Experience the magic of Sydney in summer

From its dazzling beaches, water sports and endless sunshine, to its festivals and events, cultural experiences, and vibrant dining and nightlife, Sydney in summer is a stunner. 

Sydney is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Sydney in summer is particularly dazzling. The summer season begins in December and runs until the end of February. The sun is shining long into the evening, which means you have extra time to make the most of Sydney’s many assets. From top beaches to water sports, alfresco restaurants to cool bars, here are the best places to visit in Sydney in summer.   

Sydney has more than 100 inner-city beaches, which means you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to time on the sand. Some of the most popular haunts include Manly Beach, where you can pick between a calm harbour beach and an ocean beach that draws surfers from around the world. If you’re a beginner (or even if you’re just wanting to perfect your technique), you can sign up for lessons with Manly Surf School. 

You’ll want to linger, so check into one of the light-filled rooms at Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection, overlooking the stretch of sand you’ve just been exploring. Beachside cocktails can be sipped at the hotel’s 55 North bar or beside the pool on the rooftop, while meals nod to your surroundings at Bistro Manly. There are plenty of other places to check in, within easy reach of the water, including The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach and Peppers Manly Beach. 

Arguably Sydney’s most iconic place to swim is Bondi Beach in the eastern suburbs. It deserves its reputation. The golden sand is long, the waves are reliably good, dolphins are often seen offshore, and there are plenty of attractions nearby. If you want calmer conditions, head to the south end of the beach where you can dive into Bondi Icebergs, an ocean-fed rock pool with lanes for lap swimming as well as areas for play.

One of Sydney’s most iconic coastal walks is the six-kilometre trail from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach, with a number of lookouts - spot whales from May through December - along the way. There are also other beaches on the route, including Bronte (the rock pool here is beautiful), Tamarama, Clovelly and Gordons Bay (great for snorkelling thanks to an underwater trail).

When you reach Coogee Beach, reward yourself with a drink at Coogee Pavilion while watching fitness fanatics play volleyball on the sand. Coogee also comes with three ocean-fed rock pools: one free to the public, another for women only and the third open to all visitors for a small fee. Also in the eastern suburbs, Watsons Bay is the destination to get festive in the water over the summer months, with DJs often hosting boat parties close to the shore. You can get here via ferry from Circular Quay, and when you arrive enjoy incredible views of Sydney Harbour.   

Back on the north coast, Palm Beach is set on a narrow peninsula surrounded by water. It’s movie-set gorgeous - in fact, this is where popular Australian TV show Home and Away is filmed. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit, including great surf and hikes to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Slightly further south, Balmoral Beach is a Mosman jewel, replete with calm water and excellent restaurants, bars and cafes.

If you want to escape the crowds over the summer months, try hidden beaches like Brighton Beach (check in to the Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach after your swim), Redleaf, Chinamans Beach and Milk Beach. 

Want a room with a summer beach view in Sydney? We’ve got you covered. On Sydney’s North Shore, Manly offers beaches that overlook Sydney Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. Along the latter you’ll find the sleek Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection hotel, replete with rooms (some dog friendly) and villas that come with ocean views. The restaurants and bars here are popular local haunts. Also in the neighbourhood, The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach and neighbouring Peppers Manly Beach sit at the southern end of the ocean stretch of sand, close to Fairy Bower Sea Pool and Shelly Beach, the latter of which is a hotspot for divers and snorkellers.

If you want your swim combined with a side of plane-spotting, head to Brighton Le Sands Beach and check into the Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach hotel, just south of Sydney Airport. There are dozens of restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood, including the hotel’s own Sands Bar.

Back in the heart of Sydney in the city’s newest urban precinct, ibis Sydney Barangaroo is as colourful as they come. While there’s no ‘beach’ as such in Barangaroo, there is Marrinawi Cove, a beautiful protected harbour swimming area surrounded by native flora.

