Overview
Don't feel like you're managing to see enough stuff at the Sydney Festival? The mammoth event takes over most of the month of January, but siesta too long and you'll miss it. Here's one rather ambitious way to optimise your schedule — set out at dawn and don't go home till the Festival Garden evicts you. Some of the best bits of the festival are only on during the day, and one of those at the very moment day breaks.
5.45am
Dawn isn't just for Anzac Day and the elderly. Crowds gather to hear Russian horn player Arkady Shilkloper greet it regularly throughout the Sydney Festival on his giant alphorn, serenading the sun as it peeks over the horizon. Dawn Calling moves locations each day, but you can't beat seeing it on a beach, such as Manly.
8am
Head to Mosman to experience Sir Harrison Birtwistle’s extraordinary electronic work Chronometer, which has recently been rediscovered and remastered for the digital age. Best of all, you can listen to it from the comfort of a beanbag while overlooking the city from Georges Heights Lookout.
10am
A short stroll away is Megan Heyward's site-specific artwork Notes for Walking, which takes you on a GPS and augmented reality tour of Middle Head Reserve. Your smartphone is your compass for this fun experience that'll have you exploring underground mazes and traversing the headland in search of short video notes.
1pm
Head across the bridge to the Sydney Theatre for a Secret River matinee session, where you'll often find better seats than at night. It's only a matter of time before this play becomes a national icon. Andrew Bovell's adaptation for the stage matches Kate Grenville's novel with full force, and Neil Armfield's direction delivers a powerful blow to the gut. It's the arresting story of William Thornhill, an English convict sent to Australia, and an example of the clumsy and ultimately brutal 'settling' of Aboriginal land.
5pm
Festivities in the Famous Spiegeltent kick off early and with a bang. Head to Hyde Park North to hear some sweet, sweet sounds from the likes of indie/classical virtuosos yMusic or the intimately confessional Perfume Genius.
7pm
Hungry yet? Stop in at one of the festival’s restaurant partners for a Fast Festival Feast. Restaurants such as Ananas and Sake in the Rocks are getting into the festival spirit by offering two select courses for $55, while others like Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ and the Newtown Hotel offer a signature main for $30.
9pm
Refuelled, kick on to Paradiso at Town Hall. The 10-night pop-up takes its name from the iconic Amsterdam rock venue, and it sits in the 125ish-year-old Town Hall. But aside from one detour in a Hot Dub Time Machine, the vibes are geared towards Sydney circa now. Bands play from 8pm, and an expertly curated selection of DJs host post-headliner dance parties until 2am. If it's a school night, the free-entry Paradiso Bar on the terrace is a prime spot for an after-work/pre-show drink.
11pm
Wrap things up with a nightcap and a dance at the Honda Festival Garden to fully soak up the sweet summer night. (Alternatively, night owls, this your starting point. When the sky starts turning cobalt, it's time to kick on to Dawn Calling.)