Often mistaken as the capital city of Australia there isn’t a right or wrong time to visit Sydney. Known as “The Harbour City” or “Emerald City” it’s often ranked among the “World’s Most Liveable Cities”.  From rugged cliff-top coastal walks to sandy stretches of surf beach to calm harbour bays. Funky hip graffiti street art to the National Art Gallery. Casual breakfast cafes to waterfront hatted lunch spots. This pearl of a city has enough to keep you occupied whether you visit Sydney for 48 hours or longer.

With a calendar of events throughout the year, it can be confusing when to visit. To visit Sydney and epereince the city as a local here are my favourite times. Each of these months provides very different and authentic experiences. It comes down to preferences and what you want whilst visiting Sydney.

Visit Sydney in the Summer; Grab your Santa hat it’s Christmas down under

As an ex-pat from the UK I’m used to rugged up Christmases. Think spicy mulled wine, roaring log fires and if lucky, snow falling. A Sydney Christmas is the extreme. Hot, bright and in the middle of the summer holidays Christmas in Sydney is the party to end all parties. 

Even though the fairy tale white Christmas is far from reality, Sydney still dresses up. Visit the city’s largest Christmas tree, centre stage in Martin Place and as dark falls enjoy city lights. Australia’s largest Christmas event, Carols in the Domain is a Sydney institution. Whilst picnic blankets scatter the park, homegrown stars perform on stage. The crowd cracks open tinnies and pop champagne corks as they enter the Christmas spirt. 

If the pub scene is your thing the Manly charity Santa pub crawl is another event that locals flock to. 500 Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, reindeer, elves, snowmen and Xmas trees turn up to raise money for Stewart House. Whilst visiting several of Manly’s pubs and hotels the crowd spreads Christmas cheer. Even if dressing up and a full pub crawl isn’t your thing it‘s worth popping in to soak up the atmosphere.

On Christmas Day…

…grab your Santa hats, floating flamingo, togs and eski (cool bag to non-Aussies!) and head to the beach. Most Eastern and Northern suburb beaches are hives of activity throughout Christmas day. Unlike the UK the majority of restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops are open. Convenient when you’ve run out of prawns, ice or beer! The party continues into the evening. Wafts of sausages sizzling on bbqs and competitive games of finska make for a fun Christmas evening.

Boxing Day starts with a swim, surf or beachside walk to dust those cobwebs away.  Next up is the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race. This nautical spectacle turns Sydney Harbour into a hive of activity both on the water and in the air. Boats of all sizes head out to escort the yachts through the ‘Heads’ and helicopters dot the sky. Either North or West Head are great spots to take in the views. If you fancy being in and amongst it book a ferry or boat trip.

If you think you’ve seen fireworks…

…wait until you experience Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve. The display Sydney puts on to say farewell to the old year and welcome the new is nothing short of spectacular. Free options come with consequences ranging from long queues to alcohol-free. I would recommend either a ticketed event or a boat on the harbour, these come at a price but are definitely worth it. We’re talking a once in a life-time experience.

If you can handle the heat, this time of year is a vibrant party atmosphere. Parks, waterfronts and beaches burst with people of all ages eating, chilling, drinking and swimming. Corporate life grinds to a halt, family and friendship are the centre of everything.

The finale to the summer holidays…

…the 26th January, Australia Day is a controversial celebration. This is the official national day of Australia. It marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson. To claim the land Governor Arthur Phillip raised the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove. Whatever your views there is no escaping that the majority of the country joins in.  Locals find every piece of Australian paraphernalia they can and use the day as an excuse to get the family together again, start drinking beer at 10 am and celebrate being Aussie.

Now you’ve partied hard for a month it’s time to jump on a plane, go home and rest!

For some Sydney Summer inspiration click here.

