21 Totally Awesome Things To Do In Sydney This Weekend
Brave the cold and head out for these fabulous activities around town.
The days are getting shorter and nights longer, but if you’re just looking to curl up on your couch this weekend, you’ll want to take a peek at everything that’s on in the city. From glowing light festivals to new restaurants, check out our definitive list of all the things you can do to make the most of your time in the city despite the cold.
1. Beat the chill at this cosy thermal pool a few hours from Sydney
Surrounded by lush greenery, aquamarine waters and clear blue skies, the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool are the perfect escape from this cold, grey weather. Read our guide to plan your trip.
2. Grab bottomless brunch at this new pretty-in-pink restaurant
Sydney is no stranger to picturesque harbourside restaurant. Now a new Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inspired eatery called Mecca Bah has joined the elite list and they’re doing a boozy bottomless brunch with free-flowing mimosas and mezze platters. The brunch offer is on from Friday to Sunday from 11.30am to 3pm.
3. Dine at this new French restaurant in Circular Quay
The Sydney Collective’s Whalebridge is here and it boasts of a brilliant French menu, outdoor seating and excellent drink options. Indulge in this fine dining experience by the harbour this weekend.
4. Cuddle up in Pier One’s cozy winter igloos
Igloos on the Pier is back and it’s as delightful as ever. Offering harbourside vistas and your own personal igloo suites, this is a Sydney winter staple that you shouldn’t miss.
5. Get dazzled by GLOW at Sydney Zoo
Western Sydney’s biggest light festival is currently on at the Sydney Zoo. Along with 50 plus light sculptures, rainbow pathways, carnival rides and an ice rink, you can also get up close with some truly adorable animals at the zoo.
6. Kick back with this lovely high tea at The Star
The Star, Sydney has a beautifully hidden tea room called G&Tea and they’re serving up a delightful treasure of sweet and savoury bites and over 25 different types of teas. So if you’re looking for a relaxing time with your girls this weekend, you know where to go.
7. Head to the Northern Beaches for this huge foodie festival
Taste of the Beaches is back and as always it’s bringing a stacked program to the city. Find food trucks, live entertainment and a number of local wineries and distilleries participating in the event this entire month.
8. Tackle this immersive murder mystery experience
Looking for an indoor activity to escape the rains? A murder is afoot at the Elizabeth Bay House and you can put on your detective hats and get in on the action this weekend.
Show that you can work together with Murder Mystery.
9. Plan a staycation at Sydney’s newest luxury hotel
Australia’s first-ever Kimpton has officially arrived in Sydney. Bringing it’s trademark old-school glamour and exuberance to the heart of the CBD, Kimpton Margot has taken over the former Primus Hotel building.
10. Head to Casula for an after hours adventure
A series of mini festivals including live music, art shows, film screenings and workshops have taken over Casula courtesy of Casula Up Late. The events are on until June 4. Head to their website for all the details.
11. Enjoy all the city views at this new rooftop bar
The Library Bar at the stunning Mitchell Building in the State Library of NSW is a must-visit for those seeking good vibes, city views and cocktails. It is open now for bookings.
12. Enjoy the last of autumn autumn colours at these spots around Sydney
With only 2 more weeks of autumn to go, now would be the perfect time to go hunting for lovely autumn leaves in and around city limits. Check out some of our very favourite spots.
SEE ALSO: 15 Of Sydney’s Prettiest Cafés For Dreamy Autumn Dates
13. Watch light installations and twilight concerts down in Chatswood
Chatswood Culture Bites has taken over the North Shore and features a number of exciting music, theatre, comedy, dance and visual arts shows. You can also enjoy free twilight concerts and a number of light installations across the suburb.
14. Watch this delightful production of An American in Paris
An American in Paris is finally playing at the Theatre Royal. The production is fun, exuberant and joyful with exceptional performances and music by the famous Gershwins. Book your tickets this weekend!
15. Go on an art crawl with the Biennale of Sydney
The Biennale has been regarded as the largest contemporary art festival in Australia. 330 artworks are currently dotted across the city and they’re completely free to explore. It’s on for just two more weeks so get in fast.
16. Hang out with giant gnomes in Chatswood
Chatswood Nights – Roaming Gnomes is a new activation in the North Shore and it’s bringing amazing food, live music, light installations and giant gnomes to Chatswood. It’s on from May 6-29.
SEE ALSO: 11 Seriously Over-The-Top Desserts In Sydney For That Sweet Sugar Rush
17. Enjoy an evening of magic at a heritage hotel
The Gentleman Magician, Bruce Glen, has captivated thousands. And, for over five years he has performed every Friday and Saturday night at the Sir Stamford Hotel in Circular Quay. His show, A Magical Soirée, combines fantastic stories with fascinating magic tricks to leave audiences in awe and wonder.
18. Enjoy a cheeky burlesque show with dinner and bubbles
Talk and Tease has been on stage at The Bamboozle Room—one of Sydney’s premier venues combining burlesque, cabaret and comedy—for some time now. Enjoy a two-course dinner and add bottomless bubbles for a bit of sparkle to your evening. Grab your tickets here.
SEE ALSO: 8 Fantastic Day Trips For When You Just Need To Escape Sydney
19. Walk through 20,000 plants at the Royal Botanic Garden
A brand new exhibition — Inside the Tide, has taken over The Calyx and it brings you up close and personal with the underwater community. The exhibition will also feature a staggering 20,000 plants and will showcase one of the largest vertical green walls in the southern hemisphere.
20. Get your whale watching on at these excellent Sydney spots
May to November is peak whale watching season in Sydney. Thousands of whales migrate from Antarctica to the Pacific and if you’re lucky you can catch a glimpse of these glorious creatures, but you have to know where to look. Check out our guide and start planning.
21. Drive up to the Southern Highlands for a weekend getaway
The Southern Highlands are a beautiful escape not too far from Sydney. With a number of historic towns and amazing food and wine, if you’re looking for a quick getaway from the city, this needs to be on your radar.