Top 20 things to do in Sydney this Summer

If you’re pumped but wondering how, you’ve come to the right place. Rest assured the lastminute lovelies are in-the-know when it comes to spontaneous fun. Our recommendation right now? Sydney. This vibrant city is literally busting at the seams when it comes to things to do in summer.So, without further ado, here it is: your official Sydney summer bucket list. So slip, slop, slap, and get cracking. It’s time to live every lastminute of summer in Sydney.

1. Make the most of the sunshine and explore the wonders of Sydney on foot as you tackle one of the many walking trails. Why not give the Spit to Manly, Bare Island to Henry Head, Bondi to Bronte, Sydney’s Great Coastal Walk or the Hermitage Foreshore a go? Still not sure and want an expert to show you the way? Take advantage of one of several Sydney walking tours.

2. Get on your bike and explore the city by following a cycling trail or joining a bike tour. Make sure you stop at one of the many cafes who cater for cyclists around the city. Drop into Bespoke and Grind in Marrickville; Atelier in the city; Deus Café in Camperdown; and Town Bike Pitstop en route.

3. Sydney’s balmy summer nights are a perfect excuse to dine under the stars. Pack a picnic and enjoy one of Sydney’s unforgettable locations such as Shelly Beach, Manly; Blue’s Point, McMahon’s Point; Nielsen Park Vaucluse; Observatory Hill or Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

4. Making the most of Sydney in summer can be thirsty work, so why not join one a Sydney small bar walking tour? Discover heritage buildings, laneways and most importantly, the hidden, quirky watering holes around town. Tours start from $50 per person.

5. Playing sport with a view is a favourite pastime for Sydney locals. Whether it’s a game of lawn bowls, a friendly hit of tennis on Cockatoo Island or a swim in an ocean pool, it’s time to get active!
6. Sydney is surrounded by sparkling water which is great news for those looking to live every lastminute of summer in boardies or a bikini. Water lovers, try your hand at: surfing, kayaking, snorkelling, or sailing.

7. Watch the sun set on yet another Sydney summer’s day at one of the city’s rooftop bars. Try the Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks for amazing views across to Sydney Opera House; Corridor in Newtown; the patio at The Darlo Bar; Ivy Pool Club and The Terrace at the Woollahra Hotel.

8. The Sydney Festival will bring the city to life from 9 – 26 January with performances from some of the world’s best artists. From late-night burlesque to international theatre; from avant-garde classical to indie and world music, the Festival has something to cater to every taste and budget.

9. Manly is an iconic Sydney summer destination, pumping with energy as Aussies and tourists surf the breaks, play beach volley ball, run the board walk, shop the corso, listen to buskers and more. This energy explodes in Feb as the world’s best surfers descend for the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing! Don’t miss summer fun at its best from 8 – 16 Feb.

10. You can’t beat catching a ferry from Circular Quay over to Watson’s Bay for fish & chips from Sydney’s iconic summer dining hot spot, Doyles. Pack your swimmers and a ball for a dash of cricket if you’re up for a classic Aussie day in the sun.
11. From 24 January – 9 February, Sydney’s Chinese New Year Festival will see the city come to life with a vibrant run of cultural events, markets, tours, exhibitions and entertainment. Plan to be in town on the 2nd of February for the Twilight Parade; an impressive show of lanterns, lights, dragons and dancers as the Chinese community welcome in the Year of the Snake.

12. Do something different this summer by snapping up your ticket to a Twilight at Taronga performance. Taronga Zoo’s concert stage is set to sizzle with a hot line-up of shows spanning eight weekends in February and March. Check them out and nab your ticket now.

13. Want an excuse to don your budgies or rock your bikini? Come 2nd of February, thousands of swimmers will descend on Manly ready to splash their way through the 31st annual Sydney Morning Herald Cole Classic. Are you game? There’s 1km, 2km or 9km courses to cater for all fitness levels, so why not live lastminute and give it a go?

14. Summer is best spent enjoying a long lunch or dinner at one of Sydney’s stunning restaurants. The food and wine on offer is world class. The lastminute lovelies love Ms G’s, Opera Bar, Quay, Bishop Sessa Surry Hills and Boathouse Palm Beach to name a few. Need more inspiration? Check out our cracking lastminute Sydney restaurant deals.

15. Glam up this summer and rock your hottest red carpet outfit at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards at The Star Event Centre, Sydney on the 30th of January 2014. It’s the first time tickets have been made available to the public so nab yours quickly and mingle with the stars.

16. Already heading to the AACTAs and looking to make a star-studded weekend of it? Why not follow Leo Di Caprio’s lead and stay at The Darling at The Star? After getting red carpet ready, head off to sip a Diamond Martini at Blu Bar on 36 at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. This $10,000 cocktail comes with a sunken and drunken one carat diamond and a room with a killer view of Sydney Harbour. *Sigh*. Ok, maybe only in our dreams…
17. There’s no better lure to visit Sydney this summer than The Lion King musical showing at the State Theatre. Seen by over 70 million people, this landmark musical event is a must see.

18. The Sydney Opera House is hosting Summer at the House; an exciting summer calendar packed with entertainment and culinary experiences. A free giant sandpit and visits from Taronga Zoo’s native animals will keep little kids entertained, while the big kids soak up the pop-up bars, cafes and restaurants.

19. If you really want to live it up, why not take a scenic flight across the Harbour, taking in Sydney’s stunning views, before landing at Circular Quay ready for lunch at Peter Doyle @ the Quay? Now there’s a great way to live every lastminute in Sydney! Prices start from $599 per person including the harbour flight and lunch.

20. For kids young and old, the much-anticipated Wet’n’Wild Sydney has well and truly opened its doors for those seeking endless summer fun. Get ready to take on more than 40 slides and attractions, and some of the tallest and fastest rides in the world!

Sydney locals, all you need to do now is to begin ticking things off the list as you get out and live every summer day!

Aussies hailing from other corners of the country, are you already looking at dates for your next Sydney adventure? Live spontaneously and get your summer booty over here!

Going in the next week?

• Flights to Sydney
• lastminute Sydney hotel deal here.