Autumn; A sparkly rainbow coloured visit to Sydney

If you’re wanting the colours of the rainbow and a sparkly Sydney visit, late February is the start of Madi Gras. Whatever your sexual preference, this particular celebration is an annual highlight. Spanning two weeks of celebrations it culminates in the extravaganza that is the world-famous Parade.  The two-week timetable includes over 100 diverse live entertainment events across theatre, music, cabaret, comedy and burlesque, literature and art events, forums and conferences. 

Shining a global spotlight on Sydney’s LGBTQI community this is a great time to visit. All sizes of the rainbow flag decorate the city. Flying from flag poles, draped out of windows they are even painted on the road.

Started in 1978 by a small group of protestors Mardi Gras today contribute over $40M to the NSW economy. Festivities kick off with Fair Day.  70,000 of the LGBTQI community and their friends and family turn out for a free day of food, drink, live entertainment and over 200 stalls. Join in and ease into the next three weeks with a picnic on the grass and a cold beer. 

Domestic and international visitors join Sydney locals to celebrate Parade. Spectators of all backgrounds, nationalities and sexual orientation line the streets. People gather on rooftops and balconies, spill out of bars and even hang from street lamps to get a better look. If you’re watching from the street, take a milk crate with you – you may need to stand on it to get a view!

With spectacular floats…

….over 12,000 participants and a large amount of sparkle, 200 ‘dykes on bikes’ lead the Parade. Heard before they come into view is the deep rumbling sound of 200 Harley Davidson engines. I was lucky enough to be part of the 2015 Parade on the Beyond Blue float. I experienced the electric atmosphere and overwhelming feeling of love and inclusiveness.  Joining emergency services, the Australian army, corporate organisations and not for profits I dipped my head in blue glitter and jumped in feet first. 

Nothing is too extravagant or too shocking, on this night, anything goes. Sparkles dazzle and bum cheeks peeking from leather hotpants shock. Neon glow sticks litter the air and all shapes and sizes wear more latex and rubber than you’ve seen before. Fireworks go off from rooftops decorating the skies and aromas from food trucks fill the air.

After the dramatic Parade, Sydney puts on the biggest LGBTQI Party in the southern hemisphere.  Headliners over the years have included homegrown stars such as Kylie Minogue and international icons like Cher.

If you visit Sydney this time of year, there are other events such as lunar new year lanterns, parades and night markets. For some inspiration click here.

‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them’:

When your alarm buzzes on April 25th it’s 4 am, chilly and still pitch black. A sense of remembrance and respect has you out of bed and rugged up in minutes. The beauty of a public holiday is the lack of an alarm and a lazy extra hour or two snuggled in bed. Not so for the majority of locals on Anzac Day in Sydney. 

In the half-light of dawn on 25th April 1915 Allied forces launched an invasion at Gallipoli. This was the first major action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during WW1. Soon after, soldiers in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps became known as Anzacs. Celebrated since Anzac Day is a public holiday and day of commemoration. 

Anzac Day…

…one of Australians most important national occasions and the epitome of Australian culture. A day of remembrance and reflection but interlaced with fun and another reason to party!  The tradition of rising early to pay respects is a family affair, there is an expectation and acceptance that it’s ‘just done’. I question whether this would happen in the UK. I can’t imagine teenagers waking at the crack of dawn to reflect on an event that didn’t happen in their lifetime. Standing for over an hour to pay respects to fallen, retired and still serving soldiers.  It’s a beautiful and humbling experience to be part of Dawn Service and something I would recommend to anyone visiting Sydney in April.

This is the first outing for most hats and scarves because the autumnal morning is usually crisp. Depending on the popularity of the service will depend on the crowds but some are well crowded by 3 am.  Apart from one year when I was in Bondi and attended the very popular North Bondi Service, I have stayed local and made my way to the memorial on the Corso in Manly.

Manly Dawn Service…

…not huge, the crowd is still significant and representation of all generations. Sending shivers down my spine the bugle call of the Last Post kicks off the service. Followed by a minute’s silence, you can hear a pin drop. An eerie feel to the air the service continues and is a time for quiet contemplation. My favourite part is The Ode of Remembrance. Taken from a poem written by the English poet Laurence Binyon the extract read is: 

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

And the audience responds “We will remember them”.

