Bondi Icebergs, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Woman out for a morning swim at Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach.
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Warm nights, days jam-packed with opportunities and an infectious enthusiasm you can feel on the street – Sydney’s summer is the time to embrace life. Spend the morning in an ocean pool beautiful enough to be on a postcard, dine as if eating is your only plan for the day, find a new summer look and spend the evening with a drink the colour of the sunset, before walking through the historic doors of an iconic theatre.
Lap up long days by the pool
Step beyond the beaches to uncover an array of spectacular swimming pools carved or built into the side of Sydney’s iconic coastline. Get your laps in or simply cool down and enjoy the scenery at your choice of more than 30 ocean and harbour pools between Cronulla and Palm Beach, including the historic Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain; Sydney institution Bondi Icebergs (drop in for a sauna with the locals once you’re done); and one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets the MacCallum Pool, which has been offering ridiculous harbour views since the 1920s. Or soak in the peaceful bush settings of freshwater waterholes like Bents Basin near Penrith and Camden, and Manly Dam on the Northern Beaches.
Long lunch in the city
The city isn’t just about the quick mid-week lunch hustle; the alleyways and ornate doors of the main streets hold beautiful dining rooms primed for you to long lunch like someone who’s never even seen a calendar. Embrace the Mediterranean slow food philosophy at one of the city’s great Italian restaurants: Grana, housed in a former wool store near Circular Quay is famous for milling their own flour (for bread and fresh made pasta) with NSW heritage grains; while Bar Totti’s is a bustling, street-side dining option great for a margarita or a few pastas and a tiramisu. Or gather a crew for a banquet of handmade dumplings and Cantonese roast meats at Mr Wong; an up-market seafood feast at XOPP (housed inside the architecturally striking centre of Darling Square); or a vegetable-forward spread at the lauded Turkish restaurant Maydanoz. To live out a lunch of ultimate luxury, order a signature martini, caviar and a seafood platter at the multi-level Shell House in Wynyard.
Embrace the morning golden hour
Make the most of Sydney’s spectacular summer days by rising with the sun. To take in views of the harbour and the Pacific while they’re painted with the pastel palette of dawn colours, take the short trek from your parking spot at Camp Cove Beach to Hornby Lighthouse at South Head. More of a morning mover? Then salute the new day with a sunrise surf in Manly or an invigorating Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour that takes you underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Or, lace your walking shoes and breathe in the fresh morning air on a scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee, Dover Heights to Watsons Bay; or Manly to North Head. For some iconic postcard snaps, set up for the morning sun at Dawes Point Park in The Rocks or Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay for views of the Sydney Opera House.
Cronulla Rock Pool, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a day in the sun at Cronulla Rock Pool, Cronulla.
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Cronulla Rock Pool, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a day in the sun at Cronulla Rock Pool, Cronulla.
ivy precinct, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The rooftop Pool Club located inside the ivy precinct, Sydney.
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ivy precinct, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The rooftop Pool Club located inside the ivy precinct, Sydney.
Find a new summer look for you and your pantry
Every weekend, Sydney’s ‘burbs transform into bustling marketplaces with artisans and vintage traders showing off their eclectic best to locals and travellers. Plan your weekend around finding a new outfit, with a snack along the way, at the markets in The Rocks, Chinatown, Glebe, Paddington, Bondi, Rozelle and Bare Island. Whether you’re shopping for the week ahead or grazing from stall to stall, Carriageworks, Marrickville and Sutherland have a particularly good spread of produce, with many NSW famers and local chefs behind the stalls. For a purely fashion-led session of retail therapy, Paddington’s William Street shopping precinct and the historic Strand Arcade off Pitt Street Mall in the city centre show off the best Australian designers.
Toast to the sunset
Take your place in Sydney’s shimmering skyline on a warm summer evening to watch the sunset and join Sydneysiders for a drink as the evening buzz fires up. In the city centre, settle in at a rooftop bar like Slims Rooftop overlooking the famous Hyde Park; The Library Bar atop the State Library of NSW’s historic Mitchell Building; and Untied, a rooftop playground atop the busy streets of Barangaroo. Head to the inner west to discover a new love for martinis at Bar Planet in Newtown or admire the city lights from a new angle on a ferry ride to Manly, where you can work your way through the natural wine list at Banco Manly, a small bar with a playful menu that fits the vibe. To the east, watch the sun fall on Bondi from the bar at Promenade Bondi Beach with a plate of NSW oysters and a spritz made from all Australian ingredients.
Explore the ocean
Sydney’s coastline isn’t just a spot for sunbaking, swims and scenic snaps: there is a world of adventure on, and under, the ocean. Feel the exhilarating sense of achievement when you stand up on a surfboard for the first time on a surf lesson in Dee Why, Bondi, Cronulla or beyond. Or witness first-hand the thriving underwater ecosystem of Sydney harbour and its estuaries on a scuba dive or snorkelling excursion in Manly, with a spearfishing lesson on the Northern Beaches or with underwater scooter tours of Gordons Bay (look out for the famous giant blue groupers.)
Get ready for showtime
Under the sails of the Sydney Opera House, on the heritage stage of the Capitol Theatre or within the ground-breaking halls of Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney is home to an exceptional and diverse live theatre scene. Find out why SIX the Musical has won 35 major international awards (including two Tony Awards and a Grammy nomination) by booking into the Theatre Royal Sydney in October, or check out other leading travelling acts like Jesus Christ Superstar (at the Capitol Theatre from November to December), and MJ the Musical (Sydney Lyric Theatre in February). To check out what local theatre creators are working on, run your eyes over the calendar at the intimate Belvoir Street Theatre or the flashier Sydney Theatre Company. On Sydney’s most famous stage of all, the Sydney Opera House, it’s not just opera. Book in for acts like Troye Sivan, Crowded House and Max Richter; as well as a range of comedy, theatre and cutting-edge performance art.
Gordons Bay, Coogee Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a morning visit to Gordons Bay, Coogee.
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Gordons Bay, Coogee Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a morning visit to Gordons Bay, Coogee.
MJ - The Musical Credit: Myles Frost as Michael Jackson in the original Broadway production of MJ_photo by Matthew Murphy
MJ - The Musical
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MJ - The Musical Credit: Myles Frost as Michael Jackson in the original Broadway production of MJ_photo by Matthew Murphy
MJ - The Musical
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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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.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
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 nabone 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 Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,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, Up South 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, spread out in front of you like a green carpet 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.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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 Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. 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. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
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 where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In 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 founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors 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.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.