Your Best Sydney Summer Yet

The Harbour City is buzzing. You feel energy flow through you as the days get longer, the nights get warmer, and the city transforms into the ultimate summer playground. Embrace a new sense of freedom, live in the moment as adventures make every sense tingle, and create lasting memories with your favourite people as Sydney unveils all the ingredients for your best summer ever… Here are 22 ways to Feel New in Sydney this summer.
1. Spend long days by the pool
Is there anything more relaxing than kicking back on your towel between swims? Revitalise with a float and soak in one of 35 iconic ocean pools between Cronulla and Palm Beach; swim a few laps at Dawn Fraser Baths and Bondi Icebergs and McCallum Pool ; or go bush for waterholes like Bents Basin and Manly Dam. Whichever Sydney pool you choose, the big sky views are as refreshing as its cool waters.
2. Make every lunchbreak last longer
Summer’s fresh flavours are made to be savoured, so take your own sweet time at a delectable spread of lunch spots across the city. For a delicious fix of Asian fare, choose your own culinary adventure in Cabramatta, head to Mr Wong in the city centre or Thai Pothong in Newtown. Or, reach for a beachside eatery like The Collaroy, Sean’s Bondi or Pasture of Balmoral for great food and stunning views.
3. Watch the sunrise
Energetic Sydney always rises and shines. Breathe in the dawn colours from Hornby Lighthouse, or meander through Dawes Point Park or Wendy’s Secret Garden to feel your heart skip as the rising sun spotlights Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Sydney Harbour Bridge. More of a morning mover? Salute the new day with a sunrise paddle in Manly or Rushcutters Bay, and join the dawn patrol on a walk from Bondi to Coogee; Bundeena to Otford; or Manly to North Head.
4. Fill up on summer fruit
From the zing of citrus to the tang of tropical treats, nature’s candy is always a summer highlight – and Sydney gives your fruity favourites a fresh twist. At Gelato Messina, sorbets and ice-creams are moreish confections of coconut, lychee, mango, and passionfruit. Sip summer flavours at Re Bar in South Eveleigh, in Archie Rose’s gins and Zephyr. And for dishes so colourful you’ll forget they’re good for you, refresh your palate with seasonal produce at Bare Naked Bowls, Verd, Pilgrims or Bread & Circus.
5.Go shopping
Ready for an excursion to inspiration? Sydney’s creativity is beautifully eclectic, often eccentric and always authentic – qualities to adore and explore at artisan markets in The Rocks, Chinatown, Glebe, Paddington, Bondi, Rozelle and Bare Island. And whether you’re shopping for the week ahead or grazing from stall to stall, you can have your fill of excellent fresh produce at farmers markets in Carriageworks, Marrickville, Camden, Sutherland and beyond.
6. Play outside ’til dark
There’s magic afoot when the sun sinks down behind the Coat-Hanger and the city lights twinkle to life. Take your place in Sydney’s shimmering skyline at a harbourside rooftop bar like Barangaroo House, The Rooftop, or The Glenmore. In the city centre, enjoy sweeping urban views at The Rook, and visit the Pool Club for resort-style glamour. Or, as sunshiny day turns to glittery night, settle in for a wider city view at Mosman’s The Fernery or The Butler in Potts Point.
7. 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 or get the girls together for a women-only lesson. Refresh yourself in clear seas teeming with wildlife as you scuba dive on the Northern Beaches, learn to spearfish, or add a twist of adrenaline to your Vitamin Sea fix with an underwater scooter tour of Gordons Bay.
8. Feel the love
There’s romance in the air all summer long and in Sydney you can take your love sky high. Enjoy a sunset helicopter tour or seaplane adventure together, before cosying up for a harbourside dinner at Sails on Lavender Bay or Bennelong. Then, head to the theatre for Come from Away, Hamilton, Jagged Little Pill or Girl From North Country. As you unwind together afterwards in your plush suite at The Ovolo Woolloomoolloo, Shangri-La or Crown Sydney, the city’s magnetism brings you closer than ever.
9. 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 Venustus, Gillian Adams or SpaQ; be moved by powerful artwork as the Sydney International Art Series brings Doug Aitken to the Museum of Contemporary Art and Matisse to the Art Gallery of NSW; or, take the whole family to the Wonderdome for the largest 360-degree immersive cinema experience ever seen Down Under.
10. Upgrade your family barbecue
Add a dash of Sydney sparkle for a next-level summer barbie. Polish up your grilling skills at the Sydney Cooking School and create your own snags at The Sausage Factory. Or, leave the sizzling to Darling Harbour’s masters at Waterfront Grill and Hurricanes, or Rockpool Bar & Grill in the heart of the CBD, where surf-and-turf delicacies are enhanced by fire and charcoal. Gather around the electric barbecue at Blaxland Riverside, and let the kids choose their own adventure in Sydney’s biggest playground.
11. Embrace #boatlyf
Set sail for a summer adventure you’ll never forget. Learn the ropes with Sydney By Sail, get amongst the twilight regatta action with the Pacific Sailing School, or enjoy the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as a spectator aboard a family-friendly catamaran. Immerse yourself in the Harbour’s living Aboriginal history on a cultural cruise with Tribal Warrior, dance the tide away on a party tour, or explore Port Jackson aboard a classic Sydney Tallship.
