Sydney is a vibrant city that knows how to have fun, and you don’t need a drink in hand to make the most of it. If you’re looking to have a bit of an alcohol detox, and want weekend plans that don’t end in a hangover, then you have come to the right place. From exploring the city’s coolest exhibitions and experiences to serene escapes and thrilling workshops, here are our top picks of alcohol-free things to do in Sydney.
1. Be Captivated By A Candlelight Concert
Spend an evening surrounded by thousands of candles, as you listen to classical music played by professional musicians. The Candlelight Concert series takes place in iconic venues throughout Sydney and includes a variety of musicians and genres. Whether you enjoy the grandeur of a full orchestra, the synchronicity of a string quartet, or the intimacy of a solo pianist, Candlelight events offer you the opportunity to experience them all and more.
2. Unleash Your Creativity At The Art Of Banksy: “Without Limits
Get to know more about the world’s most famous street artists in The Art Of Banksy: “Without Limits”. The exhibition showcases over 160 artworks including new originals added for Sydney, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, installations and murals. A significant portion of Banksy’s iconic stencilled works has also been meticulously reproduced, accompanied by detailed explanations and captivating backstories. The exhibit will also include some of his most well-known installation pieces, which are divided into four main sections. The Infinity Room, Dismaland Experience, Murals, and Louis Michel.
3. Glimpse Into Royal Life At The Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition
After a successful run in Melbourne, the global touring Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition is heading to Sydney in 2024. This photographic exhibition will showcase iconic images of Princess Diana and her family taken throughout the career of royal photographer Anwar Hussein and later his two sons, Zak and Samir. Hear first-hand accounts of the stories behind the iconic images, and see the princess in a whole new light. The waitlist is now open, and you can sign up to be one of the first to gain access to the exclusive presale.
4. Marvel At Wildlife At The Taronga Zoo
Sydney’s Taronga Zoo offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience wildlife from around the globe in one of the most stunning locations imaginable. With over 4,000 creatures to encounter, you’ll be kept captivated all day. Visitors can also participate in behind-the-scenes tours, wildlife encounters, and interactive exhibits that offer insight into the importance of conservation and the fascinating behaviors of various species.
5. Visit A Bookshop Café
There is nothing as cozy as a bookshop café, and luckily for us Sydney has quite a few to choose from. These spots are the ideal setting for getting lost in a captivating read and perhaps finding a few new favourites to add to your bookshelf.
6. Check Out Some Natural Swimming Spots
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, there are some great natural swimming spots around the Sydney area. From the scenic Ivor Rowe Rockpool, less than 30 minutes drive from the Sydney CBD to adventuring out to Dangar Falls, we’ve rounded up some of the most breathtaking natural swimming spots for you to explore.
7. Have Breakfast With Koalas
Tuck into a delicious breakfast at WILD LIFE zoo while Koalas perch in trees all around you. Then, be taken on a guided tour and learn valuable insights from the koala keepers. After that, you have free range to explore the rest of the exciting sights that the zoo has to offer.
8. Hear World Class Musicians At Live At The Great
With an incredible lineup of musicians in one of the most spectacular venues in Australia, Live At The Great is something you’ll want to reserve tickets for. Live at The Great aims to bring world-class musicians to intimate venues, and their concerts are always an intriguing and emotional experience. The lineup for 2024 includes a variety of internationally acclaimed and award-winning musicians.
9. Take Part In A Tea Ceremony At Altitude Tea Workshop
Who needs alcohol when you can sample over 30 rare and exotic teas! Enjoy this workshop where you will participate in a traditional tea ceremony using a Gongfu set. You will learn more about the philosophy of tea drinking and the wisdom behind the practice, as well as tips on how to drink mindfully and appreciate the taste and aroma, forever changing the way you experience tea!
10. Explore An Underwater Nature Trail
An under-the-radar spot nestled quietly between Clovelly and Coogee Beach is the Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail. The sparkling turquoise bay is a prime spot for swimming, diving and snorkelling with clear, calm waters and lush native flora. The 600-metre-long trail is comparable to a walking track around the bay, except it’s all underwater. The trail comprises concrete-filled drums linked together by a chain with information about the local sea life displayed on steel plaques. The deepest point is 14 metres and the trail takes about 45 minutes to complete.
11. Have Coffee In Parramatta
Among the many trendy suburbs dotted across town, Parramatta is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. If you’re after a coffee or brunch spot, you don’t have to look further than this buzzing commercial corner of Sydney. From laneway cafes to art studio-styled cafes, themed bakeries and more, these outstanding spots are well worth a visit.
12. Enjoy A Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
Join the experts at Art Masterclass and discover the techniques needed to decorate a mosaic lamp. You will be using a variety of coloured tiles and will be shown how to design breathtaking Islamic geometric patterns and lay them down. Once your masterpiece is finished, you’ll receive all the necessary materials and instructions to complete the final stage and grout or plaster your lamp at home.