Sydney is truly a glorious place to live, especially in the summer, with our glistening white-sand beaches, inner-city watering holes and rooftop bars, and glorious ocean pools. But the fun doesn’t stop there. There are so many unique things to do in Sydney this summer, you’ll be spoilt for choice! And, after a long winter in lockdown, we all deserve to find new and exciting experiences in our beautiful city.
Once you’ve explored Sydney’s best beaches, bars and bushwalks, you might be searching for something new. Luckily, our city is rich with art, music and culture, and has plenty more in store for us. We pulled together our pick of the most unique things to do in Sydney this summer so you can experience the best Sydney has to offer. Not to mention, you can finally use up those Dine and Discover vouchers!
1. Experience Art by The Sea
Want to experience art with a view? Head to Les Sculptures Refusées 2021. This exhibition features work that has been rejected elsewhere, creating a platform for up-and-coming artists. This free outdoor fringe exhibition is nestled amongst the beach and bush at Manly’s historic Q Station at North Head.
Where else can you find a Sydney summer event where you can wander amongst sculptures and gaze at artworks against a backdrop facing Sydney Harbour, then grab a coffee or a bite to eat afterwards?
When: 20 October, 2020 to 27 January, 2021
Where: Q Station, Manly
2. Enter the Wonderdome
If you’re looking for truly unique things to do in Sydney this summer, visit Wonderdome. Wonderdome is an explosion of art and film combined in a multi-sensory experience with state-of-the-art surround sound and an impressive visual configuration. In a nutshell, it’s a 360-degree immersive dome cinema where participants can lie back on a cushioned floor and watch a film in the dome above.
Best of all, there are a range of different films on offer, from National Geographic’s kid-friendly Flying Monsters to more “grown-up” arthouse features. Simple choose your film, purchase tickets, lie back and enjoy! Why go to the movies when you can go to the Wonderdome?
When: 4 December 2020 to 30 January 2021
Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
3. Try Putt Putt Set Amongst the World of Pixar
Putt Putt is always a good time but it’s even more fun with the kid’s favourite Pixar scenes. Designed for the whole family to enjoy, Pixar Putt Putt offers either 9 or 18-hole courses. The best part? It uses familiar settings from the kids’ favourite Pixar films such as Toy Story, Soul, and Monsters Inc.
When: 26 November 2020 to 6 February 2021
Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
4. Cool Off at Waterworld
Sydney summers sure can be scorching. So, what better way to cool off than by heading to an epic waterpark full of slippery slides and gigantic inflatable pools?
Waterworld is sure to guarantee a day of family-friendly fun – and allows you to switch things up from heading to the same old beach or local pool. Slip and slide your way down thrilling giant slides or splash around themed pools. Daily tickets are limited, so you do need to pre-book your spot in advance.
When: 28 December 2020 to 26 January 2021
Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
5. Step into Space
For a summer event in Sydney that’s sure to blow your mind to outer space, head to Neighbourhood Earth. This intergalactic exhibition truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a space nerd, a casual stargazer, or you just like marvelling at the wonders of the universe.
Watch the history of the universe and cutting-edge technology collide in this star-studded exhibition. It’s created complete with museum-quality models, interactive displays and games to stimulate your senses.
When: 19 November 2020 to 25 January 2021
Where: ICCC, Darling Harbour
We hope we have helped you find plenty of fun things to do in Sydney this summer. To find out more about what Sydney has to offer, from epic coastal walks to adventurous day trips, check out our other local insights here.
NB: We live in ever-changing times. Always check event details and restrictions before booking and we recommend confirming any events before attending.