Time for breakfast…

…RSL’s and other establishments open after dawn service and start pouring schooners and serving sausage sizzles from as early as 8 am.  With the stomach lined and a few celebratory schooners sunk there is time to get to the City for Sydney’s ANZAC day March.  Beginning at 9 am the March is an opportunity for veterans, their families and currently serving men and women to honour those who served. Marching in time to the beat of a bass drum the sound of brass and bagpipes – it is a spectacular occasion. Onlookers line the street clapping and paying their own respects.

Australia never passes over the chance for a sporting event or a party.  Spend the afternoon either at the SCG watching the NRL’s traditional ANZAC Day clash between St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters or at one of many water holes for a game of two up.

Unregulated gambling is illegal….

…in NSW every day of the year except Anzac Day when two-up is acceptable and played in pubs throughout the state. Coins are flipped in the air using a giant paddle with bets laid on whether the coins land face or tail up. The size of the crowd will depend on the popularity of the venue. Whatever the size, get yourself a note and get involved.

Those betting on heads tap the dollar note to their forehead and wait for a tail betting partner to find them. Heads hold the money until it’s claimed. Spot the amateurs with fivers and pros with the fifty’s, with 50/50 odds it’s got to be worth a flutter. Even if you’re not into gambling it’s worth soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the local hospitality.

As the sun starts to sink…

…the two-up ring dies down but it doesn’t mean Anzac Day has to end. Many bars, clubs and RSLs take advantage of the celebrations. DJs and bands will be playing favourite Aussie & Kiwi tunes until late. If you didn’t fancy waking at 4 am on a public holiday or want to finish the day as you started, make your way to a sunset service in Martin Pace. The service starts at 5 pm, at the going down of the sun.

Click here for more information on Anzac Day and a list of memorial services and marches. 

If you visit Sydney this time of year, there are other events such as The Easter Show, an unique experience to any non-Sydneysider. For some Sydney Autumn inspiration click here.

Visit Sydney in the Winter – A Vivid festival of lights & ideas

As Sydney enters Winter the days are still bright and warm. Yet the evening temperature drops and the sun dips below the horizon before 6pm. An ideal time of year for those wanting to visit this spectacular city without the intense heat. For a period of three weeks across the end of May and beginning of June Vivid Festival is also a reason to entice you. Celebrating innovation and creativity think Hong Kong’s nightly light show on steroids. 

Whatever the tradition light shows have been part of global celebrations for centuries. Vivid is a global competitor when it comes to the light spectacle.  This annual festival of light, music and ideas turns Sydney into a colourful, magic city of projected art and sky filling lasers. Stimulating afternoon lectures, romantic nightly strolls or early evening family excitement. Flashing fairy floss, yummy food trucks and pop up bars. This time of year in Sydney is perfect for all types of traveller there is always something going on.

First taking to the stage in 2009 Vivid began as a Smart light festival for energy efficiency. It’s grown each year to the extravaganza it is today spanning across different areas of the city. Local and international musicians perform. Leading creative thinkers exchange ideas. Impressive dynamic light displays fill each evening, from 6pm its lights on!

Nine precincts across Sydney light up…

…all within walking distance of a main train station. Throughout the years the consistent centre piece has been Sydney’s iconic Harbour.  Projected powerful images on either side of the Opera House sails bring this enchanted building to life.

The Harbour Bridge lights up with luminous changing colours. The MCA turns into a mesmerising canvass of changing facades. Unique light sculptures, lanterns and projections scatter the area. Weekend crowds are excessive with weekday evenings a better option if you can, visit then. Another option is to take to the water and view the lights from a less crowded cruise. There are plenty of choices from neon lit party boats to adrenalin filled jet boats. 

