A supercharged calendar packed with world-class shows and showdowns. Music in the balmy night air. The sparkling sunshine spotlighting all the new places, adventures and memories you'll make. And everywhere, the joy of surprise as you go with the flow in a place where all great things seem possible… There's nowhere like Sydney in the summer. Ready to make this one your best ever? Here is your ultimate go-outside-and-play list…

Be welcomed into Sydney's heart

Peek beneath the city's glittery surface and you'll see its inclusive heart brings people together. Be inspired as Bangarra Dance Theatre shares Australia's cultural heritage through powerful Aboriginal storytelling; and get festive as NOËL Sydney brings the Christmas magic with markets, music and spectacular light shows. Dance into the new year as ELEVATE Sydney transforms the Cahill Expressway into party central for four funk-filled days, and as Sydney WorldPride 2023 celebrates all the colours of the LGBTQIA+ rainbow. And, all summer long you can add your voice to the grandstand's roar as international tennis, cricket and more sporting showdowns makes communities come together to cheer as one.  

Set your imagination free

Enjoy every type of creativity under the sun as shows and shindigs light up the city. Since 1871, the Art Gallery of NSW has been a mecca for masterpieces – now it's a work of art itself, with the Sydney Modern Project unveiling a brand new building, outdoor spaces, and dynamic galleries. At the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sydney International Art Series hosts Do Ho Suh's first solo exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, and you can look behind the seams of designer Carla Zampatti's life in a world-first retrospective at the Powerhouse. The inspiration continues at the Sydney Festival, with a landmark Frida Kahlo installation, music evoked by Brett Whiteley's paintings, and performances at 39 venues from Sydney Town Hall to the Riverside Theatres.

Linger a little longer over a special meal

Refreshing seafood; tangy tropical fruit; the sheer joy of all things barbecued and savoured alfresco… summer serves memorable dining on a platter, and Sydney has a delicious spread of new experiences to tingle your tastebuds. Feast on a fiesta of flavours at two Open for Lunch events on 2 December – George Street rolls out a culinary extravaganza with live music and bites from Luke Mangan, Mimi's and Totti's; meanwhile at Commbank Stadium, there's entertainment and a three-course menu designed by Matt Moran. Plus, there are a number of just-opened eateries to explore across the city. At The Charles, there's elegant eats and Art Deco styling; Maydanoz offers delicious Turkish fare; across the harbour, RAFI's alfresco areas are the perfect spot to indulge in a chef's choice banquet; and in Inner Sydney, both Gildas and Fontana plate up standout dishes as colourful as their eclectic surrounds. 

Be moved by musical performances

From Field Day's beats to The Enmore's indie riffs, Sydney's summer concerts will make your toes tap – and a range of musicals will move your heart. Feel uplifted as Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of human connection at the Theatre Royal, and as you sing along with the hilarious Cinderella at Sydney Lyric Theatre. Watch your little ones' faces light up as Madagascar the Musical takes you all on a wild adventure. And immerse yourself in drama as the harbour's shimmering scenery stars in Carmen on Cockatoo Island – a contemporary remix of the opera classic featuring awe-inspiring fireworks and thrilling car chases.

Take your place in a living postcard

Wash away the everyday on Sydney Harbour. Feel your adrenaline surge as super-maxis thunder across the harbour as the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race begins, and as nine teams battle it out at the SailGP. For a change of pace, explore its secret beaches from your own private charter, or get your hit of Vitamin Sea on a kayak tour, where the sunrise's golden glow makes you feel like you have this magical playground all to yourself.

Renew your view and fill your cup

At the city's freshest rooftop bars, sweeping views make every night feel young. Reconnect with friends at the brand-new Aster Bar, where there's jaw-dropping 32nd-floor vistas and the expert mixologists create cocktails right at your table. On Crown Towers Sydney's 26th floor in buzzing Barangaroo, CIRQ offers sophisticated outdoor spaces and bespoke cocktails starring native botanicals. At Zephyr in nearby Darling Harbour, the panoramas are as impressive as the exclusive spirits. And, refresh your perspective with a sky-high thrill – ride to a new rush at Luna Park, see the cityscape through First Nations eyes on a Burrawa BridgeClimb, and explore by door-less helicopter.

Wake up to new inspiration

Sydney's always adding fresh sparkles to its skyline, and you can sleep amongst them at just-opened stays across the city. In pulsing Paddington, Oxford House offers laidback luxe rooms, eclectic artwork and plush amenities; in nearby Surry Hills, the ultra-cool Ace Hotel pays homage to its former life as an historic brick factory with industrial-chic interiors. In the city centre, the heritage Porter House boasts stylish suites as well as a modern brasserie, delicatessen and lively bar. Beside the harbour, take your pick of dreamy retreats – breathe in the vistas at the just-refurbished Intercontinental Sydney, nestled between the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge; or glamp at historic Cockatoo Island.

--

Note to editors:

Find this article, accompanied by additional downloadable images, (for registered Media Centre users) on the Destination NSW Media Centre.

There's so much going on across Sydney and New South Wales. For access to the latest news and to be kept up to date, register now with the Destination NSW Media Centre media.destinationnsw.com.