From staycations and arty affairs, to foodie feasts and mindful meet-ups, Sydney has plenty to keep you occupied for the rest of the year. Avoid FOMO with our top picks of things to do in Sydney throughout the rest of January.
Road Trip to Albury Wodonga
Albury Wodonga is a haven of natural beauty and burgeoning foodie hotspots with killer bars, craft breweries and affordable haute-cuisine. With so many great things to do in Albury Wodonga, this is the perfect spot for your next getaway.
The twin border towns of Albury and Wodonga have become one of the country's must-see tourist destinations for Aussies looking for a holiday escape close to home. We can't get enough of the bush trails, delicious meals at River Deck and outdoor fun on Lake Hume. See what all the fuss is about, and check out our guide to Albury Wodonga.
Long Lunch at Empire Lounge
Enjoy one of the most scenic views of Sydney Harbour from the comfort of dining destination Empire Lounge. With its Hamptons style fit-out, beautiful views and delicious cuisine set near the iconic Rose Bay Wharf, the Empire Lounge provides the perfect space for a ladies long lunch.
Encompassing floor to ceiling glass windows showcasing the breathtaking view of Sydney’s glistening harbour, sink into the relaxing ambience as you enjoy a cocktail or three on a balmy afternoon. With a focus on Modern Australian cuisine, the Empire Lounge is known for its locally-sourced seafood. Flown in fresh by seaplane, the Appellation oysters are a must-try. And if you have started with the oysters, it is only fair to continue the feast with their decadent seafood platter, and a glass or two of French bubbles.
Lyne Park, Rose Bay
New store launch: Commonry
Guided by the principle, “Your body is your business, fitting it is our expertise", Commonry is the newest fashion label to hit the Sydney streets and you can be one of the first to shop their looks. Offering an all-inclusive size range of 10-22, Commonry's focus is less on trends and more about timeless, effortless style and ensuring you are buying quality clothes that will last.
Launching Tuesday 23rd February
64 Moncur Street, Woollahra
The Greens X Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Australian Open Pop-up
This month, The Greens have partnered with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne to turn the bowling greens into mini tennis courts in celebration of the Australian Open in Melbourne. You can enjoy a barefoot game of tennis, and retire to the pop-up Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Garden for a cheeky glass of bubbles. Want to catch all the game-day action? The Australian Open tournament will be streamed live each day on their giant six-metre outdoor screen.
50 Ridge Street, North Sydney
Mov’in Boat Floating Cinema
Upgrade from Netflix and Chill with a movie under the stars, floating on Darling Harbour. Snuggle up under the blankets in your floating bed with Champagne from the bar before getting dinner delivered straight to your bed – from fresh prawns and seafood platters to gourmet pizzas – and lie back to enjoy the film. It's that easy.
Darling Harbour
Sip on Lyre's New RTD's
Lyre's, purveyors of non-alcoholic beverages, have launched a new range of pre-mixed RTDs that will help you keep the summer vibes rolling well into the cooler months. Expect the same delicious taste you know and love, conveniently packaged and without a hangover. From the classic G&T and refreshing Amalfi Spritz, to their sparkling-style prosecco, Classico, you'll find yourself looking for an excuse to kick back with a cocktail in hand.
Visit Marrakesh Via The Grounds of Alexandra
The Ground's newest pop-up involves a quick trip to Marrakesh; think colourful glass lanterns, flowing curtains and patterned rugs. Known for going all out on their themes, this new Morrocan pop-up is no exception. The new installation also extends to their food offering with falafel, pitas and fire-roasted lamb skewers all on the menu. Delish!
Until the 18th April
Buy a Gift for Your Love
Want to think outside the box this Valentine’s Day? This year step up it a notch and buy them something you know they’ll love. Avoid a panic-induced shopping spree, our edit of unique gift ideas is guaranteed to go down a storm.
From cool inflatable pools to matching linen pyjama sets, our stylish edit of Valentine’s Day gift ideas will give you all the inspiration you need. And the good news: there isn’t a cheesy heart in sight.
