The Summer Guide to Sydney 2017–18
Slap on your invisible zinc and get out there. Blue skies wait for no one.
Summer in Sydney is nothing short of glorious. It's sunny mornings, steamy afternoons and evenings that stay bright and burning long after you've escaped the office. It's gold-coloured sunsets at Clovelly, Friday afternoons at Freshie, post-work picnics at Redleaf and eating chips by the surf at Cronulla. We could go on, but you get it: summer is a jump-out-of-bed-in-the-morning time to be in Sydney.
But, hey, we're spoilt and sometimes we forget just how damn special this time of year is. That's why we've put together the Summer Guide, a shortlist of the best this city has to offer December through March. Go from rooftop bars to beaches to backyard barbecues to secluded bush spots in Sydney and beyond.
So whether it's in the sand or a cool corner of a beer garden, go forth and frolic. Summer is the ultimate Sydney pop-up and it waits for no one.
The essentials
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A Guide to Australia's Best Summer Festivals in 2017–18
The best camping festivals, one-day dance parties and multi-day arts meets hitting the country this year.
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Ten Epic Art Exhibitions to See Across Australia This Summer
From Yayoi Kusama to Pipilotti Rist to the NGV's huge new Triennial, this might be the country's best summer of art yet.
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Road Tripping: A Sydneysider's Guide
From quick city getaways just a few hours drive away to epic interstate adventures.
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The Ten Best Beaches in Sydney
From napping under palms on the northern beaches to snorkelling in the turquoise waters of a protected marine reserve, these are ten of our year-round go-to Sydney beaches.
Summer events
Outdoor adventures
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NewsThe Ten Best Ocean Pools in Sydney for a Dip This Spring
Head to these stunning ocean pools to enjoy Sydney's best beaches, safe from rips and sharks.
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NewsThe Five Best Waterfalls Near Sydney You Can Swim Under
Don't stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to — nor the crammed Sydney beaches.
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News
The Ten Best Beaches in Sydney
From napping under palms on the northern beaches to snorkelling in the turquoise waters of a protected marine reserve, these are ten of our year-round go-to Sydney beaches.
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NewsThe Ten Best Bike Rides In and Around Sydney
From leisurely city bike rides to stunning bush climbs, here are Sydney's best spots to glide around on two wheels.
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NewsFive Epic Multi-Day Hikes to Conquer Near Sydney
Pack a tent, water and lots of snacks and walk your way through the most beautiful parts of NSW during these multi-day hikes.
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NewsThirteen of the Best Snorkelling Spots in Sydney You Should Bookmark for Summer
Escape your landlubbing worries under the sea.
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News
The Most Idyllic Swimming Holes to Visit Around Sydney This Summer
Don't stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.
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GuideThe Best Outdoor and Drive-In Cinemas to Check Out in Sydney
Ditch the air-conditioned cinema on balmy nights and catch a movie under the stars instead.
Summer eats
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GuideThe Best Bars and Pubs with Beer Gardens and Boozy Courtyards in Sydney
It's a shame to be sitting inside whenever the sun comes out. Particularly if you've got a drink in hand.
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GuideThe Best Late-Night Eats in Sydney
Minimally regrettable, damn tasty nosh that you can get on the other side of midnight.
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GuideWhere to Eat When You're Saving but Don't Feel Like Another Meal at Home
Places for a weeknight feed that won't blow the budget.
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GuideSydney's Least Awkward Spots for a First Date
Because first dates are nail-biting enough without the added challenge of picking a good place.
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NewsWhere to Buy the Best Supplies in Sydney for a Perfect Picnic
Eight essential elements to help you reach picnic perfection — and where to get them.
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GuideSydney Restaurants Where You Can Dine at the Bar
Take a seat up front, whether you're dining solo or finally having that long-delayed catch-up.
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NewsThe Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney
From high flying modern diners to long-loved, no-frills eateries.
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NewsThe Ten Best Bars on Sydney's Lower North Shore
Where to find a great drink in this northern neighbourhood — whether you're after fine wine, a unique cocktail or some pints among mates.
Crew hangs
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NewsSix Ways to Squeeze the Last Few Drops of Summer Out of the Season
We can't stop the seasons from changing, but we can keep prolong the end of summer with after-work swims, outdoor movies and sleeping by the beach.
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NewsVegemite Has Released an Icy Pole Recipe and People Are Confused
The most Aussie summer treat since the Sunnyboy (RIP).
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NewsFive Tournaments to Challenge Your Mates to This Summer
A bit of friendly competition never hurt anybody.
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NewsThe Rustic Hobbies Made Better by Technology to Adopt for Summer
For the burgeoning urban hobbyists among us.
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GuideSydney's Best Happy Hours for Serious Co-Worker Bonding
Options that will put the mate in workmate.
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NewsEight Summer Eskies That Take Beverage Cooling More Seriously Than Most
Don't settle for warm beer.
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Guide12 Killer Summer Recipes from Some of Australia's Best Chefs
Entrees, mains and cocktails from Porteno, Kitchen by Mike, Matt Stone, Big Poppa's and more.
