Things to do in Sydney today

At the height of Sydney summer, when the pull of the shoreline feels almost instinctive, the Australian National Maritime Museum is inviting Sydneysiders to come to the beach – not just as a place, but as a shared concept. The centrepiece of the museum’s summer program, The Beach, is part exhibition, part all-ages playscape – a gloriously Australian celebration of our beloved ocean-side spaces. “The Beach invites us all to come together – gently – to reconnect with the coastal rituals that shape Australian life,” says museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp AM. That gentle invitation carries extra weight this summer. Following the horror of December 14, the museum faced difficult conversations about whether to proceed. In the end, the decision was made to continue – not in spite of what happened, but because of it.RELATED READ: These are our favourite beaches in Sydney “Our beaches are places of connection and belonging,” Karp says. “The shoreline has always been a place where we all meet – just open skies and shared sand – a place of joy, togetherness and shared fun.” In that spirit, The Beach reclaims the coast as a symbol of what binds us together, even when that sense of ease has been shaken. Inside the museum’s Lighthouse Gallery, a distinctly Australian summer unfolds. Digital projections ripple across the walls, a breezy soundscape hums in the background, and interactive rockpools and a towering sandcastle (minus the sand) invite play. Works by artists including Anne...

With summer in full swing and Valentine’s Day around the corner, nothing says romance like a sweet treat that’ll cool you down and land you serious brownie points on a first, third or thousandth date. If the silly season left your wallet a little light, never fear. CommBank’s customer recognition program CommBank Yello is dishing out free scoops of Anita Gelato for everyone on February 14-15, so you can spoil your sweetheart without spending a cent. How's that for a cheap date idea? The dessert shop, which began as a mum-and-son home kitchen operation before growing into a global empire, now counts 10 locations across Australia – seven of which are right here in NSW. Now, Anita Gelato has launched two exclusive offers with CommBank Yello in the CommBank app — and in celebration, CommBank Yello is giving away free gelato to everyone at Manly North Steyne. Just pop down on Saturday or Sunday and head to the bright-yellow ice cream cart. You’ll also have the chance to try CommBank Yello’s limited-edition Mango Cheesecake gelato. Can’t make it? Don’t stress. You may still be in for a chance to score a freebie, with two sweet deals available to eligible CommBank Yello customers. Each Tuesday until the end of summer, CommBank Yello is dropping 5,000 codes in the CommBank app to claim a free scoop at any Anita Gelato store before summer ends. Just go to the CommBank Yello hub in the CommBank app, tap on Offers, open your Anita Gelato offer and show your code at the counter in...

If you’re craving something surreal to snap you out of reality for an hour or so, Sydney’s recently opened Museum of Illusions has got your back. The first Aussie outpost of the global concept, this interactive exhibition invites visitors to step into gravity-defying rooms, giant 3D illusions, mind-bending perspective zones, holograms and other sensory experiences – in a vast space spanning over 900 square metres in the heart of the CBD.With more than 80 unique exhibits to explore, the museum doesn’t directly follow its global siblings – it’s packed with bespoke Sydney-inspired rooms that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s a ‘Reversed Room’ inspired by a classic Aussie pub, a ‘Building Illusion’ which echoes Sydney’s iconic skyline, and an immersive exhibit called ‘Following Eyes’ – a playful nod to sunscreen-slapping beach days. Part science, part spectacle, part pure fun, the Museum of Illusions is perfect for families, curious minds, and any office worker who’s finding the return to work a little tricky. Whether you’re chasing an escape from the here and now or an Instagram goldmine, or you’re just keen to see your friends wobble in a room that defies gravity, it’s a one-stop shop for awe, giggles and head-scratching wonder. The experience is open now at 413 George Street in Sydney’s CBD, with regular admission tickets for $47 and family tickets offering slightly reduced rates. We’d suggest giving around 60–90 minutes for wandering, posing, and rethinking the laws of...

Somebody pop the Champagne, because the world's most beautiful outdoor cinema will be back by the harbourside, running over 47 nights from January 9 to February 24 – and tickets are now on sale. Westpac OpenAir will once again take over Mrs Macquaries Point this summer, with panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as its staggering backdrop.  The line-up features everything from old-school hits to cult classics and brand-new Aussie debuts, including films like Dirty Dancing, Marty Supreme, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Hamnet and 10 Things I Hate About You. You can check out the full program here.  Meanwhile, there’s more than just iconic views and the latest blockbusters in store, with a bunch of excellent food and drink offerings available for every budget. Think fresh seafood and Spritzes at The Chandon Garden, a lush waterfront restaurant by acclaimed chef Danielle Alvarez called Summer House Dining, and a classy dining terrace for Westpac customers. A heads-up that you’ll need to book your spot in advance.Just after a sundowner? Then order a beer (or an entire bottle of Champagne, ice bucket and all) and settle in for a film screening projected on the huge 350-square-metre, three-storey-high screen that lights up as night falls over the harbour.  If you really want a run-up for the view, take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens on your way to the cinema (but word to the wise, don't leave it too late, lest you be caught...

Looking for an affordable, culturally-enriching day out in the Harbour City? We’ve got you. To help Sydneysiders and visitors make the most of the city, Transport for NSW has launched a totally free, super insightful walking itinerary that you can use for a car-free day out in town, and we reckon it’s a pretty solid guide to your next day out.You can use Transport for NSW’s Walks Near Me map to follow the Sydney Culture Walk itinerary that links Sydney’s favourite cultural institutions.  This is a great thing to do, whether you want to be a tourist in your own town, you’re a visitor here, or you have kids to entertain (and tire out) during the school holidays.  First up, head to the Sydney Culture Walk landing page and map out your route. If you’re keen to really capitalise on cultural insights, kick off your journey at Circular Quay station’s brand-new ‘Culture Station’ (you’ll find it beneath the train platforms, just opposite Wharf 5), where the team can offer advice, pamphlets and tickets. From there, the Sydney Culture Walk will unfurl like your own personalised greatest-hits playlist of Sydney’s cultural scene. Not sure where to head? Below is your cheat sheet to the star stops – but the Walks Near Me platform will help guide your way: Sydney Opera House Art Gallery of New South Wales State Library of NSW Hyde Park Barracks Australian Museum Sydney Observatory RELATED READ: 9 must-see landmarks on a self-guided walking tour across SydneyYou’ll find the full Sydney...