There are two types of people in the world: People who celebrate their birthday all month long and those who absolutely dread the day. If you’re the latter, there’s no reason to fret. Sydney is a city that’s built for all kinds of celebrations that suit a range of tastes and interests. Commemorate another year around the sun with our list of top ideas for a birthday in Sydney. And guess what? None of them involve dinner and drinks at a bar. Plus, if you go to the right places, you could treat yourself to heaps of birthday freebies that are guaranteed to take your celebrations up a notch. Find some below.
1. Get fresh and fancy at this Japanese Bathhouse
Want to treat yourself to an indulgent pamper sesh but short on time? Not to worry! A short drive from Sydney, you can get all the R&R and then some at an idyllic Japanese onsen overlooking Lake Lyell. Bringing a true taste of Japanese spa culture to our doorstep, the bathhouse comes with private burros, a herbal steam room, individual soaking tubs and scenic outdoor hot pools to help you truly disconnect from urban life. Read all about this hidden spot here.
2. Go on a glamping adventure
If you don’t want to get your hands dirty but still want to experience the great outdoors then glamping is the way to go. Sleep under the stars, hand-feed giraffes and alpacas, stay warm near a fireplace and wake up to stunning mountain views at these excellent NSW glamping spots.
3. Enjoy a classic Sydney brunch
On the surface, brunch might not seem like the most novel idea. But wait till you have a look at Sydney’s many Instagrammable cafes. Gather your girlfriends and spend some quality time together while surrounded by picture-perfect foliage, aesthetic decor and all the views.
4. Be a kid again at the Hijinx Hotel
Your birthday is the perfect time to unleash your inner child and this wacky challenge room hotel is the perfect place to do just that. There’s childhood games like Twister and the Floor is Lava, themed rooms perfect for your socials, three brilliant bars and more. Read all about the Hijinx Hotel.
5. Attend a dreamy Candlelight Concert
Have you been to one of Sydney’s magical Candlelight Concerts yet? The live, multi-sensory experience brings the music of some of our favourite artists to stunning locations around the city — all surrounded by the glow of candlelight for a guaranteed special evening. Book your tickets here.
6. Go on a sunset cruise
Experience a dramatic Sydney sunset aboard a cruise and enjoy 360-degree views of the harbour and the city skyline. You can also make it extra luxe with tailored drinks and menu packages, live DJs and cabaret shows. Head here to plan your perfect evening.
7. Grab fun birthday freebies around Sydney
You don’t have to rely on only family and friends to spoil you on your birthday. Many restaurants and hospitality spots in Sydney offer a bunch of standout birthday freebies to make your day extra special. Some of these places require you to download an app or sign up for their rewards program so don’t forget to read the fine print before heading out!
- Grab a free drink at Boost Juice.
- Get a free pizza for your birthday courtesy of Crust Pizza.
- Enjoy a free meal on the house at Nandos.
- Try delish Birthday Churros for two at San Churro.
- Enjoy a free meal at Red Rooster.
- Relish a free muffin at Muffin Break.
- Receive a free pizza during your birthday month at Bondi Pizza.
- Get a free Chatime drink of any size at Chatime.
- Get a free ice cream voucher at Cold Rock.
- Pick up a free gift for your beauty kit at Sephora Australia.
- Grab a free salad at Sumo Salad.
8. Plan a road trip in NSW
Want to escape the humdrum of city life? You’re in luck because our great state is lined with quaint little towns that are waiting to be explored. We’ve got a comprehensive list of towns less than two hours from Sydney; start planning!
9. Visit Taronga Zoo for just $1
Yes, Taronga Zoo’s $1 birthday entry is back! You’d normally spend nearly $50 on an adult ticket so this is quite a bargain. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay and spend the day with your favourite Aussie animals surrounded by lovely harbour views all around. Book your ticket here.
10. Have a world-class movie experience
If watching movies is a hobby then jazz it up for your birthday by visiting one of Sydney’s many cool cinemas. From an opulent 744-seat Orpheum to a cosy underground theatrette, cinephiles are spoilt for choice in Sydney.
11. Try your hands at Dining in the Dark
If you want to make your birthday extra memorable, try the Dining in the Dark experience. It’s exactly what it says. You enter a moody, dimly-lit restaurant and enjoy a three-course meal with a blindfold on. It’s said to elevate the flavour of your food since all your sense are super engaged. You’ll need to book a spot in advance since they fill out fast.
12. Have a blast at this giant video game venue
Unleash your inner kid at the massive new Fortress outpost in Sydney. It’s the largest video games and entertainment venue in the Southern Hemisphere so you can expect a good time. There’s an esports games arena, a PC gaming zone, arcades, a sci-fi-themed bar and lots of bites and booze. SO much fun.
13. Get your pinkies up for an elegant high tea
Throwing yourself an intimate birthday get-together and looking to spend quality time with the special people in your life? You can’t go wrong with a high tea in Sydney. Nibble on delicious sandwiches and sip all the tea in these fancy spots around the city.
14. See a show at the theatre
A day out to see your favourite theatre show is always trendy in Sydney given all the choice available to avid theatre lovers. Find your groove with the Tina Turner Musical or embrace your inner Dancing Queen at the Mamma Mia musical. There’s heaps to choose from. Don’t forget to grab dinner and drinks later and discuss!
15. Check out an art exhibition around Sydney
In the mood for a low-key birthday without the pomp and show? Head out to an art gallery in Sydney and take in all the wonderful artworks and the stories behind them. There’s an incredible Steve McCurry retrospective plus an immersive exhibition in a decommissioned Second World War naval fuel bunker in town. Take your pick of the litter here.
16. Have a late-night adventure in the city
Before you roll your eyes, you’ll want to take a look at our list of fun late-night activities in Sydney. There are surprisingly heaps to choose from, from late-night darts bars to arcade games, walking tours night markets and so much more.
17. Take a helicopter ride around the harbour
Celebrating a milestone birthday and keen to go all out? How about a fancy helicopter ride that showcases everything that Sydney has to offer from the Blue Mountains to the beaches and more? Sydney HeliTours, Blue Sky Helicopters and Sydney Helicopters are some trusted tour operators in the city.