One of the newer precinct additions is Barangaroo. This is Sydney’s newest harbour playground, think London’s Canary Wharf. The regeneration of this disused shipping container wharf is due completion in 2024. It’s already pulling in the visitors. A fascinating project to visit in its own right Vivid adds some magic once the sun disappears. Barangaroo’s location and its cluster of beautiful bars mean it’s a perfect place for a sundowner. Soak up the atmosphere as the sun disappears west behind the Anzac Bridge.

For a genuine and more local experience I recommend the Chatswood precinct. This lively Asian influenced suburb of Sydney is a foodie’s paradise.  Get away from international tourist crowds and rub shoulders with the North Shore locals instead.

If you visit Sydney this time of year, there are other events such as The State of Origin,  Manly Taste Festival and Ramadan Nights. For some Sydney Winter inspiration click here.

Spring; Instagramable blooms, one of Australia’s major sporting finals and a race that stops the nation

The sweet heady smell of jasmine wafts through the air. Magnolia buds burst and the lilac blooms of the jacarandas carpet the city. This is my favourite time of year to visit Sydney. The evenings lighten and start to warm up. The excitement of summer starts to run through Sydneysiders veins. 

Indigenous to Brazil, Sydney’s first jacaranda tree was planted in the Royal Botanical Garden in the late 1850’s. How these trees came to burst into life lining residential streets remains a myth.  There is many an explanation depending on who you ask. My personal favourite is the story of a matron who sent every newborn home from hospital with a seedling. She encouraged parents to plant the seedling and watch it grow along with their child. 

Like tourists and influencers travel to Japan for cherry blossom, Sydney’s jacaranda trees pull in the crowd. During Spring these beloved flowering jacarandas draw in domestic and international visitors. Now due to the increased rise of social media areas of Sydney are under pressure of over-tourism. Spread your love and visit some lesser well-known areas. Wander the backstreets of Paddington or Hunters Hill for a local’s experience.

Some of the city’s…

…tallest buildings are an incredible way to take in the stunning sea of purple. On a clear day you can see bursts of lilac dotting the Sydney skyline. Out across the Western Suburbs towards the Blue Mountains and North past Chatswood. My favourite building for such views is the Tower Building in Australia Square. Owned by local Australian chef Michael Moore, O Bar and Dining is on level 47. This luxury cocktail bar and restaurant revolve showcasing the entirety of Sydney. Free to get in the hour long rotation will cost you a cocktail or stay for longer and treat yourself to dinner. 

Australia holds a remarkable sporting affection and Sydney is no exception. Two other reasons to visit in Spring are the National Rugby League Final and the Melbourne Cup. 

After a 7-month season…

…where 18 National Rugby League teams battle it out for top spot, footie fever grips Australia. The final held in Sydney is a national event. Irrelevant of who’s playing the nation tunes in to watch who will take out the iconic championship. 

A sea of team colours sprawls out along Sydney’s streets and on public transport. Excitement and anticipation fill the air. Pubs and clubs put on sausage sizzles and front rooms, gardens and balcony’s fill as mates arrive. Passion erupts across the city.  Cheers and screams echo the streets and the cheeky ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi’ erupts from most establishments.  Whether you are into footie or not the atmosphere of Grand Final Day is a great Sydneyside experience.

A public holiday in Melbourne…

…the Melbourne Cup is Australia’s best-known horse race. Week-long events take over the home city but here in Sydney it’s 3pm on the first Tuesday in November when the city stops. Get your glad rags on, wear that fascinator with pride and party with the locals. Hotels and restaurants put on lunch and drink packages. Bars hire entertainment and boats take to the harbour offering cruise deals. Even take it up a notch and enjoy a nine-race fixture at Royal Randwick Race Course. One thing is for sure, anywhere you go will be showing ‘the race that stops a nation’ at 3pm. 

As spring turns to Summer NRL champions are crowned, bets have been won and lost on the Melbourne Cup and the pavements and roads of Sydney turn to purple. As jacaranda flower’s start to shed their petals the city knows it’s on count down to party season.

If you visit Sydney this time of year, there are other events such as Australia’s largest kite flying festival and Sculpture’s by the Sea. For some Sydney Spring inspiration click here.