Boxing Day in Sydney

Shopping & cinemas

As the first official day of the post-Christmas sales, Boxing Day is a great time to bag a bargain. Major shopping centres around the city, 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

Break up the shopping spree with a movie screening. You’d be hard-pressed to find a cinema not open on Boxing Day – including venues by Hoyts, Event and Palace Cinemas, as well Skyline Drive In Blacktown – with some of the biggest blockbusters of the year debuting on 26 December. 

Beaches & 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 a picnic of leftovers from Christmas lunch and heading to a pretty patch of grass.

Manly Beach

Work off some of those Christmas calories on 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.

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.

Pittwater Kayak Tours, Palm Beach

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race – one of the world's greatest ocean races and an Aussie institution takes place on Boxing Day. Watch the start of the race from one of the harbour's vantage points, such as The Heads, Nielsen Park, Mosman and Middle Head, or take it all in from the water with Captain Cook Cruises.

Eat & 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, Cuckoo Callay Surry Hills and Cafe Oratnek in Redfern are welcoming visitors.

Patrons listening to live jazz at Restaurant Hubert

For a heartier feed, head to Henrietta in Surry Hills for charcoal chicken, Continental Deli Bar and Bistro in Newtown for wine and cheese and Restaurant Hubert in the CBD for fine dining and live jazz.

Continental Deli Bar Bistro, Newtown

Meet up with friends and family for an afternoon drink at Topikós for water views in Bondi, Cantina OK! in the city for creative cocktails or One Drop Brewing in Botany or Bucketty’s Brewing Co for craft beers and a relaxed atmosphere.