1. Lace up and tackle the Manly to Spit walk, one of the most gorgeous coastal hikes in the city. It’s about 10km one way, so bring plenty of water, snacks and a hat – and swimmers if you want to jump in the ocean. Want more? These are our favourite hikes in Sydney.
2. Get stuck into fish and chips by the sea. Our pick? Out of the Blue – an old-school fish and chipper that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and also makes a mean fish burger. Feel like a road trip out of Sydney? Rosie’s Fish & Chips in Coledale is home to NSW’s best.
3. Gather up your crew and hit the waves at Urbnsurf – Sydney’s first-ever wave park. After, fuel up at the Cali-inspired surf-side diner Sandy’s, or for something a little special, relax with a delicious meal at Rafi, sibling to North Sydney’s fave.
4. Swim laps at Petersham’s Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre. Afterwards, visit the poolside café Splash for a chip butty or rainbow-coloured salad sandwich. We’re also fans of the new and improved Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool.
5. Ride the iconic ferry over to Manly and spend a day exploring the beautiful beachside ’burb. Snorkel around Shelly Beach, hit up Cibaria for lunch, and enjoy a cold beer at sunset at Felons.
6. Get into the Christmas spirit at The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition, held on Friday night, and Saturday and Sunday in December. Pick up a couple of treasures for your family and friends (and yourself, of course). Wander past the stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to tasty snacks – all served with a side of festive cheer. Check out other fab Xmas markets here.
7. Spend a day or night out in one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, Burwood. Head to Xi'an Eatery for chewy, oil-slicked noodles, soak up some rays in Burwood Park, cool off with a bubble tea, enjoy a beer at The Burwood Hotel, and then eat your body weight at the night markets.
8. Get a culture hit with one of Sydney’s fantastic shows and musicals showing right now, including the laugh-out-loud The Book of Mormon and nostalgic hit Back to the Future: The Musical. Great Scott! These are the best shows to see in Sydney.
9. Dive into the beautiful Wylie’s Baths, a heritage-listed tidal swimming pool near Coogee Beach, and finish with an Icy Pole.
10. Always wanted to surf but never got around to trying it? Take a surf lesson at Sydney’s most famous beaches, Bondi or Manly. We reckon it should be on everyone’s bucket list. Book your spot here.
11. Catch a flick by ‘the world’s most beautiful cinema’, the Westpac OpenAir Cinema, with Sydney Harbour and the sparkling city as your backdrop.
12. The Art Gallery of NSW is one of our fave places to hang out year-round – and there are some banging exhibitions to add to your hit list this summer, including Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat and Ron Mueck’s Encounter, the largest exhibition by the artist ever to be presented in Australia, featuring sculptures drawn from across the globe.
13. Get ready to cheer on your fave team – Australia's summer of tennis kicks off in Sydney with the mixed international United Cup tournament.
14. Have fun and support the arts during Sydney Festival, a three-week celebration showcasing theatre, music, dance, installation and everything in between, kicking off on January 4.
15. Forget hidden bars and instead work your way through Sydney’s cracking rooftop spots. From a Spritz in the sun to a cold ale with your mates, it’s sky-high fun with a side of Vitamin D. Don't forget your sunnies.
16. Come watch a flick at the world’s largest short film festival, Tropfest, going down on February 22 at Centennial Park after a six-year break. The best bit? The Tropfest Main Event is free for anyone who wants to come along!
17. See the most exciting race on water as the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix returns to Sydney Harbour from February 28 to March 1. Super-speedy boats, the harbour and bubbles? We’re in.
18. Don your best sequinned look and come celebrate queer love and power during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on February 28. Plus, expect more than 80 events across 20 fabulous days – and good news: Fair Day is back in action.
19. Enjoy some much-needed aircon and go to the movies for a wildly affordable $11, thanks to Hoyts Cinemas’ Sunday morning deal.
20. Catch a gig or comedy show at The Enmore Theatre. After, hit up one of the many bars on Sydney’s coolest street – Silver’s Motel, Deadwax, Fortunate Son and Famelia are our picks. Check out our guide to Sydney’s best bars here.
21. Experience a thought-provoking exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Data Dreams: Contemporary Art in the Age of AI looks at artificial intelligence and its impact on contemporary life through the work of ten incredible artists.
22. Warm up your vocal cords and gather the family together for the Darling Harbour Christmas Festival on December 3. Word on the street is that there will be a very special guest appearance.
23. Treat yourself to a lush Sydney staycation and spend the weekend being a tourist in your own city – these luxe hotels are a good place to start.
24. Pack a picnic and a rug and soak up one of Sydney’s sunsets – these are some golden places.
25. Enjoy a long lunch at Sean’s, Bondi’s sea-salt-sprayed jewel that’s been serving delicious, honest and seasonal food by the sea for more than 30 years. Want more? Check out our guide to Sydney’s best restaurants here.
26. Discover Japanese flora at the Auburn Botanic Gardens. Tranquillity might not be the buzzword that springs to mind when you think of the Western Sydney suburb of Auburn, but it’s the right descriptor for this 9.2-hectare oasis, bursting with lush greenery and exotic flora.
27. Cool down with a scoop of gelato at Cow and the Moon. Want more? Check out Sydney’s best ice cream and gelato spots.
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