Sydney event weekends: what to do between sessions
The Harbour Bridge and Opera House, ferries to beaches, Bondi to Coogee and the Blue Mountains 2 hours west.
Events we cover in Sydney
31 Dec 2026*New Year's Eve in Sydney
Sydney, AustraliaSeasonal27 Aug 2027Sydney Marathon
Sydney, AustraliaMarathon1 Oct 2027Rugby World Cup 2027 in Sydney
Sydney, AustraliaRugby
Sydney, AustraliaSeasonal27 Aug 2027Sydney Marathon
Sydney, AustraliaMarathon1 Oct 2027Rugby World Cup 2027 in Sydney
Sydney, AustraliaRugby
Arriving
Sydney airport (SYD) has trains to Central in 13 minutes (with a station access fee).
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Haymarket and Surry Hills | Near Central. |
| Mid-range | The Rocks and Darling Harbour | Harbour views. |
| Splurge | Circular Quay | Opera House views. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Wake Up! Sydney Central
- Mid-range: The Russell Hotel
- Splurge: Park Hyatt Sydney
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Taronga Zoo by ferry.
- SEA LIFE Sydney.
- Luna Park.
Rainy-day backups
- Art Gallery of NSW.
- Australian Museum.
Free things to do
- Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie's Chair.
- Bondi to Coogee walk.
- Manly ferry (cheap, great view).
Getting around
- Opal or contactless on trains, ferries, buses and light rail. Accor Stadium is at Sydney Olympic Park by train; Allianz Stadium is near Moore Park.
- Tap on with a contactless card on trains, trams, buses and ferries in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
- Uber, DiDi and taxis are easy; distances outside the centres are long.