October Long Weekend Labour Day

There are lots of ways to enjoy a long weekend in Sydney. The first Monday in October is Labour Day, giving the whole city three days off to enjoy the start of spring. Head to the beach for the first swim of the season, explore a coastal walking trail, plan a picnic or spot whales making their way back home.

Beaches & outdoor activities

With the weather warming up, the October long weekend is a great time for a dip. Test the surf Bondi, catch the ferry to the waves of Freshwater or discover one of Sydney’s secret harbour beaches. Or discover some of the city’s spectacular ocean pools, like the 113-year-old Wylie’s Baths in Coogee.

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.

Whale watching

In October, thousands of whales will be making their way back 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.