10 Things to Do in Sydney in Summer

Summer marks the start of Sydney's peak season and also the start of the city's most popular season of the year. During the warmer months, Sydney becomes a popular destination for visitors looking for surfing experiences, intense sunshine and celebrations, as the summer season also coincides with Christmas and New Year, two dates that identify the local spirit.

Some of the best things to do in Sydney in the summer, which runs from December to March, include visiting the city's beaches, discovering cricket, which is one of the national sports, at the Big Bash League, walking the Hunter Valley wine trail, taking a trip to the Blue Mountains in the best weather, seeing Manly, taking surfing lessons at Bondi Beach and experiencing the Sydney Festival.

Sydney is primarily a beach destination, so the first thing you should do in the city, if you want to know its true spirit, is to visit the beaches, which stretch along the coast with different particularities in each of them. There you can discover true paradises of sand and sea, which include boardwalks, water activities and which reveal the local tradition of carefree living.

Along the coast you'll find more than 20 famous beaches, especially in the north, including Bondi Beach, which is popular for surfing, Coogee Beach, a quieter and cosier option, ideal for visiting Sydney with children, and further afield, paradisiacal Manly Beach, which can be reached on a ferry ride or on the city's best cruise ships that include stops here.

Manly is popular because it offers not only calm waters for swimming, but also a lively shopping area and a variety of waterfront restaurants to enjoy a meal with a panoramic view. Just be aware that during the summer it will be difficult to escape the crowds here.

On the other hand, Palm Beach, also located north of Sydney, is a true haven for nature lovers. With its golden sand and crystal clear waters, this is an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy not only the sea, but also the scenic beauty and serenity of the coastal setting on one of Sydney's best beaches.

If you're a sports lover or if you're one of those who prefer to visit a place and get to know its idiosyncrasies, then you can't miss the tradition of cricket, one of Australia's national sports, through the Big Bash League. This competition, considered one of the most popular in the world, offers fans a unique experience to discover the passion that this bat and ball sport generates.

Held each year between December and January, the Big Bash League is not only a high-level competition, but also a celebration of Australian sportsmanship that attracts elite players and passionate fans alike. If you're planning to visit Sydney during the summer, then you can buy tickets to attend these national team matches at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Big Bash League has earned its place as one of the most prominent cricket competitions in the world and teams compete in T20 format matches, which add an extra element of intensity and action to each match. The stadiums are filled with the infectious energy of the fans, creating a festive atmosphere that has become synonymous with Australia's summer season.

This tournament offers fans the opportunity to see their favourite players in action and enjoy incredible moments, such as spectacular batting and exciting bowling. In addition, the Big Bash League has helped to expand the popularity of cricket globally, providing a window into the dynamism and excitement that the sport has to offer.

Summer in Sydney coincides with harvest time and in the Hunter Valley, just outside the city, you can explore this wine trail on a wine break that will transport you to a world of flavours and picturesque scenery at the best time of year for this activity.

One of Australia's oldest wine-growing areas, this is renowned for its wineries and sprawling vineyards. From Sydney, you can embark on a journey through rolling hills and lush valleys to this wine haven.

Hunter Valley is home to a variety of wineries producing award-winning wines from chardonnay and sauvignon blanc to syrah and cabernet sauvignon. This wine route offers the opportunity to sample the beverages in picturesque settings, where wineries not only serve exceptional wines, but also offer dining experiences that highlight local cuisine and perfect pairings.

In addition to tastings, this region allows you to explore charming villages, discover local art galleries and enjoy the serenity of rural landscapes. The best way to get to know this place is to embark on a tour from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, which offers one of the best full-day tours in the city.

The Rocks is one of Sydney's liveliest neighbourhoods and one of the ways to get a taste of the bustling local shopping scene is to explore the open-air markets of this district, which is itself a historic enclave brought to life with the vibrant energy of its distinctive summer stalls. Located in the heart of the city, this historic precinct offers visitors the opportunity to discover a wide variety of handcrafted goods, local art and culinary delights.

The Rocks is home to local artisan ports, ranging from handmade jewellery to contemporary art, reflecting the diversity and creativity of Sydney's art scene. At the markets, which are arranged in makeshift stalls along different streets in the precinct, you'll also find street food and places to enjoy an outdoor lunch.

These outdoor markets are not just a place to shop, but also a place to get a taste of the local spirit. Live music, street performers and the diversity of visitors who frequent the markets contribute to a unique and vibrant atmosphere. The Rocks is usually included in the itineraries of Sydney's best tours, but you can also get here on the city's hop-on-hop-off buses.

Sydney's New Year celebrations offer a unique experience that has earned its place among the world's most iconic celebrations. The city lights up with electrifying energy as it prepares to welcome in the new year and a must-see option is the fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, but the city offers much more than just a fireworks display.

For those looking for a more exclusive perspective, New Year's cruises on Sydney Harbour offer a very interesting alternative. Cruising the coastal waters is an elegant way to welcome in the New Year. These cruises often include gala dinners, live music and the privilege of enjoying the celebrations from a privileged vantage point.

If you prefer land, the numerous events and parties throughout the city offer something for everyone. From park and beach celebrations to club parties and restaurants with panoramic views, this destination offers a wide range of experiences to celebrate Christmas in Sydney and welcome in the New Year.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour, to experience New Year's celebrations is to soak up an experience that fuses traditional local festivities with the palpable excitement of the city celebrating a new beginning. Whichever option you choose, this celebration will leave you with lasting memories - Happy New Year!

