10 Best Things To Do In Sydney In Summer

Sydney in summer its boosted with its vibrant energy and array of activities. Embrace the sun-kissed days and explore the city that offers many events and attractions, providing summer activities for everyone. From cultural festivals to stunning walks and outdoor adventures, with Popcar, you can drive around easily. Here’s our list of some of the best activities to immerse yourself in during a Sydney summer.


The Sydney Festival 

The Sydney Festival is one of the most popular things to do in sydney in the summer. Produced by the Sydney Committee, the NSW State Government and the City of Sydney, the Sydney Festival transforms the city into a hub of immersive activities each summer. 

The festival caters to diverse tastes, from music performances and art installations to dance shows and theatre productions. Enjoy various events, including fashion showcases, yoga and music sessions, cabaret, circus acts, puppetry theatre, and fun workshops. 

With free and paid events, this festival runs from January 5th to 28th, offering an unforgettable experience for those visiting the city. To check the full list of events and schedule, visit: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/.


Bondi To Coogee Walk 

Another of the most popular summer activities in Sydney is the “Coogee to Bondi Beach Walk”. Enjoy the summer days taking this 5.5km stroll, and discover five breathtaking beaches: Coogee Beach, Clovelly Beach, Bronte Beach, Tamarama Beach and Bondi Beach. 

Travel across stunning cliff tops while soaking in the awe-inspiring views. The customisable walk allows you to complete it in just an hour and a half or extend it throughout the day, as you can stop and try different cafes and restaurants along the way and take refreshing dips in the ocean.


Scenic World – Blue Mountains 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in summer, a “Scenic World” trip is a must-do! Perfect for families, friends, and couples, Scenic World in the Blue Mountains offers a fun gateway to outstanding natural beauty, located only an hour and a half from Sydney CBD. 

Tickets and packages start from $50 and grant access to various rides, including the world’s steepest train – the Scenic Railway, and the Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. Traverse ancient sandstone cliffs while enjoying valley views and exploring the 10, 30, and 50-minute Scenic walkways. 

Finally, don’t miss the prehistoric adventure at Dinosaur Valley, a journey back in time amidst ancient forests and dinosaurs.


Darling Harbour 

Darling Harbour is a precinct full of fun summer activities located near the centre of the city; here, you can enjoy and find something to do, from entertaining fireworks to diverse dining experiences; this place has it all. 

Discover Sydney’s top attractions open all year, including the Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

During summer, engage in ‘Summerific’ activities like open-air cinema, pedal boats, Lunar New Year celebrations, and exhilarating Dragon Boat races. Dive into the ultimate summer experience at Darling Harbour, where fun knows no bounds.

To check the full list of events and schedule, visit: https://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/campaigns/summer.


Skyline Drive –  Blacktown

For a unique experience, the Skyline Drive by Event Cinema is the perfect plan. Located in Blacktown, experience a drive-through cinema that offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern entertainment with blockbuster movies, a retro-style diner, and a starry night. 

Prices start from $35 per person in the car, offering an unforgettable cinematic experience.

To check the movies showing and what’s on, visit: https://www.eventcinemas.com.au/Cinema/Drive-In-Blacktown.


Cockatoo Island

An interesting and out-of-the-ordinary activity can be a visit to Cockatoo Island. This spot captivates visitors with its heritage buildings, panoramic views, and diverse attractions. 

You can explore and learn more about the island’s history through guided tours, enjoy tasty waterfront cafes, and attend exciting seasonal events; this island offers many experiences, including a paranormal guided tour for those looking for a spooky experience. 

Just a short ferry ride away, Cockatoo Island offers a different way to get to know Sydney’s rich history and natural beauty.

To check the full list of events, tours and schedule, visit: https://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/en/.


Powerhouse Museum 

The Powerhouse Museum, located in the heart of Ultimo, offers a wide range of arts, design, science, and technology, showcasing a diverse selection of more than half a million objects, presenting one of Australia’s finest and most diverse collections.

An entertaining plan to spend the day and learn more about art and culture. During summer, the Powerhouse Museum offers its “Summer School Holidays” program, engaging workshops including popular digital programs Minecraft, Coding and Digital Design, and artist-led creative workshops, inviting families to explore exhibitions and captivating stories.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and Thursday from 5 to 9 pm.

To learn more about what’s on, exhibition and programming, visit: https://powerhouse.com.au/program/school-holidays#overview


Sydney Zoo

A perfect plan for kids and a great thing to do during summer is visit the Zoo. SydneyZoo -located in Eastern Creek, just 34 minutes from sydney CBD – offers an immersive encounter with over 4,000 animals, including exotic and native species. 

Open from 9 am to 5 pm every day and, tickets ranging from $44, you can visit this renovated spot; in addition, you can try fun and unique habitat designs to interactive experiences like Mini Zookeeper For a Day for kids aged 8-12 and encounters with different animals like Red panda, elephant, tiger, giraffe, capybaras,  crocodile, reptile and more.

The zoo promises engaging experiences for all ages, including events like Dinosaur Safari, the iconic GLOW light festival, Member events, and more.

To check the full list of events and prices, visit https://sydneyzoo.com/


A Night Out in the Rocks 

For a night out, the Rocks offer the perfect scenario. Sydney’s iconic precinct merges history with modernity against the backdrop of the breathtaking Sydney Harbour. Indulge in sleek cocktail bars, historic pubs, and alfresco lounges, offering some of the city’s best views.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, The Rocks will have it; some iconic and delicious places include Observatory Bar,  The Glenmore Hotel, Frank Mac’s, Pier 2 bar, The Squire’s Landing, Ribs & Burgers The Rocks, Pony Dining and more. 


Picnic at Observatory Hill Park

Finally, if you’re looking for summer outdoor activities,  we recommend a picnic date at Observatory Hill Park; this quiet spot is family and pet-friendly and boasts splendid views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s western side. 

Enjoy a calm picnic with panoramic vistas while you eat some delicious food.


Explore Sydney with Popcar

Enjoy your summer in Sydney, exploring its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and diverse experiences.

As you plan your Sydney summer adventures, we invite you to consider the convenience of Popcar’s car-sharing services. 

Join our community and gain easy access to our range of different locations and cars at affordable prices. Explore Sydney hassle-free with our convenient locations and flexible pricing plans. Join Popcar today and unlock a world of possibilities!

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