There are two types of birthday people: those who can’t get enough of the celebrations, and those who’d rather skip the whole thing. If you’re the latter, not a worry. Sydney offers all kinds of celebrations that suit a range of tastes and interests. Celebrate another year around the sun with our list of top ideas for a birthday in Sydney. Even better, 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 of our favourite birthday activities around Sydney below.
1. Treat yourself to a spa day
Make your birthday extra special and spoil yourself with a lavish spa day. Whether you’re in the mood for a rejuvenating facial, a calming massage, a detoxifying sauna session, or a full-body indulgence, a day at the spa is the perfect way to pamper yourself and celebrate in style. There are plenty of excellent places to choose from in and around Sydney. Here are some of our favourite spots where you can unwind, recharge, and treat yourself:
2. Kick off your day with brunch in Sydney
Sydney’s many Insta-worthy cafes make brunch an experience that is anything but ordinary. Gather your friends and spend some quality time together surrounded by picture-perfect decor, delicious drinks and desserts and excellent views. Whether it’s a trendy cafe by the water or a hidden laneway gem, these spots are the perfect setting to relax, celebrate and snap plenty of photos for your feed. Find our favourites here.
3. Take advantage of all the birthday freebies around Sydney
Why wait for your family and friends to spoil you when so many stellar restaurants and hospitality spots in Sydney offer a bunch of standout birthday freebies to make your day extra special? From complimentary meals to birthday cocktails, there’s no shortage of perks to indulge in. Most 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 large pizza for your birthday courtesy of Crust Pizza
- Enjoy a 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
4. Go on an unforgettable VR journey through time with Life Chronicles
Step into a world where Earth’s history unfolds before your eyes, from the first signs of life to the rise of humanity. A place where prehistoric creatures roam, ancient landscapes stretch endlessly, and you can witness evolution as it happens. Life Chronicles, a spectacular immersive expedition in virtual reality (VR), has officially opened at Sydney Olympic Park.
5. Step back in time with Horizon of Khufu
From the age of dinosaurs to ancient Egypt. Horizon of Khufu is an immersive VR expedition that transports you to the golden age of ancient Egypt. Explore the depths of the iconic pyramids, decode ancient hieroglyphs, experience the reign of King Khufu and much more in this captivating journey through history. Get your tickets before they sell out.
6. Plan a bougie glamping trip
If you’re craving the outdoors but don’t want to get your hands dirty, then glamping is the perfect solution. Sleep under a canopy of stars, hand-feed giraffes and alpacas, cosy up by a crackling fireplace, and wake up to beautiful mountain views. There are many unique places to choose from if you’re looking to celebrate your birthday in the great outdoors. Check out some of the best glamping spots in NSW.
7. Dine at one of Sydney’s prettiest restaurants
From waterfront restaurants with lovely harbour views to hidden bars tucked away in tiny laneways, Sydney is home to a range of photogenic restaurants. Offering a blend of excellent food and service with a dreamy ambience, these spots offer the perfect setting for a celebration that’s as pretty to look at as it is delicious. Take your pick from Sydney’s prettiest restaurants.
8. Step into a world of fun at the Hijinx Hotel
Birthdays are the perfect time to unleash your inner child and the quirky challenge room hotel in Sydney is the perfect playground to do just that. With nostalgic games like Twister and The Floor is Lava, along with creatively themed rooms designed for your social feeds, it promises to be a blast. Add to that three vibrant bars and plenty of surprises, and you’ve got the ideal birthday destination. Read all about the Hijinx Hotel.
9. 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.
10. Go on a sunset cruise
Celebrate your birthday in style with a sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour. Watch the sunset behind the iconic skyline and enjoy 360-degree views of the harbour and the sparkling waters around you. For added luxury, you can opt for bespoke drink and menu packages, live DJs and even glamorous cabaret shows. Head here to plan your perfect evening.