If you want to experience Australia's natural profile, away from the beaches and bays, a full day trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney is a must. The warm, balmy weather will give you a better perspective of this natural wonder and the mild temperatures and sunny days will provide an ideal setting for walking the rugged trails and enjoying the panoramic views.

The Blue Mountains, just a few hours from Sydney, are famous for their lush forests, rock formations and Three Sisters peaks. During the summer the vegetation is at its peak, creating a landscape that contrasts with the rock formations.

In addition, all the hiking trails are open during the summer, so these full day trips from Sydney will take you to the most popular trails, such as the Prince Henry Cliff Walk or the Scenic Railway, which will give you sweeping views of the mountains and Jamison Valley.

As well as natural wonders, the Blue Mountains offer a variety of activities, including visiting picturesque villages such as Leura and Katoomba, exploring caves eroded into the rocks or taking in the views from vantage points.

Bondi Beach is not only the most famous of Sydney's beaches, it's also one of the world's surfing meccas. If you're planning to visit the city in the summer, you can learn to surf the waves that make it an iconic surfing spot in Australia. The waters off Bondi Beach are known for their consistent waves, making it the perfect place for those looking to get started in the world of surfing.

Surfing lessons at Bondi Beach are ideal for beginners and those looking to perfect their skills. Expert instructors will guide you through the basics of surfing, from how to paddle properly to standing up on the board. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Bondi Beach, which is considered one of Sydney's best beaches, creates the perfect setting to learn and enjoy the thrill of riding waves.

In addition to the experience in the water, Bondi Beach offers a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. After your surf lesson you can explore the eclectic cafe and shopping scene on nearby Campbell Parade or simply relax on the beach and enjoy Bondi' s unique seaside atmosphere.

Experience the magic and cultural diversity of the Sydney Festival and collide with a whirlwind of artistic expression that transforms the city into a vibrant and effervescent stage. Held annually in January, the festival is one of the most popular events in Sydney's summer calendar and encompasses a wide range of artistic disciplines, from music and theatre to visual arts and outdoor events.

The festival showcases national and international artists, bringing shows and performances to Sydney that defy expectations and push the boundaries of contemporary art. From theatres and galleries to parks and outdoor spaces, the city's iconic venues become stages that offer audiences a unique and enriching experience.

From live music performances to art installations that transform the urban landscape, the Sydney Festival invites the community to immerse themselves in the richness of contemporary artistic expression. With an eclectic program spanning diverse genres and styles, this event has become a globally recognised, iconic multicultural celebration.

If you want to get off the beaten track in Sydney but explore one of the most famous spots around this global city, you can't miss Manly Beach, a summer beach destination that fuses relaxation with bustling coastal life.

Summer provides the perfect weather for enjoying Manly's beaches, with sunny days and pleasant temperatures that invite you to enjoy the popular crystal clear waters or relax on the long golden sand. Manly is known for being one of the most iconic and accessible beaches from Sydney, making it an ideal summer getaway.

You can get to Manly in a number of ways, but the ferry ride from Circular Quay is an experience not to be missed. This scenic ride offers views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Bay Bridge. Once on the island, you can explore not only the famous Manly Beach, but also the bustling pedestrian artery of Corso, lined with shops, restaurants and cafes that reflect the relaxed and active lifestyle of the area.

During the summer, Manly, which is considered one of the top 20 beaches in the world, is filled with outdoor activities, from coastal bike rides to surfing lessons for the more adventurous. If you prefer a quieter experience, you can walk along the promenade and enjoy the sea breeze as you take in the scenery. Either way, bear in mind that Manly is a must-visit place, so during the summer you won't be able to escape the crowds.

If you're planning on visiting Sydney during the summer, you may be visiting during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, so don't miss the fireworks at Darling Harbour. From the harbour you can watch the fireworks display, which is characterised by lights reflecting off the water with the city's skyscrapers and Opera House creating an unmissable backdrop.

The festive atmosphere in Darling Harbour intensifies during special events, such as New Year's Eve celebrations or local festivals. Thousands of people congregate along the shores to witness the bursts of light that fill the sky. In addition, the diversity of restaurants and bars along the promenade offer ideal options for enjoying the view while savouring local culinary delights.

If you prefer a distinctive experience, you can also follow the show from some of the city's best boat tours, allowing you to see the show from a different perspective to that of the waterfront.

Summer temperatures in Sydney average 26 degrees Celsius, although highs can easily reach 35 degrees Celsius, especially in the peak summer months of January and February. It is also a very wet season, characterised by fleeting showers.

During the summer, Sydney's beaches take centre stage, as do water activities such as surfing and kayaking. Summer is also a great time to enjoy the natural wonders around the city.

Summer marks the start of the peak season in Sydney, so Sydney's tourist numbers increase substantially, especially as visitors flock to the city' s best beaches to surf. However, you can escape the crowds by getting off the beaten track at the main attractions in the northern resorts.

Also be aware that the increase in visitors during the summer can lead to an increase in fares, so book your activities and accommodation in advance to save money.

Summer marks the start of the peak season in the city, so prices are also on the rise, especially when it comes to accommodation and tourist activities. However, you can get better rates if you book in advance or opt for hotels away from the centre.

Another thing to bear in mind is that public transport in the city is often expensive, so a good option is to hire bicycles on the tours or buy tickets for Sydney's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus.

Summer is the hottest time of the year in Sydney, so pack your suitcase with the following:

• Lightweight t-shirts
• Lightweight trousers
• Comfortable shoes
• Lightweight coat
• Beach shoes
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat