Eight Exciting Ways to Experience Barangaroo This Summer

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Sydney shines in summer. The long days, warm nights and many summer celebrations make the city buzz throughout the warmer months. After being cooped up all winter, we're pretty keen to spend summer exploring our own backyard to remember why it is we love living in this sparkling city so much.

One part of town that'll be filled with sweet summer fun is Barangaroo. The inner city pocket will play host to art activations, Sydney Festival events, artisan markets and loads more. Did we mention it's a prime position to see in the new year, too? Whether you're after a picturesque picnic spot or a world-class dining experience, you'll find something to suit every one of your summer moods at Barangaroo.

WELCOME 2022 WITH AN INCREDIBLE HARBOUR VIEW

If there's one thing Sydney knows how to do well, it's New Year's Eve. The phenomenal fireworks show over the harbour is famous worldwide and you can get front-row access from the sloping lawns at Barangaroo Reserve. You can BYO food or enjoy tasty treats from the on-site food trucks while live performances keep you entertained until the the countdown to midnight. Bringing your own booze is not permitted but the on-site bar will be available to quench your thirst.

Given the prime location, you'll need to get in early to make sure you're on the lawns for the midnight moment. Head to the website to grab your tickets.

2021 Cultural Ghost Tour

FREAK YOURSELF OUT ON A GHOST TOUR

From Thursday, January 13 till Saturday, January 22, you can immerse yourself in ancient Dreamtime stories at this spine-tingling First Nations-led ghost tour at Barangaroo (Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights only). You'll start with a cleansing ceremony at Stargazer Lawn before you make your way to Nawi Cove to connect with the Water Spirits of Birra (Sydney Harbour). To finish, you'll share your own spooky stories around a sandstone fire pit while acknowledging Barangaroo's Goomedah (spirit).

UNCOVER ARTISAN-MADE TREATS AT THIS INAUGURAL MARKET

You know a market means business when there'll be a road closure for it to take place. On Saturday, February 26, the very first Barangaroo Artisan Market will be kicking off with over 40 stalls to browse through and yep, you guessed it, the streets will be filled with people instead of cars. From carefully crafted ceramics to prints, homewares and jewellery, there'll be plenty of treasures to discover at this harbourside market. The best part? There'll be free live music to soundtrack your summer shopping spree.

GET INSPIRED AT SYDNEY FESTIVAL

Sydney Festival is the city's beating heart in January. From incredible live music to inspiring theatre productions and transformative artworks, there'll be so much to see during this jam-packed arts festival.  This year, you can catch several Sydney Festival events happening at Barangaroo. See large-scale artwork Future Dreaming on Stargazer Lawn; head to The Cutaway to hear the lush acoustic sounds of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' chamber singers in Night of the Soul; or get reflective at The Vigil: Songs for Tomorrow on January 25.

Rick Stevens

TAKE IN SOME HISTORY ON AN ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOUR

Keen to learn more about the history of Barangaroo? Best to get that education from an expert via an Aboriginal Cultural Tour, where you'll be guided through the six hectares of headland that is Barangaroo Reserve. On the tour, you'll take in the 75,000 native plants that feature in the area — the highest quota of native flora of any public space in Sydney — while learning about the importance of this land to clans of the Eora Nation. Tickets range from $16.50–$36.30 for the full 90-minute tour.

AUGMENT YOUR REALITY AT THIS LARGE-SCALE ARTWORK

Reality getting you down? Time to mix things up with the Artfresco Augmented Reality Art Activation. The free event is happening at Mercantile Walk (outside the entrances to the International Towers) in Barangaroo South until Monday, January 31. The large-scale activation has been developed from original works by renowned artists Alex Seton and Robert Fielding and curated by local artist and innovator Charles Clapshaw. Unfamiliar with the area? An interactive map will help you locate the art and give you information on the artists involved.

Eloi Stichelbaut (SailGP)

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON THE SAILS

Love sailing? Head to Barangaroo from December 17-18 to catch the return of Australia Sail Grand Prix I on Sydney Harbour. There'll be a pop-up SailGP Village from 12pm both days for fans to have the chance to see racing boats, take part in Q&As with athletes, purchase merchandise and more. It's free to check out the village itself but experiences start from $30 each.

HAVE A HARBOURSIDE PICNIC

Looking for a new picnic spot this summer? Make tracks to the picturesque Barangaroo Reserve for your next outdoor get together. You'll be able to have your snacks near idyllic coves and check out the nearby lookouts in between drinks at this harbourside hang out.

You can BYO food and drinks (including alcohol) from home or pick up supplies from the nearby stores. Want to leave the picnic packing to the professionals instead? Order something from Pop-up Picnic. These picnic pros will pack you a gourmet hamper and deliver it to your agreed location on the reserve. You can even get them to supply picnic gear and outdoor activities if you want to go all out.

There's plenty of sweet summer fun to be had at Barangaroo this summer. For more information, visit the website.