Summer things to do

If you’re planning a holiday in Sydney, summer is a great time of the year to visit. The city gears up for a spectacular season of events and celebrations from New Year’s Eve to Sydney Festival as well as plenty of world-championship sporting events including golf, tennis, cricket and surfing. The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race showcases the best of Sydney during summer – a harbour spectacle with many vantage points to see the exciting start of this famous blue-water classic on Boxing Day.

If you’re travelling with kids, there are plenty of things to see and do during the school holidays. Carols in the Domain, Australia Day festivities and the Chinese New Year Festival and parade offer fun and entertainment while major museums and galleries have special exhibitions and events.

Sydney’s famous beaches have all the essential ingredients from great waves to rockpools, cafes and shady picnic spots this summer. Waterside dining also comes into its own in summer. Some of the best restaurants and cafes in Sydney are by the beach - check out Palm Beach and Manly Beach, Balmoral Beach and Bondi Beach.

For a truly memorable holiday, make sure you check out experiences that are unique to Sydney. Soak in the natural beauty of the city and harbour on a seaplane taking off from the harbour and head to a waterside restaurant on Pittwater or the Hawkesbury River for a long, lazy lunch. Uncover secluded harbour and ocean beaches on easy walking trails from where you can strike out to the next headland or swim in a saltwater pool by the harbour or beach. Find out more about things to do in Sydney.