Aperol Alfresco Picnic at Terrace on the Domain
To celebrate the launch of the new Aperol Spritz Ready to Serve cocktails, Aperol is popping up at Sydney’s Terrace on the Domain. Sip on Aperol Spritz and enjoy Italian picnic boxes made up of the very best Australian produce. To enjoy an unparalleled apéritif moment, simply order your picnic box at Terrace on the Domain, grab the perfect spot on the lawn (picnic blankets and jenga sets provided!), and enjoy an Aperol Spritz experience with friends, listening to chilled-out tunes.
From 15th January to the 28th February from 12pm to 7pm
1 Art Gallery Road, Sydney NSW 2000
Life Drawing, Lord Gladstone
If you're looking to flex your creative muscles, head straight to iconic Sydney pub the Lord Gladstone for a life drawing class. Each Tuesday night the Gladdy Drawing Club convenes and the life drawing class is hosted by a cool Sydney-based artist.
Tuesdays, from 6pm
$22.60
Lord Gladstone, 115 Regent Street, Chippendale
Head West for a Day Trip
Head west of Sydney to discover a melting pot of cultures, heart-thumping adventure and global eats that will transport you to far-flung places. Western Sydney is filled with many surprises.
From the shimmering lights of Parramatta’s CBD to Penrith along the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Western Sydney is made up of easy-going neighbourhoods, each with their own vibe. Sprinkled throughout are foodie hangouts to late-night bars to thriving art spaces, and a sporting culture that’s more than a pastime, it’s a way of life.
A destination that’s filled with many surprises and packed full of family fun, the list of things to do in Western Sydney is endless. And what’s more, the region comes complete with every possible convenience. So, when you’re looking for your next day trip, our guide to Western Sydney is all you’ll need for a jam-packed itinerary that will leave you begging for more.
Chinese New Year at Aria
In celebration of Chinese New Year, Aria's Executive Chef Joel Bickford has created a special six-course tasting menu and premium eight-course degustation. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a selection of delicacies like fatty pork jowl paired with Chinese broccoli, classic XO sauce and fermented black garlic; raw pearl meat from pristine coastal waters with white kimchi, soy and burnt citrus dashi; and grilled WA black marron with sea urchin, kombu and caviar.
17 - 24 February (bookings required)
1 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Mask up for The Argyle’s Masquerade Ball
Iconic Sydney nightspot The Argyle is putting the glamour back into face masks, with an epic Valentine’s Day Masquerade Ball. Think magical decor, beautiful costumes, confetti and delicious cocktail offerings. Entry is free but be sure to book your spot before it sells out!
Friday 12th February
Free (booking required)
18 Argyle Street, The Rocks
Westpac OpenAir Cinema
Sydney’s most sought-after event, Westpac OpenAir, has unveiled a phenomenal line up of films for its summer season with a reimagined Covid-safe experience set to grace Mrs Macquaries Point. The 2020/21 program will feature an extraordinary line-up of eight premieres and preview screenings over a record 69 nights, opening with the previously announced Sydney premiere of Robert Connelly’s hotly-anticipated, The Dry, a film adaptation of Jane Harper's award-winning novel which stars Eric Bana and Genevieve O’Reilly. For those after a dining experience, there are plenty of foodie options to sample, and for those that love a cheeky drink but don't want the hangover, be sure to try Lyre's new non-alcoholic cocktails in a can.
From 15th December- 24th February
Mrs Macquaries Point
Sip Your Way Through Sydney's Best New Bars
With COVID-19 putting a dampener on our foodie plans in 2020, we are hopeful that we will be reunited with the bar scene in 2021. From intimate wine bars to cosy underground hangouts, we welcome all kind of wondrous new watering holes to Sydney this year. So, whether you’re after cocktail and a bite or wine with a beautiful view, we've found the best new bars in Sydney. These are the drinking spots your 2021 calendar is crying out for.
Weekend Market Trail
More than just a place to peruse from time to time, Sydney’s markets are weekend destinations in their own right. From foodies and interior stylists, to eco-warriors and second-hand fashionistas, Sydney has its pick of markets to suit all shopping tastes. Lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork so you can spend less time researching and more time shopping. These are the markets in Sydney to know about.
Looking for more fun things to do in Sydney? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Sydney's best new restaurants and bars, to cosy pubs, cafés and late-night cocktail haunts, here's all you need for a weekend in the city.
