, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Woman doing some yoga in the sun at Elysia Wellness Retreat in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley.
Elysia Wellness Retreat, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Woman doing some yoga in the sun at Elysia Wellness Retreat in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley.
Challenge yourself in the mountains
Surround yourself with the sublime in Blue Mountains west of Sydney and you’ll return home feeling on top of the world. See a different side of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park as you abseil down dramatic gorges on a private canyoning adventure with Blue Mountains Climbing School, or hike through spectacular scenery on a Grand Canyon Walk with Tread Lightly Eco Tours.
Reward yourself for your efforts and stretch out aching calf muscles with a luxe treatment at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery’s Ubika Day Spa outside of Leura.
And make sure to schedule in a low-intensity day of grazing on nourishing food at villages across the mountains before taking inspiration from a one-on-one art class with an experienced art educator at Creative Abyss, in the lower Blue Mountains suburb of Winmalee.
Nourish yourself in Mudgee
Find relaxed vibes among the vines in the wine region of Mudgee, a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Sydney, or two hours from the Blue Mountains.
Relish the sense of seclusion you’ll experience when you check into a luxe eco-tent and slip into your outdoor bathtub at Sierra Escape, around a 20 minute drive outside of the Mudgee town centre.
Freshen up and head out for a delicious meal of organic and biodynamic fare at The Zin House restaurant at the nearby Lowe wine estate. Or book ahead to enjoy Indigiearth’s Warakirri Dining Experience, where Ngemba Weilwan woman and chef Sharon Winsor guides you through a five-course degustation celebrating Aboriginal cuisine and native bush foods.
Sweat out toxins in an infrared sauna or chill out in an ice bath at Mudgee wellness centre Sense of Solis, or follow an infrared sauna with a private float session in magnesium-rich water at The Clairfield Hotel’s Jila Wellness.
Then embrace the natural beauty of the region on foot as you tackle The Drip walking track in Goulburn River National Park, or glide through the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park with Southern Cross Kayaking.
Slow down on the South Coast
You’ll find welcoming sanctuaries all along the magical NSW South Coast, including in the stunning Jervis Bay area. Tune into the soundtrack of birdcall and you soak in a freestanding tub at your elevated tent at Paperbark Camp. Then prepare for a thrilling expedition with Woebegone Freedive, who’ll take you snorkelling and swimming among resident fur seals and dolphins – and migrating whales in season – in the sheltered waters of Jervis Bay.
Or head over to Life Centre Holistic Health and Wellness, around a 20-minute drive back towards the Princes Highway from Paperbark Camp, to expel toxins in the centre’s infrared sauna or dry barrel sauna, find serenity via a breathwork session, or meditate within a magnesium-water float tank in a peaceful bushland setting.
Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel Credit: Destination NSW
Entrance to the Ubika Day Spa inside the Fairmont Resort & Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains.
Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel Credit: Destination NSW
Entrance to the Ubika Day Spa inside the Fairmont Resort & Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains.
The Zin House, Eurunderee Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drink at The Zin House restaurant in Eurunderee near Mudgee.
The Zin House, Eurunderee Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drink at The Zin House restaurant in Eurunderee near Mudgee.
Recharge in Western Sydney
Western Sydney offers a refreshing mix of nature, culture and wellness. Just 45 minutes from the Sydney CBD, Billabong Retreat is a tranquil sanctuary nestled in bushland, where you can unwind with yoga, meditation and locally-sourced organic wholefoods.
For something a little more high-energy, head to URBNSURF Sydney at Sydney Olympic Park. It is Sydney’s first urban surf park, offering consistent, quality waves for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re catching waves in the lagoon, relaxing in a cabana or enjoying a meal at RAFI or Sandy’s, it’s a dynamic wellness experience.
Or, step into serenity at Moroccan Hammam in Parramatta. Moroccan Hammam is a women-only bathhouse offering traditional treatments including Moroccan beldi (black) soap, clay masks and massages in a space that transports you to the medina of Marrakesh.
URBNSURF, Homebush Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arrives at Australia's best urban surfpark, URBNSURF, Homebush
URBNSURF, Homebush Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arrives at Australia's best urban surfpark, URBNSURF, Homebush
More Inspirational Stories
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.