Besides the beautiful scenery and bustling city streets, Sydney is filled with hidden gems and activities that are off the beaten track. If you’re looking for something fun to do over the warmer months that are slightly out of the ordinary, then here are 12 quirky places in Sydney you need to visit this summer.
1. Bask In The Glow Of A Candlelight Concert
Enjoy a classical music concert illuminated by candlelight in some of the most iconic venues around Sydney. Hear music by David Bowie in the Masonic Center, Queen at St Stephen’s Church or the music of Swan Lake at The Concourse. Attendees can enjoy classical performances by professional musicians while marvelling at the stunning interiors illuminated by the glow of hundreds of candles. This is a rare opportunity to experience a musical concert in such an exquisite setting around Auckland.
2. Feast On A Jamaican Brunch At Rosie Campbell’s
Take part in a midweek celebration as Rosie Campbell’s brings the best of the Caribbean to Sydney. You will embark on a 6-course culinary journey infused with the vibrancy, flavour, and feel-good vibes of Jamaica. Indulge in Plantain Fritters, Kington Coconut Prawns and Jerk Chicken to name only a few of the delicacies. Wash it down with a complimentary signature cocktail and enjoy this midweek island vacation.
3. Let Loose In The Bamboozle Room
Get ready to be whisked away to a bygone era of elegance and entertainment at The Bamboozle Room. Talk and Tease is a salaciously seductive burlesque show, and you can look forward to debaucherous antics and risqué vintage glamour. Things are bound to get out of hand as your vaudevillian host—a hilariously suave and devilishly handsome man with a large beard, Mac Galleon—and his playful friends get up to no good to entertain and delight. Paired with a delicious 3-course meal, and optional bottomless bubbles, prepare to discover a side of yourself you never knew you had.
4. See Ancient Mummies At This Egyptian Exhibition
The ornate sarcophagus of Ramses II is coming to The Australian Museum for an exclusive exhibition. Courtesy of a direct loan from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. The royal coffin has rarely ever left Egypt and Sydney will be the only city in the world aside from Paris to showcase it. The epic exhibition, which will be an extensive look into the life of King Ramses II, is set to open in Sydney this November 18. The exhibition will feature over 180 Egyptian treasures including sarcophagi, animal mummies, royal masks and many more artefacts, some of which will be travelling outside of Egypt for the very first time.
5. Reconnect and Learn to Drink Tea Mindfully
Enjoy this workshop where you will participate in a traditional tea ceremony using a Gongfu set. You will learn more about the philosophy of tea drinking and the wisdom behind the practice. The experience also includes a sampling of rare and exotic teas with 30+ varieties to choose from. You will learn tips on how to drink mindfully and appreciate the taste and aroma, and you will forever change the way you experience tea!
6. Uncover The Secrets Of Sydney’s Razor Gangs
After handguns were criminalised in New South Wales, razors became the weapon of choice amongst Sydney gangsters, and Razor Gangs dominated the Sydney crime scene in the 1920s. Now on this leisurely guided walking tour, you’ll explore both the highlights of Sydney’s old Speakeasy party scene and the crime-ridden stories the city tried to forget. Travel back and uncover the lives and activities of Sydney’s most infamous gangsters.
7. Kayak To Goat Island
Start the morning in the ocean, with a kayak adventure along the stunning Sydney Harbour. Paddle past the city’s beautiful buildings and get up close to the natural wonders and wildlife. You will stop at the famous Harbour Bridge to take some professional pictures, before carrying on to explore Goat Island. On the island, you will be taken on an exclusive tour of the conservation zone which is closed to the public. Prepare to discover incredible bird life, native bush and historic sandstone buildings.
8. Peruse a Christmas market
If you’re looking to stay ahead of your Christmas shopping, a festive market is coming to town. The Martin Place Christmas Markets will set up shop in Sydney this November and December with vendors selling all sorts of festive goodies, gifts and treats. The markets are set to run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 24-26 then every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until December 23 from 11am to 8pm.
9. A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Capriccio Osteria
Challenge yourself to a unique culinary experience at Capriccio Osteria. This season, the restaurant will be serving mouth-watering crowd-pleasers inspired by classic Italian dishes. While submerged in complete darkness, you will set out on a gastronomical adventure. Masterful chefs will be putting together delectable dishes from a surprise three-course menu. Besides the choice of a vegetarian, meat or seafood option, you’ll be left in the dark about the exact menu items. Your taste buds and sense of smell will be your closest allies as you try to decipher what is on your plate.
10. Have Breakfast with Koalas
Enjoy breakfast with a few peculiar guests! Tuck into a delicious meal while Koalas perch in the trees all around you. Afterwards, you will be taken on a guided tour with the koala keepers. Learn all about these iconic Australian marsupials, such as fascinating facts about their behaviour, habitat, and conservation efforts. After that, you have free range to explore the rest of the exciting sights that the zoo has to offer
11. Monday Night Harry’s Comedy
Monday’s can now be a day to look forward to! Enjoy an evening of comedy with burgers and cocktails at Harry’s Comedy. The venue has an ever-changing lineup of comedians each week to keep you entertained. See the best comedians in the city perform live each Monday, and laugh your way into a new week.
12. Wander through “The Roman Empire”
The Roman Empire has recently been a hot topic of conversation. The viral TikTok trend uncovered that a lot of men spend a surprising amount of time obsessing over the great civilisation. There’s no denying the Roman Empire’s 1,000-year existence is a fascinating part of history. If you’ve been thinking about it a bit more than usual lately we’ve put together a list of places in Sydney that can fill the colosseum-shaped hole in your heart.