Bondi to Manly Walk, Bondi BeachCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk along Bondi Beach, Sydney.
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From sun-drenched beach swims to surprising new ways to play, Sydney's golden days are extraordinary – throughout spring, summer and well beyond. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of the city’s stunning rays.
Become part of the harbour’s sparkle
Let Sydney Harbour fill you with inspiration as light dances across the harbour’s surface on an early-morning adventure with Ozpaddle, or take your place on the water on a boat adventure with EastSail or My Sydney Boat. If you’d prefer to stay ashore, enjoy long, sunny days exploring the harbour’s secret beaches and islands, then roll into twilight and wonder at the city’s glittering skyline. Come nightfall, relish in the harbour backdrop as you dive into world-class events at the Sydney Opera House and world-class dining at Bennelong.
Reconnect with nature at sunrise
Wake up with the animals at the Roar & Snore accommodation experience at Taronga Zoo, salute the sun with a free Yoga Under the Bridge class or ease into the day with a stand-up paddleboarding adventure from Manly Kayak Centre. Back on land, see the sandstone cliffs and world-famous beaches on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, enjoying the cafes and kiosks along the way, or head inland to Lake Parramatta, Western Sydney Parklands or Ku-ring-gai National Park for a gentle meander through lush bushland.
Sydney Harbour Boat Tours, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
With Sydney Harbour Boat Tours, discover the hidden gems on Sydney Harbour. Small-group personalised experiences where you will see wildlife including whales, dolphins and seals. Stop in at secluded national park bays and beaches.
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Sydney Harbour Boat Tours, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
With Sydney Harbour Boat Tours, discover the hidden gems on Sydney Harbour. Small-group personalised experiences where you will see wildlife including whales, dolphins and seals. Stop in at secluded national park bays and beaches.
Taronga Zoo, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Resident giraffes at Taronga Zoo, Mosman in Sydney.
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Taronga Zoo, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Resident giraffes at Taronga Zoo, Mosman in Sydney.
Drift off to the sounds of the sea
Sun, surf and sunshine make every beach holiday worthwhile – but it’s staying in laidback luxury that make a Sydney holiday sing. Kick back and relax at Lilypad Palm Beach, a floating villa surrounded by the beauty of Palm Beach and/or dine or wine at Jonah’s Whale Beach, after a day spent exploring the Northern Beaches peninsula. Post sunset, soak up views of Sydney’s sparkling harbour from the comfort of your suite at Pier One Sydney Harbour, Four Seasons Hotel, W Sydney, Sebel Quay West, or Ovolo Woolloomooloo.
Be revitalised by a new rush
Feel on top of the world as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Aboriginal storyteller on BridgeClimb’s Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience. Take a scenic Sydney Seaplanes flight, then learn to surf in Bondi or Manly – the sweeping views between these two seaside suburbs are worth checking out on one of Sydney’s most epic trails: the Bondi to Manly Walk. Head south of the city to Cronulla for more incredible surfing, plus access to the jaw-dropping 26km Coast Track through the Royal National Park. Here you can continue your adventures by mountain bike riding the Loftus loop trail, or hiring a canoe or kayak from Audley Boat Shed.
Make the most of the long, warm nights
The energy is electric come nightfall in Sydney, as a balmy breeze casts its spell across the city. Assemble your crew for drinks with a view at Henry Deane, Smoke, Aster or Opera Bar, or clink glasses in YCK Laneways’ secret speakeasies. Then make the most of Sydney’s jam-packed calendar of sporting events, theatre shows and live music, or head to the Inner West for a headline gig at the Enmore Theatre, NSW's longest-running theatre. Afterwards, debrief over a late-night feast in Darling Quarter (near Darling Harbour) or Chinatown.
Jonah's, Whale Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying ocean views from Jonah's on Whale Beach.
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Jonah's, Whale Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying ocean views from Jonah's on Whale Beach.
Sydney Seaplanes, Rose Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a pre-flight champagne before departing on their Sydney Seaplanes experience from Rose Bay, Sydney.
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Sydney Seaplanes, Rose Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a pre-flight champagne before departing on their Sydney Seaplanes experience from Rose Bay, Sydney.
Revive your spirit in soothing waters
With a plethora of beaches between Cronulla and Palm Beach, Sydney is a saltwater playground for every swimmer. Strap on your snorkel and immerse yourself in the marine wonderland of Cabbage Tree Bay or get your wildlife fix on dry land at Cape Solander, where whales migrate past the soaring sandstone escarpment (peak season is around June and July). When it’s time to just kick back and rejuvenate, make it your mission to visit each of the city’s outdoor pools, stunning oceanside swimming spots, many of which have been spectacularly carved into the rock.
Plate up new memories
Match these shiny days with memorable foodie experiences across the city. Savour fresh seafood at the Sydney Fish Market, enjoy a long lunch on the water at Catalina, dine al fresco on the Woolloomooloo wharf or let your tastebuds guide you through Chinatown, where there’s an incredible mix of cuisines from Cantonese to Korean barbecue, plus cocktails and excellent yum cha.
Let curiosity lead you out of town
With so many incredible holiday hubs within easy reach of the city, why not savour a scenic day trip? Journey south and follow the Grand Pacific Drive across the Sea Cliff Bridge for a memorable day on the South Coast. Head north and beach hop along the Central Coast or west to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains for a day of wild walks, grand gardens, intriguing caves and cable-car adventures.
Beyond Skyway, Katoomba Credit: Cam Jones Imagery
Man atop the Scenic Skyway cabin as part of the Beyond Skyway experience at Scenic World, Katoomba.
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Beyond Skyway, Katoomba Credit: Cam Jones Imagery
Man atop the Scenic Skyway cabin as part of the Beyond Skyway experience at Scenic World, Katoomba.
Mahon Pool, Maroubra Credit: Destination NSW
Swimmers enjoying Mahon Pool, Maroubra.
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Mahon Pool, Maroubra Credit: Destination NSW
Swimmers enjoying Mahon Pool, Maroubra.
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
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Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
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Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands