Things to do in Sydney on January 26

The Australian Museum celebrates First Nations culture in the astounding permanent shows of  Baylala Nura: Yarning for Country, and Garrigarrang: Sea Country. Each one of these diverse exhibitions each features fascinating artefacts, unknown stories and gorgeous art pieces that all turn what you thought you knew about this country on its head. Head here on January 26 to look back on this country's untold history, interrogate the lasting impacts of colonisation and the denial of Indigenous sovereignty. Level up your visit by joining one of the tours led by knowledgeable First Nations guides.

Whether you're visiting from overseas or a curious local looking to get beyond the basics (Dot paintings? Bark paintings? Just the tip of the iceberg), we've rounded up the best places to see the best of Australia's diverse Indigenous art practice.

Aboriginal Australia has a rich culture that’s survived more than 60,000 years, and there’s a lot that visitors can learn from the oldest living culture in the world. Really get to know the city of Sydney through the connection to land that its First Nations peoples have and continue to uphold through the four Sydney tours we've rounded up.

We've had two years of time at home to form an online shopping addiction, and the retail therapy is real. As you're clicking and swiping away, make your spending into a statement and spend with these First Nations designers and businesses – many of which are based in Warrang (Sydney) and communities around New South Wales. Read on for our list.

It’s important that every single Australian is reading, learning, doing research, speaking up and donating to causes that work to minimise everyday injustices and make serious moves to change institutionalised racism. We’ve gathered together a list of some of the charities and organisations supporting Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and PoC voices around Australia and the world. If you aren’t in a position to help financially, there are other ways you can show your support. 

From easy breezy coastal walks to half-day bush hikes and multi-day expeditions, Sydney’s blessed with many different walking paths that’ll suit amblers of all abilities. Take a look at our list of 13 walks in Sydney that’ll take you over dramatic sandstone cliffs, cobbled stone paths, sandy inlets and well-trodden boardwalks.

Swimmers are winners in our emerald city by the sea, so it’s no surprise that there are countless spots across Sydney where you can take the plunge. But what kind of pool experience are you hoping to dive into?

Looking for something fun to do on your public holiday? Feel like enjoying a film in a park, on a rooftop, or by the water? From blockbusters to tearjerkers, rom-coms to thrillers, you can catch them all in the great outdoors across the city thanks to a proliferation of popcorn-offering spots popping up across the city. We've rounded up the best of them.

Rain or shine, head out on a journey of discovery at these all-weather-friendly houses of knowledge. You'll learn about fascinating natural histories, scientific endeavours, design innovations and the many surprising stories that have made this city everything it is today.

Any day is a good beach day if you've got the right attitude. To help you pick from Sydney's wealth of sandy stretches, we’ve cast our discerning eyes across almost every beach in the city, awarding points for accessibility, natural beauty, range of facilities and unique charms. We’ve tallied the results, tabulated the scores and can now reveal our definitive rankings of the 50 best beaches in Sydney.

Sydney is one pretty city, but it’s got nothing on the breathtaking vistas of the Blue Mountains. Just two hours west of Sydney's bustling urban heart, this vast, largely untouched wilderness, spanning some 11,400 square kilometres, is crisscrossed with walking trails that take in some of the most spectacular corners of the region. From forested canyons to towering rocks and majestic waterfalls, you’ll find them all on these top bushwalks in the Blue Mountains.

There's nothing quite like a relaxing swim in a cool, clear swimming hole surrounded by glorious nature, and thanks to the vast swathes of national parks and bushland just a stone's throw from Sydney, you won't have to travel very far to find such a dip.  If you and your mates have well and truly done the beach thing, a visit to one of these little-known swimming holes is the perfect alternative. Round them up, pack some supplies and head off for a day at one of these stunning natural pools.

In NSW, you don’t need to travel far to make a couple of nights away feel like a proper holiday. Whether you’re in the mood for a beach break, a hike in the mountains, or an escape to the country, we’ve found a host of getaway destinations that are easily accessible from Sydney.

Plenty of restaurants will still be open on the public holiday! And although this city ain’t cheap, it's also overflowing with restaurants serving up stellar stuff at prices that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. From banh mi to tonkotsu ramen, biang biang noodles to vegan burgers, and pretty much everything else in between, some of Sydney's greatest culinary hits are the cheapest. Click here to find out about the eateries we reckon are well worth their salt.