Eight Ways To Enjoy The Holiday Period When The Days Blur Into One
How to make the most of Sydney's spoils.
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Nothing is quite as delightful as the unhurried days between Christmas and New Years. From cultural enrichment galore all the way through to off the beaten track nature exploits, It's the perfect time to explore all that Sydney and its surrounds has to offer.
With that in mind, we've got more than enough ideas for daily adventures between Christmas and New Years to help you enjoy the most relaxed week of the year.
Visit One of Sydney's Many Secluded Beaches
With over 100 beaches dotting the shores of Sydney, there's no need to contend with the crowds over the holiday period — even when everyone has the same idea and is headed towards the water.
Create a sense of escape by heading to one of the more secluded beaches located all around Sydney. Hot, lazy summer days mean heftier crowds than usual at most beaches. Opting for one that's a little more hidden means avoiding all of that, although with less crowds, there are likely less shops and dining options nearby so we recommend making a day of it by packing a sandwich made with Abbott's Bakery bread and plenty of snacks.
Tucked out of view under the coastal path between Cronulla and Shelly Beach, Blackwoods is quite literally a hidden gem of a beach. Access is via an easy scramble down some rocks. Further south, there's Salmon Haul Reserve which is a pristine snorkelling and swimming spot that looks out at Bundeena. And while there are dining options a short walk away, the combination of rocks and sand make both spots perfect places for a mini picnic.
Tim Brennan Flickr
Do a Two-for-One and Take on Both a Hike and a Swim
While many of Sydney's beaches that fly under the radar are accessible by car, some of the most secluded call for a hike in before a refreshing payoff. For a self-sufficient day in nature, pack a sandwich made with Abbott's Bakery bread that can withstand some travel, some snacks on the trail and enjoy a feed by a secluded body of water like Resolute Beach.
Found deep within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the beach is accessible only via a six-kilometre loop track. As arduous as that might sound, the reward is well worth it — with the promise of pristine waters and unspoiled views across Pittwater.
Andrew Gregory / Destination NSW
Head Out on a Day Trip to Royal National Park
Set over 150 square kilometres of pristine bushland and natural features, Royal National Park is a classic day trip destination that technically doesn't even require leaving Sydney. With plenty of tracks, swimming spots and even options for paddling, it's the perfect spot to get your nature fix when you finally have the time for it and the definition of choosing your own adventure. Be sure to pack plenty of water and your own lunch and snacks, as food options can be limited depending on which part of the park you're in.
David Finnegan via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
Go Even Further Afield on a Road Trip to a Campsite
If you really want to escape the city over the holiday season, travel even further afield and go on a pennywise road trip to one of NSW's many campsites for a night or two under the stars.
Whether you want to be closer to the water at a coastal campground like Mystery Bay or immersed deep in bushland at Uloola Falls campground, freedom beckons. Pack some snacks for the journey there, bring your own cooking supplies and enjoy the expansive landscapes of NSW.
Mystery Bay Beach; Sol Ramana-Clark via Destination NSW
Enjoy the Sunshine with a Relaxing Picnic
We don't make the rules — sunny summer days simply call for a picnic or two. They're the perfect low-touch way to enjoy a spread where all that really matters is good food and good company.
Picnic classics such as fruit, great bread, a selection of cheese, dips and nuts are in the pantheon of timelessness for a reason. So too are sandwiches with their endless filling combinations. Simply prep in advance, cut up halves or quarters and pack them for a satisfying feed as you laze on a blanket.
Elliott Kramer
Hop Between Rooftop Bars
Experiences are just better when you have ample time to savour them. Sunsets from a rooftop are one of summer's greatest joys and Sydney is dotted with charming rooftop bars. Catch golden hour from a rooftop bar or two while sipping leisurely on a spritz and feel the holiday vibes wash over you.
Spend a Day Getting Cultured
Sydney is seeing out 2024 with two of its major art institutions — the Art Gallery of NSW and the MCA — hosting packed arts programs. Exhibitions and retrospectives of heavy-hitting artists on display include Magritte, Julie Mehretu and Cao Fei. To really soak up each exhibition, we recommend setting aside some time to immerse yourself in the rich visual worlds of each artist.
Exterior view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Badu (L) and Naala Nura (R), photo © Iwan Baan
Get Your Live Music Fix
Whether it's carols for the festive spirit, a music festival or a sit-down concert, there's no shortage of live music to devour over the summer months in Sydney. Spend the time between Christmas and New Years either gearing up to see your favourite acts live when 2025 rolls around or head to Lost Paradise from Saturday, December 28.
Amar Gera
Stay in and Catch Up on Your Backlog of Streaming Content
Staying in and becoming one with the couch in the days between Christmas and New Years is a different kind of joy — one that is just as relaxing as getting out and getting amongst it. Fuel your catch-up of the year's best TV shows by fixing yourself a scrumptious sandwich using Abbott's Bakery bread and any festive spread leftovers — and settle in.
Discover the full range of Abbott's Bakery bread and create your ideal sandwich.
