Boxing Day in Sydney

Shopping and sales

As the first official day of the post-Christmas sales, Boxing Day is a great time to bag a bargain. Major shopping centres like Pitt Street Mall, Westfield Sydney, Westfield Bondi Junction and the QVB, will be open all day. For even more savings, try outlet shopping at Birkenhead Point or DFO Homebush.

Queen Victoria Building, Sydney

Cinemas and Boxing Day releases

Break up the shopping spree with a movie screening. You’d be hard-pressed to find a cinema not open on Boxing Day including Hoyts, Event and Palace Cinemas, as well as Skyline Drive In Blacktown as some of the biggest blockbusters of the year debuting on 26 December. Watch the stars under the stars at one of Sydney's many outdoor cinemas.

Skyline Drive-In, Blacktown

Beaches and outdoors

If crowded malls aren’t your idea of a good time, Boxing Day is the perfect time to head for the beach. Cool off with a dip in the surf at Bondi, catch the ferry to Manly, swim some laps in an ocean pool or take a road trip to the city’s north for a lazy day on Palm Beach. Another great option is packing up the leftovers from Christmas lunch and head to a scenic picnic spot.

Manly Beach

Stretch your legs with one of Sydney’s gorgeous coastal walks or test out the new bikes on cycling trails around the harbour and through national parks. If you want to stay by the water, there are plenty of things to do, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling and fishing.

Pittwater Kayak Tours, Palm Beach

Zoos, aquariums, museums and galleries

Need some extra help keeping the kids entertained? A number of wildlife attractions remain open on Boxing Day in Sydney. Get up close to lions, tigers, bears and sharks at Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.

Taronga Zoo, Mosman

Start your year with a dose of culture at the Art Gallery of NSW, step into the prehistoric world of dinosaurs at the Australian Museum, or see convict history at Hyde Park Barracks. Lots of museums and galleries are open on Boxing Day and offer free entry.

Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney

Events and sport

Head to the Sydney Cricket Ground for Sydney's biggest Boxing Day bash, when Sydney Sixers take on the Melbourne Stars. Enjoy a music performance as well as a live site to watch the final sessions of the Ashes before the match.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, one of the world's greatest ocean races and an Aussie institution, takes place on Boxing Day. Celebrating its 80th year in 2025, watch the start of the race from one of the harbour's vantage points including North Head, South Head, Nielsen Park, Mosman and Middle Head, or take it all in from the water with Fantasea, Sydney Princess Cruises, Spirit Fleet and Captain Cook Cruises. 

Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Sydney Harbour

Eat and drink

While you may need to call ahead to make sure there is room, a number of restaurants, bars and pubs around Sydney are open on Boxing Day. If you are interested in good coffee and a light brunch, Cafe Oratnek in Redfern are welcoming visitors. For a heartier feed, head to Henrietta in Surry Hills for charcoal chicken and Continental Deli Bar and Bistro in Newtown for wine and cheese. For drinks and good vibes, head to The Magpie in Enmore.

The Magpie, Enmore - Credit: The Magpie