October Long Weekend in Sydney

Parks & gardens 

Spring is a beautiful time of year in Sydney with an array of flowers and plants coming into bloom. Visit one of the city's beautiful parks to see native flora, such as Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Or stop for a picnic in one of Sydney’s beautiful green spaces. 

Read more: Secret Sydney spots you may have all to yourself

Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay, Sydney

Whale watching & wildlife encounters

In October, thousands of whales make their way down the east coast of Australia towards Antarctica. Spot them from vantage points like Barrenjoey Lighthouse, North Head, the Federation Cliff Walk and Cape Solander. You can also hop aboard a whale-watching cruise. Visit Wild About Whales for recent sightings. 

Read more: The ultimate guide to whale watching in Sydney

Whale Watching, Sydney

Taronga Zoo is always a favourite. Meet lions, giraffes, zebras and meerkats in the African Savannah exhibit, take an immersive Tiger Trek through the Indonesian jungle, and watch the seals show off their aquatic skills at the daily presentations. In Darling Harbour, explore the Great Barrier Reef by night at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or spot the koalas in Gum Tree Valley (and many more critters) at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. In Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from around the world in sprawling, innovative exhibits. 

Taronga Zoo, Mosman

Read more: Eight animals you can see up-close in Sydney

Beaches & outdoor activities 

With the weather warming up, the October long weekend is a great time for a dip. Check the surf on the beaches in the Eastern Suburbs or Northern Beaches or discover one of Sydney’s secret harbour beaches. Along the coast are spectacular ocean pools for a swim, like the 115-year-old Wylie’s Baths in Coogee and Mona Vale Rockpool.  

Read more: Different ways to play at Sydney's best beaches

North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen

Get active by exploring the city’s walking trails, from coastal pathways to rugged bushland hikes. Bondi to Coogee, the Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head and the Manly to the Spit Bridge all provide glorious views of the city and its surrounds. If you prefer to travel on two wheels, check out these top cycling routes. 

Read more: The best ways to escape the city without leaving Sydney

Surfers heading into the waves at North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen

Have an adrenalin-fuelled adventure

Head to Western Sydney for a whole host of exciting activities. You’ll find elevated obstacle courses and rollercoaster zip lines for the whole family at TreeTop Adventure Park. In Penrith, go skydiving without having to get in a plane at iFLY Downunder, fly through the air with a water jet-powered backpack with Jetpack Adventures, hug the corners on a high-speed go-kart track at Luddenham Raceway and much more. At Sydney Olympic Park the kids can try archery, bike around Bicentennial Park, take a segway tour, attend a circus class or check into the dive clinic at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. 

Read more: The ultimate thrill seeker's guide to Western Sydney

Air tricks with Jetpack Adventures, Penrith