Sydney's Summer of Sport Is Heating Up — Here's How to Get in on the Action
Consider this your playbook for turning four of summer's biggest sporting events into a proper mini-escape.
Sydney's summer of sport is officially in full swing, and this season's lineup includes everything from blockbuster cricket and harbour-skimming catamarans to world-class football and top-rate tennis showdowns. And with action taking place throughout the city, each event offers the perfect jumping-off point to explore more of the city.
Rather than racing in and out for a match, consider this your playbook for turning four of Sydney's biggest summer sports events into proper mini-escapes, with our picks of nearby restaurants, bars and hotels to help you make the most of your experience. Here's how to make the most of Sydney's summer of sport.
Tennis Australia/Steven Markham
United Cup
Why it's unmissable
The Australian summer tennis swing kicks off in Sydney on Saturday, January 3 with the return of the United Cup. This fan-favourite tournament sees national sides battle it out in men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles, bringing a lively, festival-like vibe to Ken Rosewall Arena. The 2026 edition serves up plenty of reasons to get courtside, with local hero Alex de Minaur, Iga Świątek and Emma Raducanu among the headline names leading a stacked field. Find out more here.
Eat here first
If you're heading to a day session, kick things off at Happyfield, the enduringly popular American-style diner in Haberfield serving pancake stacks with 100-percent Canadian maple syrup, hefty breakfast burgers and top-notch single-origin coffee. Later in the day, Olympic Meats delivers hearty charcoal-grilled meat plates and other Greek favourites, while Sippenham is a cool, quietly confident neighbourhood hangout known for its seasonal plates and punchy wine list.
Happyfield
Celebrate here after
Post-match, follow the fan flow back into the Inner West and drop into Deadwax, the late-night bar and listening room home to wagyu sandos, a massive vinyl collection and Enmore's only karaoke room.
Make a weekend out of it
Turn matchday into a mini-escape with a stay at Australia Street Suites, a boutique Newtown address offering stylish accommodation just steps in the thick of one of Sydney's most vibrant neighbourhoods. With easy transport links to Sydney Olympic Park, it's a relaxed, design-led base for a full weekend of tennis and inner-west exploring.
Women's T20I Series v India — 1st T20I
Why it's unmissable
Women's cricket returns to the SCG this February, as the Aussies take on India under the lights in a primetime T20 showdown. The growing rivalry between these two powerhouses is one of modern cricket's most thrilling storylines, with both sides playing at the top of their game right now. Can Alyssa Healy and her side reclaim bragging rights in front of a home crowd after India knocked them out of November's ODI World Cup, or will the Women in Blue spoil the party? Find out more here.
Eat here first
The SCG's location in the thick of the eastern suburbs means it's within easy reach of some of Sydney's favourite restaurants. Enjoy a spread of Greek mezedes paired with ouzo coladas at vibey Redfern taverna Olympus, fuel up at Surry Hills' Argentinian steakhouse Porteño, or soak up the scene at Neil Perry's big-swinging Italian dining room Gran Torino. If it's water views you're after, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach plates up the legendary British chef's produce-driven seafood dishes, as well as sweeping views of one of the city's most beloved stretches of sand.
Celebrate here after
When stumps are called, wander up to sleek Darlinghurst neighbourhood bar Vin-Cenzo's (pictured above) for a pick from the impressive wine list and traditional Italian biscuits served in vintage tins, or settle in nearby at The Waratah, home to a cocktail menu that heroes native ingredients.
Make a weekend out of it
Extend your stay at The EVE — just steps from the SCG, you'll feel like you're a world away thanks to its tropical resort vibes.
AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026
Why it's unmissable
For the first time in two decades, Australasia's biggest celebration of women's football returns to Australia, bringing some of the region's best national squads (and biggest names) to Western Sydney Stadium and Sydney Olympic Park's Stadium Australia. And with spots in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup — and, for the first time, the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament — up for grabs, you can expect teams to leave it all out on the pitch. Find out more here.
Eat here first
Kick off your matchday at Misc. This breezy 300-seater in Parramatta Park does it all, from cheeky breakfast items like the Lebs Benedict, featuring grilled sujuk, smoked butter hollandaise and pickled chillies on thick-cut milk toast, to all-day sharing dishes like daily market fish with a preserved lemon vinaigrette and a fall-off-the-bone lamb shoulder with minted labneh, zhoug and flatbread to mop it all up.
Parker Blain
Celebrate here after
Keep the energy high after the final whistle at Lady Banks, Western Sydney's sky-high rooftop perched above Bankstown. Head up for sweeping views and summer-ready cocktails — the perfect perch to debrief every goal, near-miss and heart-stopping moment from the game.
Make a weekend out of it
Stay close to the action at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Macquarie Park. With brand-new rooms, sleek modern interiors and easy access to both Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, it's a smart base for turning matchday into a full Sydney escape.
KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
Why it's unmissable
SailGP brings the world's most exciting race on water back to Sydney Harbour this summer, turning the city's most iconic waterway into a high-octane racecourse. From tight duels and fierce national rivalries to near-flying boat speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour, every race unfolds just metres from shore, with Shark Island perfectly positioned as your front-row seat to the action. This year's event comes with a twist: racing kicks off at 5.30pm, delivering the first-ever twilight showdown in the event's local history. Find out more here.
Eat here first
Make a day of it on the harbour's edge. Start your pre-race wander at Flaminia, the polished new Italian restaurant bringing big coastal flavours to a prime harbourfront location. For something more laidback, Watermans — tucked along the Barangaroo boardwalk — serves Levantine-inspired plates backed by seasonal local produce. If you fancy a stroll into the city, Rockpool's steak-frites restaurant 24 York serves up MB2+ scotch fillet cooked to your liking for $48.
Celebrate here after
Take the post-race festivities skyward at Smoke Bar, Barangaroo House's sleek rooftop perch with panoramic views, sharp cocktails and a near-constant buzz. If you'd prefer something more intimate (but no less lively), slip into Maybe Sammy, the award-winning cocktail bar pouring playful, theatre-driven drinks in an elegant, pared-back setting.
Make a weekend out of it
Cap off your raceday with a stay at the Park Hyatt Sydney (pictured above), where balconies overlook the Sydney Opera House and morning swims on the rooftop pool come with postcard views. It's the ultimate base for a weekend built around the harbour.
Ready to feel the Sydney side of summer? Discover the full calendar of what's on across the city at sydney.com.
