Six Things to do in Sydney This Autumn If You Want to Stay Out of Hibernation

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The lengthy summer has finally come to an end. And while we may be entering the cosiest seasons of the year, that doesn't mean taking shelter in Oodies with cups of tea in hand. There's still so much to enjoy in this city of ours, even as the chill starts to set in.

So we've gathered some of the most exciting events on offer in Sydney this Autumn — from immersive historical exhibitions to elaborate stage shows and community events for good causes. Add these to your to-do list.

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs

Where else in Sydney can you learn about the life and legacy of one of Egypt's greatest-ever pharaohs than the Australian Museum? It's there you'll find Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs — an exclusive multi-sensory, immersive experience for all ages, and it's ending soon.

The exhibition explores the life and reign of the late Ramses the Great, Egypt's second longest-reigning Pharaoh, and showcases more than 180 objects, each dating back approximately 3000 years to Egypt's Nineteenth Dynasty.

Ramses II lived well into his 90s (extremely uncommon for his day) and each object in this exhibition captures important details of the era of his rule. These include jewellery, ceramics, small mummified animals, royal masks, as well as the immaculately preserved sarcophagus where Ramses was entombed.

For an additional fee when booking, there's an optional multi-sensory VR experience that transports you to two of the era's most iconic monuments: Queen Nefertari's tomb and the Abu Simbel's temples. The exhibition is entering its final weeks before it leaves on Sunday, May 19, so get your tickets booked ASAP (tip — it's open over the full Easter weekend).

The Greatest Showman Brunch

Another significant historical figure (although maybe not quite as significant as Ramses II) is famous showman and con-man PT Barnum. Though a real historical figure, his story was made famous in the 2017 musical film The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman in the title role. The box office hit proved as popular for the soundtrack of bangers as it did for the story itself.

Now the PT Barnum circus experience is coming to life for a special Greatest Showman Brunch event at the Potts Point Hotel on Sunday, April 28. Sing, dance or just smile your way through the biggest musical numbers as live performers take to the stage in front of you for a two-hour show. Your ticket includes entry, a welcome drink and a themed brunch to pair with the show.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour — West Side Story

There are musicals, and then there are the musicals that will live forever. West Side Story is one such production and one of the most popular musicals ever to grace the stage since its original run in 1957.

It's a classic star-crossed lovers tale inspired by Romeo & Juliet and is one of the seminal popular works by composer Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by musical theatre great Stephen Sondheim, with iconic choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins. And it's returning to Sydney's most spectacular stage from Friday, March 22 to Sunday, April 21.

If you've never had the pleasure, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour hosts productions of some of the biggest musicals worldwide on a floating stage with the stunning cityscape as its backdrop. The show is just part of the experience. First enjoy the sunset with a drink and dinner from the on-site pop-up eateries, then enjoy a spectacular show with a drink in hand under the stars.

Ramadan Nights Lakemba

One of the biggest, most beloved events of the season is Ramadan Nights Lakemba. Running every Thursday to Sunday from March 9 to April 8, this free-entry event is one of the most vibrant multicultural events in the entire city. If you've never been, more than 75 local businesses take part in a massive food market from dusk to 3am on Lakemba's Haldon Street.

The event is to celebrate the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, and with steady year-on-year growth in popularity, it is expected to draw in over a million visitors from the local area across Sydney, Australia, and even from overseas.

Wandering the busy street, you'll find cuisine from Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Lebanon, Syria and many more international communities. Expect everything from shawarma and kaak to Syrian ice cream, knafeh and Lebanese coffee. Our tip? Arrive close to dusk to beat the crowds.

The Rocky Horror Show

The Rocky Horror Show is a classic tale of sex, rock 'n' roll and mad science.

Since its debut in 1973 from maestro Richard O'Brien (and the beloved film adaptation in 1975), the raunchy musical has had a meteoric rise from cult to icon status. Now, it's touring Australia for the ongoing 50th anniversary tour, visiting Theatre Royal Sydney from Sunday, March 31 to Sunday, May 12.

In case you're among those who haven't had the pleasure of viewing this wild rock masterpiece, it follows a squeaky-clean young couple who experience car troubles while driving on a remote highway and walk to a nearby castle to find help. Waiting in the castle is a mad scientist, his mad staff and an even madder creation. What follows is a night of song, dance and debauchery like no other.

Wild Women On Top

Coastrek 2024

Coastrek is a massive fitness event that encourages everyday Aussies to strap on some walking shoes and stroll along our stunning coastal walkways on Friday, May 3. The Sydney route stretches along the Northern Beaches from Palm Beach to Balgowlah Heights covering 50km of track.

You don't have to walk the full 50km though; registrations are open for 20km or 30km courses too, starting from Long Reef and Mona Vale respectively. Either way, you'll be walking some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Most importantly, it's all for a good cause, with each registered team tasked to raise $2000 for the Heart Foundation.

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs is ending soon on Sunday, May 19. For more information or to book tickets visit the website. For more to do in Sydney, keep exploring here on Concrete Playground.