Loading

10 ways to soak up Sydney’s summer

Beachside, Bondi BeachCredit: Destination NSW

Beachside, Bondi Beach. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.

#feelnew feelsydney

10 ways to soak up Sydney’s summer

Beachside, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW

Beachside, Bondi Beach. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.

#feelnew feelsydney

Hashtags #feelnew feelsydney

When summertime hits, the Harbour City truly sparkles. Between its blue skies and even bluer water, Sydney is perfectly positioned to offer endless warm weather activities, from outdoor adventures to delicious dining with incredible views.

1. Refresh yourself in an ocean pool
Long days by the pool with a good book are the medicine to our modern lives. Add in a backdrop of nature, crystal-clear ocean water and the cool sea breeze, and you’ve entered pure relaxation mode. Protected by reefs and rocks, and often hewn into coastal cliffs, Sydney’s iconic ocean pools are a unique part of the city’s swim culture, from Cronulla in the south to Palm Beach in the north. Enjoy calmer ocean water at North Curl Curl Rockpool,  Wylies Baths in Coogee or Mahon Pool in Maroubra; or swim a few laps at Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain, Bondi Icebergs or Maccallum Pool in Cremorne Point.

2. Book in a long lunch
‘Tis the season for long and indulgent lunches, so head to Sydney’s best restaurants by the water or on city rooftops as they serve up summer on a plate. Catalina serves incredible seafood right on the harbour at Rose Bay, try St George Sailing Club down south in San Souci, and you can’t go past Icebergs Dining Room and Bar for iconic views of Bondi Beach. For sky-high views, head to Aster Bar on the top of the Intercontinental, Old Mate’s Place for a cosy CBD rooftop spot or Theo’s Rooftop in Penrith for incredible views of Western Sydney and out to the Blue Mountains (plus, there’s a pool!).

Wylie's Baths, Coogee Credit: Destination NSW

Aerial overlooking Wylie's Bath, Coogee.

#feelnewsydney

Wylie's Baths, Coogee Credit: Destination NSW

Aerial overlooking Wylie's Bath, Coogee.

#feelnewsydney

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW

View from the balcony of Icebergs Dining Room and Bar over Bondi Beach

#feelnewsydney

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW

View from the balcony of Icebergs Dining Room and Bar over Bondi Beach

#feelnewsydney

3. Watch the sunrise
Energetic Sydneysiders always rise and shine. Let the dawn colours wash over you from the Hornby Lighthouse, or meander through Dawes Point Park or Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden to see sunrise over the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. More of a morning mover? Salute the new day with a sunrise paddle in Rushcutters Bay or join a female-only group in Manly with She SUPs. An early-morning walk from Bondi to Coogee, Bundeena to Otford or Manly to North Head makes the perfect wake-up call.

4. Make the ocean your playground
It’s easy to dive into fun new experiences in Sydney – and there’s a wet-and-wild adventure for everyone. Learn to surf with the family in one of the many surf schools in Bondi, Freshwater, Maroubra, Cronulla and more. Refresh yourself in underwater worlds with a scuba diving lesson with Dive Centre Manly; learn to spearfish with Dive, Spear and Sport Northern Beaches; or add a twist of adrenaline with an Underwater Scooter Tour of Gordons Bay.

The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Credit: Destination NSW

The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunrise

#feelnew #feelnewsydney

The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Credit: Destination NSW

The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunrise

#feelnew #feelnewsydney

Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW

Learn to catch the perfect wave on world-famous Bondi Beach with Lets Go Surfing. At LGS, their dedicated, fully-qualified staff can help you catch the wave of your dreams, whether it's your first time setting foot in the ocean or you're a surf fanatic looking to ride the big one.

#feelnewsydney

Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW

Learn to catch the perfect wave on world-famous Bondi Beach with Lets Go Surfing. At LGS, their dedicated, fully-qualified staff can help you catch the wave of your dreams, whether it's your first time setting foot in the ocean or you're a surf fanatic looking to ride the big one.

#feelnewsydney

5. Turn up the heat
With gorgeous views, intimate eateries and plush rooms, Sydney is the place for romance. Take your love sky high and enjoy a sunset helicopter tour or seaplane adventure together before cosying up for a harbourside dinner at Sails on Lavender Bay or Bennelong. Step into someone else’s story at a musical at the Capitol Theatre or a play at Sydney Theatre Company. After your romantic adventure, unwind together in a luxurious suite at The Ovolo Woolloomoolloo, W Sydney or Crown Towers, the city’s magnetism will leave you feeling exhilarated and closer than ever.