Beaches across Sydney can get busy in summer. But don’t let this deter you from taking the family on a sandy adventure. There are endless kid-friendly beaches with calm waters, perfect for a dip, kayak, stand-up paddleboard session or snorkel. Head to Gordons Bay in the eastern suburbs (there’s a self-guided underwater nature trail); Nielsen Park in Vaucluse, where the beach comes with a protected seawall to ensure calm conditions and you can enjoy stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge while you swim; or Balmoral Beach in the north, which also features an enclosed swimming area. Budding young surfers can sign up for classes at Manly Beach, Bondi Beach and Maroubra Beach, among others - there are even multi-day surf camps.

Part beach, part swimming pool, Sydney’s ocean pools may well be the ultimate way to cool off in summer. Picture this: a rock-enclosed area fed with seawater, perhaps some waves, definitely a fish or two, and space to do laps or just splash about. They span the city. There are the Insta-faves: Bondi Icebergs is a hit year round, with people flocking here daily to swim regardless of the weather. Just to the south there’s Bronte Baths and then at Coogee Beach there’s not one, but three ocean pools to dive into: one (the only one of its kind in Australia) is dedicated to women. Further south still, Cronulla has a number of ocean pools, including one that has eight lanes for lap swimming.

Head north to Cremorne Point for a swim with one of the best views over Sydney Harbour imaginable. Maccallum Pool is small, but it has plenty of personality, and the vistas of Sydney Harbour Bridge are stunning. In Manly, Fairy Bower Sea Pool is accessible as you walk from the southern end of Manly Beach toward Shelly Beach - check out the sculptures along the rock edge. 

There are more established pools to do your laps in as well. Andrew (Boy) Charlton is a saltwater pool elevated over the rocks in Woolloomooloo, near the Royal Botanic Garden. There are eight lanes, the water is heated, a cafe serves coffee and breakfast staples, and alfresco yoga is a regular occurrence.

Sydney's stunning coastline and picturesque harbour make it a paradise for watersports enthusiasts over the summer months. Sydney By Kayak offers a unique perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge - you’ll even get to paddle under it. Guided tours are available for those who prefer company, while solo adventurers can rent kayaks and explore at their own pace. There are plenty of other places to kayak and stand-up paddleboard as well, including Manly, Cronulla and Rose Bay, where the waters are calm and the view is shimmering.

Strap on a mask and flippers for underwater exploration. Snorkelling opportunities abound in Manly, where Shelly Beach is a particularly popular location to spot turtles and all manner of fish and colourful corals. Gordons Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs comes with an underwater discovery trail that you can follow with your head beneath the surface of the sea. Divers also love to jump in the ocean at Gordons Bay, as well as around Bare Island at La Perouse in the south of Sydney, and off the coast of Manly. Explore reefs, underwater caves, and even shipwrecks, all while encountering fascinating marine creatures.

You’ll spot surfboards and wetsuits at most beaches around Sydney in summer. But those with the most reliable waves include Manly Beach, Cronulla Beach, Bondi Beach and Maroubra Beach. At each, dolphins can follow you in the swell. Depending on your skill level, you can also sign up for surf classes with the likes of Manly Surf School and Let’s Go Surfing in Bondi.   

Ready to feel the wind in your hair… and perhaps get a little wet? Sailing and jet-boating around Sydney Harbour provide exhilarating ways to experience the city from the water. Oz Jet Boating, Thunder Jet Boat and Harbour Jet all offer a fast-paced experience taking in iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from a different perspective. More leisurely (and often with a glass of bubbles in hand) are cruises offered by Tribal Warrior(for Indigenous insights into the harbour); Sydney Harbour Tall Ships; Sydney Showboats; Captain Cook Cruises; and Sydney Luxury Cruise. 

Sydney’s summer festival and event scene is epic. Obviously, things go off with a bang at the city’s New Year’s Evecelebrations. This is one of the world’s most spectacular fireworks displays, taking place over Sydney Harbour as well as a number of other hotspots around the city. Families and friends gather at various vantage points to ring in the New Year against a breathtaking backdrop. When the lights disappear on New Year’s Day, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race kicks off, bringing excitement to the harbour as yachts set sail for Tasmania. Boating fanatics can also look forward to February’s SailGP, a thrilling weekend of high-speed sailing action on Sydney Harbour.

