There’s a good reason why Sydney is often called the Harbour City: this place is defined by its connection to the water and the sheltered bays hold some irresistible charms. Whether you’re in it, on it, or simply admiring it, here are our top recommendations for the best ways to experience Sydney Harbour.
The first month of the year kicks off with the return of the inimitable Sydney Festival, which is coming back to the Harbour City with 130 interactive shows and visual art installations from January 4. For pre-show fuel, we’d suggest checking out one of the best happy hours in the city, and if you’re keen to keep going, this list of our favorite late-night spots in Sydney should help.
In other good news, Sydney’s summer of open air flicks is showing no signs of slowing down, with January welcoming the 2025 Westpac OpenAir Cinema season, fresh new programs at Moonlight Cinema, Mov’in Bed and North Sydney’s Sunset Cinema and Australia's biggest short film festival popping up in Bondi for its 34th year. There's also a very exciting kitchen residency going down at the Opera House, and an excellent line-up of free events popping up in Barangaroo. Looking for a venue for an al fresco feast? These are the best waterfront restaurants in Sydney, these are our best beer gardens, and these are our best rooftop bars.
Summer swims got you curious about what goes on deep down in the ocean? Two spellbinding exhibits will be live at the National Maritime Museum all month long: Challenging the Deep and Ocean Photography.
If you’ve got a boost of new-year-new-me energy, sweat it out on one of our city’s best running routes or at one of the best gyms in the city. Keen to get out of town? These are the best day hikes close to Sydney, and these are the best camping sites close enough for a night away under the stars.
