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.

Celebrate the Spirit of Sydney

Summertime is peak Sydney, and the city is buzzing with the Sydney Festival - a cultural talent wave that includes live acts under the stars, thespians, poets, acrobats, singers and unexpected art instillations. 

Slip into your favourite leopard print for nights of purely ‘beastly’ entertainment. Siegfred & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera tells the glam/tragic story of the late Las Vegas pair - the illusionist and the big cat whisperer. Award-winning tenor, Kanen Breen is the ill-fated tiger-wrangler, Roy, and acclaimed baritone Christopher Tonkin is absolutely mesmerising as the illusionist Siegfried. 

Then consider taking in Animal by Canada’s acclaimed Cirque Alfonse at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres in Western Sydney. Animal is a journey of discovery through a series of `Insta-worthy’ farm fables, which includes jaw-dropping acrobatics, daring juggling feats, tap dancing, absurd humour and even a tractor doing wheelies, all designed to have you in a spin.

Parramatta Park is also the setting for Sydney Symphony Under the Stars a spectacular night of classical music, which culminates in fireworks, on January 18. The newly opened Sydney Metro West takes around 20 minutes from the CBD to Parramatta. 

Back at Harbourside, The Moonshine Bar on the waterfront at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is set to become your festival hangout at The Thirsty Mile, which boasts seven theatres, exhibition spaces and so much more. 

This bar has many personalities, There’s a Colour Maze, for kids and a cafe by day and free music and DJs by night. It’s like having your own club, only with no membership fees or dress code. 

Reflect, Respect and Honour for Australia Day 

The essence of our culture is the Dawn Reflection and WugulOra Morning Ceremony to acknowledge Australia’s shared history and First Nations people. Thrill to the Ferrython as Sydney’s favourite vessels compete to cheers from the crowd. At Midday, Royal Australian Air Force Roulettese will soar above the sky. There’s also regattas, tall ships, wheelchair marathons and a Mega Kids Zone at Circular Quay, which is just a few of the events. Then put on your dancing shoes for the free Australia Day concert at the Opera House, headlined way Ben Lee, Sheppard and Dragon.

Savour the City's Decadent Dining

Follow the rumble of the Martini Trolley at Bar Tilda, just a short stroll from the Sydney Opera House at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, which recently had a $70 million facelift. Bar Tilda is just one of the hotel’s enticing bars and restaurants. Take an elevator ride to the fifth floor (once a sacred site for Sydney’s socialites), to discover Delta Rue, a lively Vietnamese-French restaurant, which is getting rave reviews. 

Alternatively, dive into Neptune’s Grotto, a subterranean restaurant also close to Circular Quay that is decorated with a life-size classical stature of Neptune, so you’re in excellent company. With Italian pop music pumping, nab one of the booths and order a feast of Northern Italian food. 

When you’re hungry for something spicy at lunchtime, this Malay Chinese noodle bar, tucked away in an arcade between George and Pitt Streets, near Circular Quay is unbeatable. Eat lunch early or join the queue, which lengthens around 12.30pm weekdays for a bowl of Prawn Laksa or any other noodle dish you fancy. It’s a taste sensation but it is hot, so bring plenty of tissues. But note, it’s only open Monday to Friday. 

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 nab one 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 Beat Goes On At The People’s Playground

Nielsen Park and the netted Shark Beach is quite simply ravishingly beautiful with a dress circle view of the harbour. This incredible spot has only just reopened after two long summers. Grab some fish and chips and an Aperol Spritz from The Kiosk and find yourself a wooden table and chairs outside. Also on offer, lush green parkland for the perfect picnic and sublime coastal walks. Best of all, it’s just a short drive from the city or take the 325 bus.

Go Boho In Bondi 

Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and Promenade Bondi Beach, 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, UpSouth 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 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.

Finish your day with some soothing drinks at The Library Bar at the State Library of New South Wales or head across to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.

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 MGallery with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. Book into the hotel’s soon-to-be-opened beach-facing eatery, Cibaria. It’s billed as a `Spaghetteria Bisteccheria Gelateria’ with a dining pedigree, controlled by one of the city’s best chefs and lashings of Italian hospitality. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from the ocean front.

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, Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads, and Henry G’s Wine Parlour, which promises an unparalleled experience blending curated wines, delectable pintxos, and an ambience that pays homage to the timeless allure of the 1800s. 

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 Shelly Beach where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips and drink in the celebratory atmosphere with the laid back locals. 

Discover 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 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.
 

Go Outlet Shopping For Local Designer Fashion In Rosebery 

Some of Australia’s best known designer labels including Zimmermann; Aje; Camilla & Marc, Viktoria & Woods and Rebecca Vallance and Bassike are located at the historic fashion and lifestyle precinct, Rosebery Engine Yards. Recharge after your shop with delicious Gelato Messina, also on site, or treat yourself at Lune Crossianterie, renowned for its exceptional crossiants.

Congratulations, you have now enjoyed a sparkling taste of Sydney at its best.