Also in January is Sydney Festival, which transforms the city with an array of performances, installations and concerts showcasing both local and international talent. In the same month you can attend Field Day, a music festival in The Domain that features an eclectic lineup of artists.

Foodies will want to make a beeline to the Taste of Sydney in February, highlighting the city’s culinary scene and featuring local restaurants and chefs showcasing their best dishes. While at the end of summer in Sydney you can be part of the renowned Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in the world with a spectacular parade, parties and community events.

Sydney is packed with family-friendly activities and events year-round. But Sydney in summer (coinciding with Australia’s longest school holidays) is particularly fun for those travelling in a group.

Over the warmer months a number of outdoor cinemas pop up across the city, including in the Royal Botanic Garden (your backdrop is the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge), Centennial Park and Neutral Bay.

For a particularly memorable experience, head to Barangaroo where you can relax on a beanbag on a purpose-built, sandy beach to watch a movie with Move’in Bed. If you’re in the area early, stroll down from the Darling Harbour precinct, home to the epic Darling Quarter playground, replete with balance ropes, multiple slides, water fountains, climbing frames, sandpits, tunnels to explore and a 21-metre flying fox. There are dozens of restaurants in the area - or retire to the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour or ibis Sydney Darling Harbour to make the most of dining (and sleeping) options with a view.

Summer in Sydney is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, either on foot or on two wheels. Companies like Bonza Bike Tours, Sydney Harbour Bike Tours and Bespoke Cycle Tours offer guided adventures on bicycles and eBikes around different parts of the city. It’s a fun way for young travellers to burn off energy while learning about the city.

Another way to learn about the city, from a sky-high perspective, is on BridgeClimb Sydney, which takes you 134 metres above Sydney Harbour and offers insights into the attractions that surround as well as the massive undertaking that went into building one of the world’s most iconic bridges - you can even do it with an Aboriginal guide for Indigenous history.   

Nights in Sydney in summer are usually warm, so this is a great time to explore on foot. Why not take the kids on a ghost tour? You can discover the history of The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood on a ghost tour, catch a ferry out to the haunted buildings on Cockatoo Island (a former convict prison), or visit Manly’s Q Station Sydney Harbour National Park. After nightly ghost tours here you can enjoy a meal or stay for the night

There are endless cultural attractions for families in summer in Sydney as well. Entry to the Art Gallery of NSW is always free for most exhibits, and kids under 12 can also enter paid exhibitions for free. Check out the roster of creative workshops for children, designed to inspire young artists in the making. Meanwhile, the Sydney Opera House heats up with kid-friendly drama programs, animation and live shows specifically for kids. The Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour also offers kid-friendly activities over the summer school holiday months, whether that’s jumping aboard one of the ships moored out front, getting hands-on in an art class or catching a live show. 

Sydney's summer evenings are best enjoyed with great food in stunning settings, and the city offers an array of exceptional dining spots that cater to every taste and budget. The Grounds of Alexandria in the inner-west is a must-visit, replete with lush gardens (some themed with the seasons), fairy lights, multiple restaurants, bars and cafes, markets and even a mini-farm where kids can meet resident pigs and chickens.

In the eastern suburbs at Totti’s Bondi you can savor the essence of Italian dining with a laid-back beach vibe. There’s a great outdoor area that captures the warm sea breeze. Head into the city centre and you’ll find a parade of alfresco dining offerings around Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, where you can indulge in everything from Turkish fine dining to takeaway burgers and ice-cream, all the while enjoying a water view. Also in the city, Henry’s Bread and Wine at The Porter House Hotel Sydney - MGallery brings the outdoors in with its large open frontage. This is the place to channel your European holiday desires, with an excellent deli and restaurant serving up everything from creative cocktails to antipasto plates.

For a more relaxed seaside atmosphere, head to The Newport in Sydney’s northern beaches. This place is big, and there are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, many of them outdoors. Order bulging seafood platters or hearty pub fare, all set against the backdrop of beautiful beaches. Also in the north, Bathers’ Pavilion at Balmoral Beach offers a similar diversity of wining and dining experiences, from a casual bistro overlooking the sand to a Thai restaurant and formal dining room. 