11. 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 just waiting to be explored. Find picturesque landscapes, cosy cafes, coastal trails and much more on these short trips from Sydney. We’ve got a comprehensive list of towns less than two hours from Sydney, check out our guides to Blackheath, Bowral, Katoomba, Leura, Kiama and Berry and start planning!
12. Visit Taronga Zoo for just $1
Did you know you can visit Taronga Zoo for just $1 on your birthday? Normally, an adult ticket costs nearly $50 so this is quite a bargain. Take a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay and spend the day with your favourite Aussie animals surrounded by lovely harbour views all around. Book your ticket here.
13. Have a world-class movie experience
If watching movies is your hobby, why not take your birthday celebration up a notch by visiting one of Sydney’s many cool cinemas. From an opulent 744-seat Orpheum to a cosy underground theatrette, Sydney offers a variety of cinematic experiences to suit every movie lover. This is a great idea for those who prefer a low-key but special birthday celebration.
14. Try your hands at Dining in the Dark
If you want to make your birthday extra memorable, try the Dining in the Dark experience. As the name suggests, you’ll enter a dimly lit restaurant and enjoy a three-course meal while wearing a blindfold. The lack of sight is said to heighten your other senses, making every bite more flavourful than usual. Put this theory to the test and book a spot in advance since they fill out fast.
15. Have a blast at this giant video game venue
Unleash your inner kid at the massive Fortress outpost in Sydney. It’s the largest video games and entertainment venue in the Southern Hemisphere so you can expect a good time. This place has it all, from an esports games arena to a PC gaming zone, arcades, a sci-fi-themed bar and plenty of bites and booze to keep you fuelled all day. SO much fun.
16. Get your pinkies up for an elegant high tea
If you’re planning an intimate birthday get-together and want to spend quality time with the most special people in your life, you can’t go wrong with a cosy high tea in Sydney. Nibble on delicious finger sandwiches, sweet pastries, and endless cups of tea at some of the city’s most elegant spots. It’s a charming and relaxed way to bring in your big day. Find the best high tea spots in Sydney.
17. Catch a show at the theatre
A day out to see your favourite theatre show in Sydney is always a hit with so many incredible productions to choose from. Whether you’re singing along to Hamilton or dressing up for Six the Musical, avid theatre lovers won’t be disappointed with the theatre scene in Sydney. Don’t forget to grab dinner and drinks later and discuss! This is one for those who enjoy culture, fun and great company.
18. Check out an art exhibition around Sydney
If you’re in the mood for a low-key birthday without the pomp and show, why not head to an art gallery in Sydney? Immerse yourself in world-renowned artworks and the stories behind them, in a peaceful, fuss-free environment. Take your pick from a range of incredible galleries here.
19. Have a late-night adventure in the city
Before you roll your eyes, Sydney has a surprising number of fun late-night activities that are perfect for keeping the celebration going, you just need to know where to look. From late-night darts bars, vibrant nightclubs, arcade games, ghost tours, night markets and much more, there is plenty to do when the city lights come on. See the full list on late-night activities in Sydney.
20. Take a helicopter ride around the harbour
Celebrating a milestone birthday and keen to go all out? Why not mark the occasion with a luxury helicopter ride, that showcases everything that Sydney has to offer from the Blue Mountains to the beaches and more? With trusted operators like Sydney HeliTours, Blue Sky Helicopters and Sydney Helicopters, you’re bound to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
21. Enjoy a unique wildlife experience
The many special wildlife encounters around NSW offer a truly one-of-a-kind birthday adventure. Whether it’s getting up close with koalas, or hand-feeding stingrays, the wildlife parks and sanctuaries around Sydney and NSW offer plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and make your birthday celebration extra memorable. Take your pick of the litter here.
22. Take part in the jaw-dropping Squid Game: The Experience
A brutal, thrilling world inspired by Squid Game has launched off the screen and into reality. While you’re probably familiar with the survival games from the hit Netflix show, you haven’t truly lived through the tension, terror, and tactical manoeuvres until you’ve stepped inside the game yourself. Grab your tickets now to make the most of this mind-blowing experience.