Sydney is one of Australia’s most eventful cities with a festival, major event or launch seemingly on every day of every week all year round, meaning you’re guaranteed to partake in an exciting cultural, culinary or sporting event during your visit. Here’s some of the events you can enjoy during the upcoming summer season in Sydney.
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Almost one billion people around the world watched the Sydney New Year's Eve Celebrations last year. (Image: Destination NSW)
Summer in the harbour city is when Sydney really shines – the perfect weather providing the ideal setting for sun-drenched days near the water and balmy nights in the city and outdoor venues. Sydney’s globally famous New Year’s Eve celebrations are undoubtedly the crowning glory of the summer event season. Last year, thousands watched the fireworks along the foreshore, while millions more around the world watched the televised event. Planning is key for this popular event, and it’s best to stake your vantage point early on December 31 for the best view.
Competitors in the Great Australian Swim Series - Great Sydney Swim on Australia Day 2015 in Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW; James Horan)
Aside from the New Year’s Eve light spectacular, there’s plenty more events on this summer that put the spotlight on Sydney. From outdoor music festivals to major sporting events, award ceremonies, art exhibitions, food festivals and holiday events, you could time your stay to incorporate a special event or be surprised and delighted by stumbling across pop-up events and activities around the city.
Tee up for the Australian Open golf tournament. (Image: Destination NSW)
The action starts to heat up in late November with the Australian Open golf tournament, now in its 100th year in 2015, and taking place at The Australian Golf Club from November 26 to 29. In early December, short film aficionados can view the latest mini movies at Tropfest on December 6, while Australia’s acting talent is feted at the annual AACTA Awards held at The Star, celebrating the best of Australian film and TV in 2015 on December 9.
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Visit Sydney in winter too. Sydney In Winter: 5 Attractions Best Experience Mid-Year
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race sets sail on Boxing Day. (Image: Getty Images)
The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is another iconic event associated with Sydney, launching from the harbour on Boxing Day. After New Year, Sydney Festival kicks off from January 7 to 26, showcasing a wealth of international and local performing arts. January 26 is, of course, when Australia Day is celebrated with events at various locations throughout Sydney. Yabun, Australia’s largest indigenous festival, is also held on this day in Victoria Park in Camperdown.
Sydney paints the town red for its annual Chinese New Year celebrations. (Image: Getty Images)
The pace certainly doesn’t slacken off in the final summer month of February, even if the long holidays have drawn to a close. It’s new year again – Chinese New Year, this time – and the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival runs from February 6 to 21 in 2016 with dragon boat races, noodle markets, cultural events and outdoor installations and lion dances aplenty in Sydney’s Chinatown precinct and other venues across the city.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade attracts an international and local crowd. (Image: Jeffrey Feng)
You won’t want to load up on too much dim sum though if you want to strut your sequinned stuff at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on March 5. The Sydney Mardi Gras itself has a whole calendar of events from February 19 to March 5, which, along with the street parade, also includes Fair Day on February 21 at Victoria Park, with entertainment, a dance tent, dog show and markets.
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Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Sydney.
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