Couple enjoying a scenic walk around Parsley Bay, Vaucluse
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, visit a museum or spot whales making their way back home.
Beaches and 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 Barranjoey 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.
Galleries and museums
Many of Sydney’s top art galleries and museums will be open over the long weekend. Drop into the Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay (and stop for lunch or a drink on the gorgeous rooftop terrace afterwards) or walk through the Domain to the striking Art Gallery of NSW.
The long weekend is a great opportunity to learn with a visit to the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Powerhouse Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum or the Museum of Sydney. Or why not browse Sydney’s best bookstores and pick up something new to read?