Sydney's summer nightlife is a vibrant mix of rooftop bars, waterfront venues, beer gardens and chic lounges that come alive as the sun sets. Among the top spots, Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection's rooftop lounge beside the pool offers breathtaking views of the coastline, making it the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail in hand while soaking up the ocean breeze.

Back at Circular Quay, Hyde Hacienda within the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour comes with floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. The vibe is tropical, the cocktails and wine are on point, and there’s a great menu of bar snacks to choose from. Nearby, Opera Bar dazzles with its stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Over the summer months there’s live music, complemented by tasty bites and great drinks.

Not far away, Pumphouse at Novotel Sydney Darling Square is in the heart of Sydney’s summer action. The industrial-chic space serves up a modern Australian menu with an excellent list of craft beers and Australian wines. It’s a great place to kick off the night. For a touch of elegance, also in Darling Harbour, the Champagne Bar in Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour offers a sophisticated selection of bubbly, perfect for summer celebratory moments.

Within the Hotel Morris Sydney in the city’s Haymarket Chinatown precinct, Bar Morris is as intimate as it is inventive in its cocktails. Come here for Italian snacks as well as wines and cocktails from around the world. 

For those seeking a more relaxed vibe, Coogee Pavilion in the eastern suburbs comes with multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to wine and dine. The rooftop terrace is perfect for watching the sunset over the ocean while enjoying craft beers and gourmet pizzas or buckets of prawns. Not too far away in Surry Hills, The Winery’s fairytale garden is adorned with glittering lights at night, with punters grazing on cheese platters and mezze while soaking up the neighbourhood’s buzzy summer vibes. 

Make the most of Sydney’s warm summer weather while getting back to nature on a waterside walk. There are too many to list them all here. But some of the most popular include the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which covers six scenic kilometres and passes numerous beaches including Bronte, Tamaramma, Clovelly and Gordons Bay.

Slightly further north but still in the eastern suburbs, the Hermitage Foreshore walk starts at Nielsen Park and hugs the coast for two kilometres, giving you unbroken views of Sydney Harbour and all its iconic attractions.   

Fresh ocean breezes and plenty of hidden beaches await on the iconic Spit to Manly Walk. It’s long, spanning some 10 kilometres, but you can do it in sections while wandering through native bushland and enjoying stunning coastline views that stretch all the way to Sydney Harbour. Make a day of it - go for a swim, then refuel at one of the cafes or restaurants en route.

Another gem is the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk, venturing from Taronga Zoo to the cafes and restaurants of Chowder Bay in the northern beaches. It’s around four kilometres one-way, and you’re guaranteed Sydney skyline views from most of the trail and at lookouts.

In the heart of the city, Sydney’s newest precinct offers the Barangaroo Foreshore walk, providing a tantalising blend of urban and natural landscapes. This recently revitalised area along the western harbour offers well-maintained pathways, art installations and a vibrant atmosphere. Added bonus: there are dozens of cafes and restaurants along your route, plus picnic areas if you want to spread down a rug and soak up the views.  

The official summer months in Sydney are December, January and February. 

The average daytime temperature in Sydney during summer hovers around 26 degrees celsius, although during the hottest month, January, you can expect days that hit 40 degrees celsius. 

There are more than 100 inner-city beaches in Sydney. Some of the most popular include Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, Coogee Beach, Bronte Beach, Maroubra Beach, Palm Beach, Balmoral Beach and Watsons Bay. 

There are numerous festivals and events in Sydney over the summer months (December through February). New Year’s Eve includes fireworks over Sydney Harbour. Arts event Sydney Festival is hosted in January. Sydney Mardi Gras is in February/March. And Taste of Sydney kicks off in February for foodies.

Many of Sydney’s restaurants, cafes and bars offer outdoor dining and drinking opportunities, whether you’re looking for a beer garden, rooftop bar or alfresco eatery. 

Sydney has endless family-friendly attractions, from Luna Park to Taronga Zoo. Over summer in Sydney, many attractions offer special kid-friendly experiences, including the Art Gallery of NSW and the Sydney Opera House.