June is here and despite the frosty weather, a lot is happening around the city — from mega light festivals to immersive winter experiences. Sydney is also the place to be in June thanks to Vivid Sydney. Expect dazzling drone shows, light walks, techno rave trains, foodie trails and heaps more. Embrace the magic of winter and make the most of all the fun happenings around town. Here are some exciting things to do this June in Sydney.
1. See Sydney’s skies light up with an epic drone show
Did you spot the southern hemisphere’s biggest drone show over Circular Quay last year? If not, we’ve got some good news. It’s returning this June for three nights so don’t miss out.
- Saturday, June 8
- Sunday, June 9
- Saturday, June 15
2. Explore Luna Park in the Dark
A wonderful after-hours adventure has taken over Luna Park. Enjoy your favourite rides under the stars, grab glow-in-the-dark desserts, enjoy a special musical concert surrounded by candlelight, and see the harbour in a brand new light. Tickets are available for selected dates only so you’ll need to be quick. Get yours here.
3. Discover Wynyard Station’s unused tunnels
The long-abandoned tunnels beneath Wynyard Station are getting a glow-up once again for Vivid. Dark Spectrum returns in 2024 with a one-kilometre trail studded with lanterns, lasers, searchlights and more combining perfectly choreographed light displays, music and technology to deliver a visual feast for visitors. Read more about it here.
4. See a dazzling production of Chicago
Chicago the Musical is bringing all the razzle dazzle to Sydney this June. Get excited for sensational dance numbers and exceptional performances in this buzzy production that has been the recipient of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. Chicago will play in Sydney from June 9 to July 28. Get your tickets here.
5. Explore the best of Vivid Sydney
One of the best ways to experience Vivid is on its self-guided Light Walk that features some of the festival’s best installations, artworks and light displays (mostly) free of cost. Kick off the 8km trail at Circular Quay and make your way to The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Wynyard and more on this enchanting walk. Find more information and the full map here.
6. Get cosy in these glowing igloos
The dreamy raclette igloo experience is returning this winter with hearty food and drink offerings, toasty fire pits and lots of mulled wine, all under transparent igloo-like domes. The experience will run for a few weeks only from June 28 to July 29, find ticket information and more here.
7. Be blown away by Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Garden
The multi-sensory Lightscape experienceis returning to Sydney with all the lights, colours and sounds. Go on a 1.8km journey through the garden and see glowing tree canopies, vibrant flowers and beautiful, tunnels in this highlight event. Get more info here.
8. Get your fill of cheese at Bon Fromage
If you love cheese, good views and wine, you’ll want to clear out the weekend of May 31 to June 2 for the Bon Fromage festival. Guests will get a chance to sample a variety of cheesy dishes with spectacular harbour views in the backdrop. There are also masterclasses, entertainment and a cheese market to explore. Read more about it here.
9. Shop at this new monthly market
The recently opened Maroubra Beach Markets will be held every month with over 100 stalls to shop from across vintage goods, fresh produce, artisan goods and much more. It will be held on the first Sunday of each month at Broadarrow Reserve right on the footsteps of Maroubra beach from 8am to 2pm. Find more information here.
10. Get tickets for a huge Princess Diana exhibition
The Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition is now open in Sydney for a limited time only. Delve deeper into the life of Diana through intimate photographs taken by two official royal photographers. The exhibition also includes murals, art installations and a gift shop. Get your tickets.
11. Check out the vibrant Sonic Neon event
Sonic Neon has taken over Luna Park with lights, installations and glowy gelato. The buzzy event promises an immersive rave experience for all ages and features thousands of lights across 8 themed rooms. Get your tickets here.
12. Go on a ghostly candlelit tour of Old Government House
Love all things spooky? The Old Government House in Parramatta is hosting ghostly night tours each month throughout winter and it’s guaranteed to give you the creeps. This month the tour takes place on June 21 with snacks and hot drinks afterward. Read all about it here.
13. Walk through an enchanted forest near Sydney
If you can’t deal with the crowds at Vivid, we suggest a trip out of town to the seaside town of Shellharbour. Here, in the lush Blackbutt Forest Reserve, a different kind of illuminated wonderland awaits with holograms, installations and many Instagrammable elements. Find more information here.
14. Go on a late-night tour of Wild Life Sydney Zoo
See some beloved Aussie animals after dark with Wild Life Sydney Zoo’s torch-lit tours called Wild Nights this June. On these exclusive 60-minute tours led by zookeepers, you can see animals like Tassie devils, an endangered tree-kangaroo and an adorable koala joey up close. Read more here.
15. Book your tickets for Authentic Flamenco
A beautiful Spanish flamenco show created by the award-winning dancer and choreographer Ángeles Gabaldón, and performed by the talented dancer Ángeles Gabaldón alongside other Spanish artists is coming to Sydney and tickets are available for June. Get yours here.
16. Be spellbound with dinner and a show at The Magician’s Cabaret
The Magician’s Cabaret is super popular for its extravagant shows and excellent dinners. There’s no other show in Sydney quite like La Belle Rose—Sydney’s longest-running cabaret show. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
17. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
Attend one of Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts and get lost in a number of familiar tunes this June. Tickets are available to tribute shows to Queen, Coldplay, Ludovico Einaudi and more.
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works at SMC
🕯️Luna Park In The Dark
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay at the SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac at SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons St. Stephen’s Uniting Church
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Radiohead at SMC
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Elton John at St. Stephen’s Uniting Church
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Tracy Chapman
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Rihanna at SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to U2
18. Grab a drink at Maho Magic Bar
Maho Magic Bar is no ordinary bar, this immersive pop-up combines magic with delicious Japanese-inspired cocktails. The neon-lit event is currently delighting Sydneysiders in Darling Harbour but it’s not around for long so don’t miss out. Get your tickets here.
19. Experience Dining in the Dark
Ever wondered what it’s like to dine in complete darkness? If science is to be believed, it can elevate your dining experience to a whole other level of deliciousness. A sensational new experience called Dining in the Dark is putting this to the test with a blindfold and a surprise menu for guests. Make your reservation for Dining in the Dark here.
20. Culture up with Art After Hours at AGNSW
In case you didn’t know, the Art Gallery of New South Wales stays open late every Wednesday until 10pm. You can also get a free shuttle bus every 20 minutes from 7pm to 10pm from the art gallery to public transport at Town Hall, Wynyard and Martin Place. Check out what’s on at the AGNSW here.
21. Go whale watching around Sydney
The whales are back and you can get a glimpse of these majestic creatures right here at home. From Palm Beach to Manly, check out the best spots to see whales in and around Sydney here.
22. Have a blast with Limbo
For a cheeky night out, head to Limbo at the Grand Electric in Surry Hills. Expect dance numbers, risqué acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts in this no-holds-barred circus spectacle. Grab your tickets here.
23. Enjoy a steamy soak at the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool
It’s getting chilly in Sydney so if you’re keen to beat the cold, head out of town to the picturesque Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool in NSW. Located in the Kosciuszko National Park, you’ll find two pools at the venue, heated to a consistent 27 degrees all year round. Plan your trip here.
24. Explore a marine park in a clear bottom kayak
Looking for a long weekend trip idea this June? Consider driving out to Batemans Bay where you can explore a tranquil marine park on a sturdy clear glass kayak while passing through lush mangroves. This 2-hour-long water adventure has dates available throughout June. Read more here.
25. Enjoy this intimate magic show
A Magical Soirée, by Bruce Glen combines fantastic stories with fascinating magic tricks to leave audiences in awe and wonder inside a heritage building. Grab your tickets here.