See the Harbour City come alive when the sun shines.
The Harbour City, Sydney, the big smoke. It’s Australia’s biggest city, and it’s bustling with activity when summer rolls around. If you’re a local or a visitor, the summer sun unleashes an abundance of choices to keep you busy — let’s dive in together.
In the heart of it all, skyscrapers and heritage buildings shelter boutique hotels, neighbourhood coffee shops, vibey music venues and crafty laneway bars. By the ocean, our iconic beaches meet the Pacific in a spread of shorelines that will guarantee good times in the water, no matter the beach. Out west, homely neighbourhoods give way to adventure-filled wilderness and sprawling mountains that you can see from the city on a clear day.
Curious? We’ve partnered with Destination NSW to help you plan the perfect itinerary.
See the Harbour City come alive when the sun shines.
Sydney’s a big place, so if you’re visiting for a specific reason, book your accommodation as close as you can to your focus. Otherwise, pick a central locale like the CBD, Surry Hills, Ultimo or Redfern as your base of operations.
Sydney is walkable if you like to get your steps up on a sunny day, but it’s worth investing in an Opal Card if you’re planning on going the distance. These debit/credit-powered transport cards will give you tap-and-go access to public transport all over the state, let alone just the city. Or, you can simply tap on with your bank card to make things even more convenient.
Summer gets hot in Sydney, but like in any subtropical region, rainy weather can strike out of nowhere. Prepare for all elements, but make sure you’ve got plenty of breathable clothing and sun protection as a bare minimum. Beyond that, any essential gear you forget can easily be bought in town.
For beach life, visit the Eastern Suburbs or Northern Beaches, each with a range of sandy stretches and cosy townships to explore. Partygoers should hit the Inner West to see Sydney nightlife at its most authentic, while foodies can get their fix throughout the city — but especially in the concentrated laneways of the CBD. Start at Sydney Harbour and work your way out.
Sydney's Summer Calendar
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EventRELICS: A New World Rises
Two LEGO® Masters winners have transformed pre-loved everyday objects into fascinating mini civilisations at the Australian Museum.
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EventPrimavera 2025: Young Australian Artists
Five emerging Australian artists explore labour, production and the digital age at the MCA's annual survey of creatives aged 35 and under.
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EventA Conversation with the Sun (Afterimage): Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Palme d'Or-Winning filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul has created a new cinematic installation for the MCA.
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EventBack to the Future: The Musical
Great Scott! This stage-to-screen hit has now arrived in Sydney!
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EventThe Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market
Explore a curated lineup of Australian-made homewares, slow-fashion, artisan food and craft workshops at this Christmas-themed makers market.
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EventUnited Cup 2026
Alex de Minaur, Iga Świątek, Emma Raducanu and more are set to battle for national pride as the United Cup returns for 2026.
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EventSydney Festival 2026
A live-action movie shoot at Walsh Bay, Hot Chip at the Opera House and a full-scale roller-derby show at Sydney Town Hall headline Sydney Festival's 50th edition.
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EventWomen's T20I Series v India — 1st T20I
Women's cricket returns to the SCG this summer, with the Aussies taking on a surging India under the lights in a primetime T20 showdown.
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EventKPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
The elite high-speed sail race returns to Sydney Harbour for more breakneck aquatic action in 2026.
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EventSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
Sydney's biggest street party returns for its 48th edition, celebrating joy as power, protest and connection.
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EventAFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™
For the first time in two decades, Australasia's biggest celebration of women's football returns to Australia.
For more inspiration on what to do in Sydney, visit the Destination NSW website.