There’s a good reason why Sydney is often called the Harbour City: this place is defined by its connection to the water and the sheltered bays hold some irresistible charms. Whether you’re in it, on it, or simply admiring it, here are our top recommendations for the best ways to experience Sydney Harbour.
The first month of the year kicks off with the return of the inimitable Sydney Festival, which is coming back to the Harbour City with over 100 interactive shows and visual art installations from January 5. For pre-show hydration, we’d recommend stopping by Pier Bar for an avo-laced margarita and a plate of prawns. If you’re keen to keep going, this sexy new live music venue and late-night spot from the team behind our favourite restaurant of 2023 is open until 4am at the weekend.
In other good news, Sydney’s summer of al fresco flicks is showing no signs of slowing down (thank you El Niño), with January welcoming the 2024 Westpac OpenAir Cinema season and the addition of a brand new urban beach cinema complete with 150 queen sized beds. If you're more of a short-film fan, make your way to Bondi for the 33rd year of Flickerfest: the international short-film festival taking over Bondi Pavillion for ten nights of screenings.
If you’ve got a boost of new-year-new-me energy, sweat it out on one of our city’s best running routes, or get out of town for a day of hiking – made a lot more tempting with the promise of a beachside beer come sunset (our list of Sydney’s best pubs should help you with that).
