Top Things to do in Sydney
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The 10 Best Events in Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney offers plenty of historical and contemporary Australian flavor. The marvelous Sydney Opera House looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of The Rocks and then take in a street performance on the Circular Quay before heading into the Museum of Contemporary Art. The views from the Sydney Tower Eye observatory are epic – use this chance to get to know the layout of the city from high above.
Restaurants in Sydney
1. Opera on Sydney Harbour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
How can one possibly not be taken aback by the sheer beauty of the location of this operatic event. With a unique stage constructed out over the water, the audience is treated to a breathtaking view of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The specially designed soundshell, in which the musicians play, provides an amazing sound experience to leave you completely enraptured. Plus, there are budget eating options available as well as high-end, or you can choose to dine in the beautiful Botanical Gardens close by before the show starts.
Reviewed By KennedyTamara - Sydney, Australia
I will never forget my 1st night at La Traviata, Opera on the Harbour! The opera is amazing, artists, production and sets are all spectacular. Add to that the beautiful harbour, bridge and opera house back drop and it's sensationa
2. Vivid Sydney
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,556 reviews
Reviewed By Centurytravel
Three weeks of nightly light shows and music spread over the Circular Quay, the Rock and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Laser projectors lit up the iconic Opera House and the Custom House with underwater sea life while the Museum of Contemporary Art had a more abstract theme of butterflies and cascading flowers. The tunnel walls under the Sydney bridge anchorage had a light and music review featuring all the Pixar animated characters. Ten's of thousand people attend nightly so it can be crowded especially weekends. Our hotel was just a block away so we casually browsed over four nights. Some light installations were so creative such as the Field of Fireflies you ask yourself how did the Dutch artists do it.
3. City2Surf Australia
4. Sydney Running Festival
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
The Blackmores Sydney running Festival is held every year in September and boasts spectacular views from its circuit. It appeals to people from all ages and has different distances to fit every category. Families can walk/run an easy 3.5 km over the Harbour Bridge, whereas more experienced runners can choose between the Bridge run (9km), the half Marathon or the full Sydney Marathon. It is the only organised running event that has the power to shut down the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a few hours!
5. Sydney Writers' Festival
6. Sydney Festival
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 29 reviews
Every January, Sydney Festival enlivens and transforms Sydney with a bold cultural celebration based on big ideas and cutting-edge art and performance. The program is kaleidoscopic in its diversity; from jaw-dropping cabaret, to epic art installations, international theatre, modern Indigenous work and more. Inclusive programming, a broad range of free events and accessible pricing policies for the ticketed shows means that Sydney Festival is open to all, welcoming both Sydneysiders and visitors alike.
Reviewed By RonWamberal - Sydney, Australia
So much to choose from, theatre, plays, musicals, circus, light shows, some free, some paid. The quality is so much better than you find in regional centres so well worth a trip to Sydney for those who don't live there. Loved a few shows but Six, the story of Henry's wives is a highlight and would stand out anywhere in he world.
7. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival has become one of the world's largest life-affirming celebrations of LGBTQI culture and community. This vibrant, colourful festival provides two weeks of theatre, music, art, film, sports, incredible parties and of course the extravagant Parade. An event like no other, prepare to have your boundaries pushed and your mind opened wide! The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras happens in February, culminating in the huge Parade and Party in the first Saturday of March.
Reviewed By Ree_Views1 - Goulburn, Australia
So many happy people in one place! First timer. Joined the crowds along Oxford Street. Lessons learnt - get there early and spend $10 on a plastic stool. We saw no trouble despite people drinking in the streets. It was just a huge party. So much fun! Loved that everyone could be so comfortable just to be themselves! Do it!
8. Sydney Chinese New Year Festival
9. Twilight at Taronga
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By aaronn279 - Fairy Meadow, Australia
My first time was a treat, Alex the Astronaut opening for Neil and Liam Finn. We arrived on time, but there was a huge line for a good seat. This was ok, there is not really a bad seat in the venue, and the staff were very efficient and helpful in helping people enter, find their way, and get settled. The view and the sound mixing was awesome. We got a food hamper which was a little on the expensive side, but it was excellent food. Took the ferry over from the city, which is a treat on a warm and fine evening.
10. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By KerryWerchon - Adelaide, Australia
Well worth the visit. Fantastic music, dancing and props. There was a real feel for what the real Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is like in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. There were combined British and Australian Military Performances intertwined with Indigenous performances from Australia doing "Calling Country", New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Teouma. I absolutely loved it and my 11 year old Grandson, Anton enjoyed it too. The spiritual side of the Indigenous performances were particularly forthcoming and some could win a medal for being the scariest! The Highland dancers ie from the Tattoo Dance company were spectacular to watch as were the dancers of other bands. The music is great to a fan of the bagpipes such as myself. It was good to see Australian military involvement ie The Australian Federation Guard as well as some of the traditional UK bands such as The Highlanders, 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums and Combined Universities Officers' Training Corpse Pipes and Drums and the Band of Irish Guards. The Top Secret Drum Corpse were amazing to watch. The music and dancers to Moulin Rouge theme was an enthusiastic, albeit cheeky beginning to a high standard show finishing with the playing of Auld Land Syne where we held linked hands and swayed while humming along! Before and during the interval of the show, refreshments were available including alcohol and the shop was open with souvenirs such as teddy bears, mugs, caps and badge memorabillia.