12. Fast on fish and chips
This classic combo could well be the official dish of summer. A day by the sea isn’t complete without a barefoot dash to a beach kiosk; discover memorable snack shacks at Bronte, Maroubra, Narrabeen and North Cronulla. Fancy a more formal seafood spread? There’s a tasty selection in every direction around the Harbour, with Kirribilli Seafoods, Flying Fish, Walsh Bay Crabhouse; Catalina and the Searock Grill in the heart of the action. Or, land your own catch of the day aboard a fishing charter or on a visit to the famous Sydney Fish Market.
13. Disconnect from everything
Summer’s all about rejuvenating outdoors – and Sydney’s hidden havens are instantly refreshing. Spend a day hiking in lush bushland in Lane Cove National Park; chase waterfalls in Heathcote, and explore 45-hectares of Georges River bushland at Oatley Park. 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 rainforest at Audley. From the bush to the beach and beyond, Sydney’s nature is revitalising.
14. Dance ’til the sun comes up
Whatever gets you grooving, Sydney’s summer nights are made for moving. Dance to a genre-bending mix of music at Sydney Festival’s city-spanning roster of live shows; bounce to reggae, rock and indie beats as the King Street Carnival pulses through Newtown; or throw shapes all New Year’s Day in the Domain at Field Day. And every week, Sydney’s iconic nightclubs crank up the electro, house, techno and EDM tunes to move you all night long at The Ivy, The Burdekin, Home and Marquee. Go cut that rug!
15. Go on a treasure hunt
ummer’s a time for new discoveries and around Sydney 65,000-year-old cultural gems are hidden in plain sight. Marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock engravings on the northern banks of the Harbour; learn from First Nations storytellers in The Rocks, Barangaroo Reserve, and the Royal Botanic Garden; embrace a new Aboriginal view on the Burrawa BridgeClimb; or refresh your perspective of Australia Day as the Yabun Festival celebrates Indigenous culture in the Inner West.
16. Camp, glamp and have suite dreams…
Sydney has spectacular campsites, including at North Era, Mirang Pool and The Basin, but you can give your favourite family adventure a memorable twist beside the Harbour. Glamp in the historic, steampunk surrounds of Cocktatoo Island, or sleep amongst the wild things at Taronga Roar and Snore. Up for a night of pure luxury instead? Book a night at the Park Hyatt, The Langham, Jonah’s Boutique Hotel at Whale Beach, SKYE Parramatta, or check out Sydney’s newest hotels: the Aiden Darling Harbour and The Ace.
17. Toast the year ahead
Whether you’re ringing in the New Year or catching up with friends, Sydney’s bars are always a highlight. Wander between waterholes in the YCK Laneways, or hit the Inner West Ale Trail for local craft beers and spirits. Hours roll by in the blink of an eye as you nosh and banter in late-night eateries across Chinatown and Haymarket, or reconnect with mates in the cosy bars of Chippendale, Redfern and Surry Hills. Wherever you clink glasses, Sydney makes every summer night worth celebrating.
18. Make new mates
Nothing brings people together like seeing your team win, and Sydney’s sporting events will have you cheering all summer long. Join likeminded fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the Big Bash League, The Ashes and International Test; or head to Sydney Olympic Park to catch both the Sydney Kings and the world’s best tennis players in action. Prefer to stay indoors? Trade the stadium for a legendary sports bar like Northies in Cronulla, East Village in Darlinghurst; Light Brigade near Paddington or Dick’s Hotel in Balmain.
19. Break your New Year’s resolutions
Good intentions are one thing, but Sydney’s flavours are another thing entirely – and here you’ll find fine-dining options to make 2022 your tastiest year yet. Treat yourself to a world-class degustation in the city’s most revered restaurants; at Quay, Sixpenny, Pilu at Freshwater, Fred’s, Tetsuya’s and The Bentley, you’ll savour inventive dishes created by true culinary masters. Prefer to keep your Cheat Days bite-sized? Head to Chinatown for the Emperors Garden’s legendary cream puffs, Chippendale for KOI’s next-level desserts or indulge your sweet tooth at Donut Papi in lively Redfern.
20. Light up the darkness
By day, Sydney’s summery skies shine every shade of blue – by night, fireworks renowned the world over fill them with technicolour. Feel awe-inspired as the city is illuminated by a billion sparkles on New Year’s Eve and Australia Day, join the festive fleet on a luxury cruise, and feel inspiration fill you as colour explodes over Luna Park and Parramatta. Between celebrations, take in nature’s own light show with stargazing experiences in Campbelltown and Werrington, or catch the moonrise over Long Reef, Cape Solander or Malabar.
21. Picnic in style
In Sydney, there’s no such thing as an ordinary picnic because there’s always a unique new backdrop to discover. Snack under the stars with an outdoor flick at the Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park or the Western Sydney Parklands. Nosh at Mrs Macquarie’s Point’s pop-up eateries before experiencing arias alfresco at Handa Opera on the Harbour. Or, roll out your rug and feast your eyes on billion-dollar views as you picnic on Sydney’s secret islands with a Fantasea cruise.
22. Create your hottest summer soundtrack
Sydney’s live music sets the scene for every summer adventure, and you can curate your playlist at shows across the city. By the Harbour, Twilight at Taronga’s concerts feature everyone from Daryl Braithwaite to Josh Pyke; further afield, Faith No More and Synthony headline at the Qudos Bank Arena. Catch Dom Dolla and the Jungle Giants at the Hordern Pavilion, bop to The Rubens and The Violent Femmes at the Enmore Theatre, or pop up the road to The Vanguard for Backsliders and Spookyland. Whichever concert you choose, Sydney’s melody moves you.