6. Cool down in cool places
Step into Sydney’s most refreshing spaces and feel revitalised, inside and out. Recharge with a pampering treatment at Sydney’s luxurious day spas like SpaQ or Chi Spa in the CBD, or go extra fancy at Venustus in Paddington or Gillian Adams in Turramurra. Find inspiration in powerful artworks as the Sydney International Art Series brings Louise Bourgeois and Kandinsky to the Art Gallery of NSW and Tacita Dean comes to the Museum of Contemporary Art. For a cool place to take the family, head underwater at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or explore old submarines and navy ships at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

W Sydney IMAGE ATTRIBUTION

Spectacular King Room, W Sydney

#feelnewsydney

W Sydney IMAGE ATTRIBUTION

Spectacular King Room, W Sydney

#feelnewsydney

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Credit: Merlin Entertainment Group

Family at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour

#feelnewsydney

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Credit: Merlin Entertainment Group

Family at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour

#feelnewsydney

7. Enter your cruise era
Set sail for a summer adventure you’ll never forget. Learn the ropes with Sydney By Sail, join the twilight regatta action with the Pacific Sailing School, or enjoy the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on land as a spectator from Watsons Bay. Immerse yourself in Sydney Harbour’s living Aboriginal culture on a cruise with Tribal Warrior, dance the tide away on a party cruise with Vagabond Cruises, or explore the waterways aboard a classic Sydney Tallship.

8. Feast on fish and chips
A summer’s day by the sea isn’t complete without a paper-wrapped bundle of this classic combo. Discover some of the city’s best at Out of the Blue in Clovelly, Doyle's on the Beach in Watsons Bay, Fat Fish in Annandale or a choose-your-own seafood feast from the Sydney Fish Market. Fancy a more formal spread? There’s a tasty selection in every direction around the harbour, with Kirribilli Seafoods, Charcoal Fish and Walsh Bay Crabhouse, to name a few. Or head out on the water to land your own catch-of-the-day on board a fishing charter with Sydney Premium Charters.

 

Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Doyles on the Beach Restaurant, Watsons Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying a seafood platter at Doyles on the Beach Restaurant, Watsons Bay.

#feelnewsydney

Doyles on the Beach Restaurant, Watsons Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying a seafood platter at Doyles on the Beach Restaurant, Watsons Bay.

#feelnewsydney

9. Disconnect from everything
Summer’s all about rejuvenating outdoors – and Sydney’s nature havens let you escape from the everyday in pristine surrounds. Spend a day hiking in lush bushland in Lane Cove National Park, chase waterfalls in Heathcote National Park, and explore 45 hectares of Georges River bushland in Campbelltown. Feel your stress slip away as you paddle a rowboat on Lake Parramatta, spotting kookaburras, king parrots and falcons along the way. Or cycle through the wild rainforests within the Royal National Park.

10. Camp, glamp and have suite dreams...
Sydney has spectacular campsites, including The Basin in the north or Bonnie Vale in the south, but you can also extend your favourite family adventure with a memorable night beside the harbour. Glamp in the historic, steampunk surrounds of Cocktatoo Island, or sleep among the wild things at Taronga Zoo's Roar and Snore. Up for a night of pure luxury instead? Book a night at the Park Hyatt, The Langham, or Crown Towers, or check out Sydney’s newest luxe hotels: W Sydney, Capella Sydney or Pullman Penrith.

 

Lane Cove National Park, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Scenic views across Lane Cove National Park, Sydney.

#feelnewsydney

Lane Cove National Park, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW

Scenic views across Lane Cove National Park, Sydney.

#feelnewsydney

Roar and Snore, Taronga Zoo Sydney Credit:  Taronga Zoo

Roar and Snore tents at Taronga Zoo Sydney overlooking Sydney Harbour.

#feelnewsydney

Roar and Snore, Taronga Zoo Sydney Credit:  Taronga Zoo

Roar and Snore tents at Taronga Zoo Sydney overlooking Sydney Harbour.

#feelnewsydney

MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

More Inspirational Stories

ALL ASSETS FROM THE DESTINATION NSW MEDIA CENTRE ARE FOR EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY AND MUST BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS.


For all non-editorial usage, please
visit the Destination NSW Content Library.

REGISTER
NOW

Access assets curated for media and content creators.

For all non-editorial usage, please
visit the Destination NSW Content Library.

Already have an account?

Permission Request


Destination NSW wants to access your Destination NSW Media Centre account.


This application will:

  • View your basic account information
  • View your email address
  • View your phone number, if provided
  • View your street address, if provided
  • View basic information about your organization, if provided
  • View your site usage
  • View your asset download activity

This access will help Destination NSW manage copyright owner rights, provide you with digital assets, keep you updated with new information and improve your user experience.


Do you agree to allow this access? If yes, click the REGISTER button.


You can unsubscribe at any time.

2 + 1 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Permission Request

Destination NSW wants to review your registration for your Destination NSW Media Centre account.

This review will:

  • View your basic account information
  • View your email address
  • View your basic information about your organisation, if provided
  • View your site usage
  • View your asset download activity

This will assist Destination NSW manage copyright owner rights, provide you with digital assets, keep you updated with new information and improve your user experience.


By clicking REGISTER, you agree that you have read and agree to the TERMS & CONDITIONS and Destination NSW's PRIVACY POLICY


You can unsubscribe at any time.