Air-conditioned adventures
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NewsThe Most Luxurious Boutique Hotels In and Around Sydney
Whether you're vacationing or staycationing in Sydney, these hotels will have you sleeping in soft linen, eating in fine restaurants and relaxing in big spa baths.
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GuideSydney Bars with Games and Activities for When You Want to Do More Than Just Sit Around and Drink
Sip a shiraz over 'Scrabble' or polish off a pot with a game of pool.
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GuideEight Blockbuster Art Exhibitions to See Across Australia This Summer
Plan interstate trips to view giant mirrored sculptures by Jeff Koons, check out a major installation by Lindy Lee and explore the world of First Nations fashion — all at Australia's best galleries.
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Guide
Ten Epic Art Exhibitions to See Across Australia This Summer
From Yayoi Kusama to Pipilotti Rist to the NGV's huge new Triennial, this might be the country's best summer of art yet.
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GuideSydney's Best New Spaces of 2017
Honouring the best new additions to Sydney's design scene this year.
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NewsFive Artworks Not to Miss at AGNSW's 'Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age' Exhibition
Step out of Sydney summer and into 17th century Dutch society.
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NewsArchie Brothers Is Sydney's New Novelty Arcade Bar for Kidults
The activity-filled warehouse comes from the team behind Holey Moley and features bowling, dodgem cars, bowling and cocktails.
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GuideTen Sensational Summer Exhibitions to See in Sydney This December
Featuring pioneering female artists, emerging photographers, quirky crochet and more.
Reading List
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GuideSydney's Most Popular Bars of 2018
The rooftop bars, themed hangouts, old-school pubs and cosy courtyards you flocked to this year.
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GuideSydney's Most Popular Restaurants of 2018
The new openings and old favourites you flocked to this year.
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NewsSummer Reading List 2017-18
Find a shady spot on the beach and make your way through these seven books.
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GuideSydney's Most Popular Restaurants of 2017
The new openings and old favourites you flocked to this year.
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NewsTen Australian TV Shows You Should Stream This Summer
Hit pause on your fifth run of 'Seinfeld' — there's plenty of hilarious, relatable and completely bingeworthy local television to get into.
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GuideSydney's Most Popular Bars of 2017
The rooftop bars, themed hangouts, old-school pubs and cosy courtyards you flocked to this year.
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NewsConcrete Playground's Top Ten Films of 2017
If you didn't catch these in cinemas, make it your mission to seek them out before the year's end.
Wellbeing
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NewsThe Ten Best Day Spas in Sydney
Check into a Roman-style pool or treat yourself to a massage followed by a long, long lunch at Sydney's best day spas.
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NewsSuper Affordable Activewear Brand Decathlon Has Opened in Melbourne
The French retail giant's first Melbourne stores stock everything from activewear and sporting goods to tents and wetsuits.
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NewsSuper Affordable Activewear Brand Decathlon Has Opened Its Second Sydney Store
It's the French retail giant's second Australian store, stocking everything from activewear and sporting goods to tents and wetsuits.
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News
Super Affordable Activewear Brand Decathlon Is Opening Two Melbourne Stores
The French retail giant's first Melbourne stores will stock everything from activewear and sporting goods to tents and wetsuits.
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NewsEight Australian Yoga Retreats to Help You Achieve Your Most Flexible Zen
Practise your back bends in Byron and your downward dog in the Daintree.
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NewsThe Best Outdoor Yoga Classes in Sydney
Slap on the SPF 30+ and take your downward dog to the great outdoors.
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News
Super Affordable Activewear Brand Decathlon Has Opened a Sydney Store
The French retail giant's first Australian store stocks everything from activewear and sporting goods to tents and wetsuits.
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NewsWhere to Train for a Marathon and Have a Cooldown Brew After
Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, we've got your running route and post-workout beer covered.
Warm Weather Getaways
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NewsThe Ten Best Beach Camping Spots in Australia
Wake up to the sound of waves at these incredible beachside campsites across Australia.
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NewsA Weekender's Guide to Port Stephens
Slurp local oysters, ride through the dunes and unearth 'Mad Max' sets on the coast.
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NewsThe Best Day Trips from Sydney to Take This Summer
Blowholes, bush walks, cycle trails and vineyard picnics are only a short drive away.
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NewsNSW's South Coast Glamping Retreat Had Popped Back Up
Glamping specialists Flash Camp are heading back to Shoalhaven's Coolendel reserve.
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NewsTen Must-Visit Places Worth Travelling Overseas for in 2018
Check for cheap flights and lock in a date.
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NewsA Look Inside Australia's New Five-Storey Cube-Shaped Winery, Restaurant and Cellar Door
d’Arenberg's new structure features an art gallery, a wine inhalation room, panoramic South Australian views and 70 types of vino to taste.
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NewsNSW's South Coast Glamping Retreat Is Popping Back Up for Summer
Glamping specialists Flash Camp are heading back to Shoalhaven's Coolendel reserve.
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NewsA Weekender's Guide to Robertson
Snuggle up with a book in a grand old manor, visit a cheese factory, have fireside beers at the pub and see three spectacular waterfalls in one day.