The Flying Spaghetti Monster has no birthday. Mawlid is either donezo or on the horizon. Hanukkah is a distant memory at this point, and the summer solstice is old news. Yep, it's December 25, and it's #NotMyChristmas. Without family obligations, what does one do on a day when almost everything is closed? Well, my non-Christian compatriot, follow us on a journey through an almost-abandoned city. Almost, but not quite...
Dates open: December 25-31
Price: From $29.70
Tired of relatives? Why not head to Mosman for a day amongst the animals? Whether you’re a lover of mammals, reptiles or birds, there’s plenty to see, do and learn. Hang out with lion cubs at the African Safari, or spend your time in a dark cave with snakes and crocodiles at Reptile World. Head to the free flight bird show or the seals for the wild show, and visit the dingo pups at their fresh Australian native exhibit.
Dates open: Year-round
Price: Free
Even if you can't travel out of Sydneytown during this timeof year, you can pretend that you have. Head to one of these eight places that will make you feel like you're living in a European summery dream, all without the hefty international price tag.
Dates open: Summer time
Price: Free
In excellent news for CBD-dwellers, the list of free things to do this summer just got a boost – with The Rocks precinct announcing a packed program featuring free yoga classes, market, and community picnics. If you’re up for an active morning, join The Rocks’ free run club. If you’re in the mood for an open-air movie, The Rocks’ free Laneway Cinema is back this summer every Wednesday evening. Tickets are free, and are available to book on the Monday before the screening.
Dates: Year round
Price: Free
In the national parks that sit on the city’s fringes, you'll find several wonderful hikes that are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed amble to a major expedition. Lace-up those boots, grab a fistful of trail mix, top up your water bottle and head out on one of these easy day hikes near Sydney.
Dates open: Year-round
Price: Various
Burwood, in Sydney’s Inner West, was voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world in Time Out’s global annual list. Some may raise their eyebrows, but there’s a lot going on in the 2134 postcode. My favourite thing? The pumping night markets and all the delicious eateries. Xi'an Eatery and Cheng’s Xi’an Traditional Foods are my picks.
Dates open: December 26-30
Price: from $44 (includes unlimited rides)
Luna Park is still open for its regular ride passes, bringing a dash of adrenaline to the post-Christmas haze. There’s plenty of time for repeat rides on the Wild Mouse, soaking up history in Coney Island or spinning on the Rotor until you vomit (although we don’t recommend ending your night that way).
Dates open: Year-round, pending availability
Price: From $159
It’s nice to live like the rich and famous – even if it’s just for a couple of hours. Celebrate the summer break in style with your mates onboard the incredible superyacht The Jackson Sydney. Think stunning harbour views, tasty snacks, cold Champagne and one hell of a time.
Dates open: Year round (except for Dec 25)
Price: Free
Want something to do that will most definitely blow your mind? We recommend heading to the Sydney Modern extension of the Art Gallery of NSW. With its towering floor to ceiling glass windows, this light-filled gallery is a perfect pit-stop on a sunny day. Expect to explore a massive underground WW2 fuel bunker, a whole host of wildly colourful multisensory exhibitions (don't miss Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat) and an all-round art experience that rivals MoMa in New York. You heard it here first folks.
Dates open: Year-round
Price: Kids from $36.60, adults from $61
Keen to get out Sydney? Head to the eucalyptus-cloaked Blue Mountains – and be sure to visit Scenic World at the Three Sisters in Katoomba. It’s home to fun mountain adventures ranging from an exhilarating railway ride to a butterfly-inducing aerial cable car that lets you appreciate the beauty – and scale! – of the heritage-listed national park.
Dates open: Year round
Price: Free
All other kinds of activities aside, it's no secret that Sydney's real power lies in its astoundingly beautiful beaches. We have put together a list of the best beaches in town. Spend the middle days hopping between them all, with each of these beachy selections chosen for their accessibility, safety and all-round beachy beauty that has to be seen to be believed. Start packing that picnic now. And pack 50+ and a hat!
Discover Time Out original video
Â
