Things are — quite literally — heating up in Sydney right now, and as is befitting of our more hospitable weather, there’s plenty to see and do this weekend. Highlights include the return of Sculpture by the Sea as well as a vibrant four-day street festival, an incredible VR journey to Ancient Egypt experience and more. Here are all the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
1. Take a stroll through Sculpture by the Sea
One of Sydney’s most popular cultural events and the world’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition is back for another year. Sculpture by the Sea has taken over the spectacular 2km Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk with over 100 artworks on display. This year’s exhibition features a showcase of 12 works by Indian artists alongside works by the likes of James Rogers, John Petrie, Stephen King, and Paul Bacon, who also exhibited in the first Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in 1997.
2. Have an ext-roar-dinary time at Dinos Alive
The Dinos Alive exhibit promises a roaring good time for all. Explore life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, and engaging displays and learn more about the age of dinosaurs in this interactive experience. The exhibition also includes a VR experience that will transport you to a time when these magnificent creatures roamed the earth. Get your tickets.
3. Explore Sydney’s jacaranda trail
Jacaranda season has arrived and colourful pops of lilac can now be seen throughout the city. From the beautiful canopies at Kirribilli to the purple blooms of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the best spots to see jacaranda in Sydney this season can be found here.
4. Get tickets for Horizon of Khufu
An incredible VR experience in Sydney promises to transport guests to Ancient Egypt. Through the immersive Horizon of Khufu experience, guests can put on a VR headset and discover the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and more up close. Get your tickets here.
5. Hit the streets at Parramatta Lanes
The always-popular Parramatta Lanes is back for its 12th edition this week, and this iteration promises to be the biggest yet. Over four nights and 16 different festival sites, you can discover over 70 international street food stalls, pop-up bars, 100-plus gigs, and vibrant art and light installations throughout the streets, gardens and even car parks of Parramatta. Find out more here.
6. Discover the incredible photography of a contemporary master
Over more than half a century, Japanese photographer and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto has explored time and memory, as well as photography’s power of documentation and invention, through captivating black-and-white works. Exclusive to Sydney, ‘Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine’ is the largest exhibition to date of the Japanese artist’s photography, and features key works from all of his major series, from architecture to portraiture and wildlife dioramas and more. Catch it at the MCA until 27 October.
7. Take in the views from a coastal walk
Sydney is blessed with natural beauty — after all, it’s why we were recently named the best city in the world for 2024 by Condé Nast Traveller UK — and, with the weather becoming increasingly hospitable, now’s the time to explore it. To help you get planning, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite coastal walks perfect for embarking on during the warmer months — and no, you won’t find Bondi to Coogee on this list.
8. Be amazed at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition
The popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is being held at the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour. Showcasing the incredible works of some of the finest wildlife photographers from around the world, the mega exhibition that comes straight from London’s Natural History Museum will be held until November 10, 2024. Book your tickets here.
9. Step into the vibrant Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder
An immersive new experience has landed in Sydney and it promises the perfect family-friendly adventure this weekend. Go through a cinematic journey and traverse the age of dinosaurs, a futuristic sci-fi world, go deep beneath the oceans, and a lot more at Lite-Brite. If your interest is piqued, get your tickets soon.
10. Explore a rainforest without leaving the CBD
Alchemy of a Rainforest is an interactive new offering by the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney just in time for the spring school holidays. Walk through canopies of dense rainforest, listen to soothing birdsong, discover giant sculptures, and see one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere in this splendid new exhibition.
11. Get fancy at the Champagne Jacquart Bar
The Champagne Jacquart Bar is a chic high-tea pop-up in Sydney and makes for the perfect weekend activity if you’re looking to spend some quality time with friends and family. With delicious sweet and savoury finger food, fine champagne, and a wonderful atmosphere, the high tea offers a touch of elegance in the heart of the city. Get your tickets.
12. Check out Luna Park’s groovy Sonic Neon event
Sonic Neon is a multisensory event that has taken over The Crystal Palace at Luna Park. This immersive rave experience comes with lights, sound and eight-themed rooms. The fun and interactive event opens this weekend, get your tickets.
13. Take a stroll through the Markets at Glebe
The long-standing Markets at Glebe run every Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Glebe Public School. You can get your hands on everything from homewares, beauty, craft, and more at this local gem. Head here for more info.
14. Grab breakfast with koalas
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s popular Breakfast with the Koalas event is the cutest way to kickstart your day. Guests can look forward to a guided highlights tour of the zoo followed by a delicious breakfast surrounded by cute animals. Find more details and book your spot here.
15. Catch Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre
Hamilton is playing in Sydney for a strictly limited season and you can catch it at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until the end of this year. Set to a score that combines hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway the Olivier and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is a revolutionary story that you can’t afford to miss. Get your tickets here.
16. Attend a Turkish mosaic lamp workshop
Want to do something fun and creative this weekend? Join the experts at Art Masterclass and learn the art of making traditional Turkish mosaic lamps. During the workshop, guests will also be treated to delicious Turkish tea, a selection of delectable treats, and homemade Turkish shortbread. Learn more and grab your tickets.
17. Enjoy an elegant high tea
Get your pinkies up for some of the best high tea offerings around Sydney featuring delicious sweet and savoury bites and an array of teas and other drinks. Check out some of our favourites around town here.
18. Go on a whale-watching adventure
Whale-watching season is well and truly underway — but it’s nearly over for another year, with May to November known as the best months to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in the wild. Head here to find the best whale-watching spots around Sydney this weekend.
19. Dress up for Sunset Boulevard at the Sydney Opera House
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard is now playing at the Joan Sutherland Theatre until November 1. Sarah Brightman stars as Norma Desmond in the celebrated musical bringing the glitz, glamour, and tragedy of Hollywood to the stage in one electric package. Get your tickets here.
20. Stop by the Manly open-air markets
The Manly Markets are held every Saturday and Sunday on the Corso and Sydney Road in Manly from 9am to 5pm. Spend the day strolling around the markets and get your hands on quality artisan products, handcrafted jewellery, vintage clothing, art and much more. Get more details here.
21. Check out Luna Park’s Dream Circus
Luna Park’s immersive experience called the Dream Circus comes with fascinating projections, holograms, and surround sounds that will whisk you away to another dimension. The world-first attraction is now open, book your tickets here.
22. Drive out to the lovely Breenold Garden
Breehold Garden in Mount Wilson is a stunning destination for spring flowers. These heritage-listed gardens, open exclusively during autumn and spring, feature thousands of exotic and native trees and plants across 45 hectares of beautifully curated space. The gardens are open daily from 10am to 4pm.
23. Go on a vintage steam train ride
With school holidays around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a family getaway. One of our favourite nostalgic activities is hopping on a steam train and exploring the countryside. There are plenty of excellent heritage train rides that depart from or around Sydney. Take your pick from this list.