With restrictions easing and things slowly getting back to normal in Sydney, it’s finally time to discover everything this great city has to offer. From a beach day at Manly, to the bars by The Rocks, or a game of cricket in Centennial Park, Greater Sydney has so much going on you’d be hard-pressed to find yourself bored. All these choices can be overwhelming, so don’t worry; we’ve put together a shortlist of activities to help you make the most of a summer in Sydney!
The Sensational CBD
Keeping it close to home, there’s always loads of things to do in downtown Sydney. Just up the road from SIBT’s campus in the heart of the CBD is the Westfield shopping centre, home to countless shops and hallways to get lost in. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, you can’t miss The Rocks. Here, you’ll find not only more bars and restaurants than you can count, but on the weekends you’ll also find the iconic Rocks Market, a vibrant collection of stalls and booths selling foods and local crafts you won’t find anywhere else.
With Australia Day just around the corner, we can’t forget about one of the hottest events of the summer: Australia Day at the Sydney Opera House. On the evening of January 26th you’ll find our nation’s most iconic landmark glistening with laser shows, stage lights, and fireworks as we come together to mark the day with spectacular musical performances by top Aussie talent; and plenty of food and drink! If you can’t make it to the Opera House, the party continues across Circular Quay in The Rocks, with more live music and entertainment, pubs, and special events throughout the day. If there’s one day you can’t afford to miss in downtown Sydney, its Oz Day!
Even on a normal day, you’ll still find plenty to do in the CBD. After just a 10-minute walk from SIBT you can take on the challenge of an escape room at Escape Hunt Sydney, working together with your mates to solve one of many exciting, themed mysteries. But if you want to take it easy, why not go for a movie at one of the outdoor cinemas near the CBD? Down by Darling Harbour you can take a seat on the water for a screening at the Mov’in Boat Floating Cinema, or if you’re more of a land-lover, you can head over to the Westpac OpenAir cinema by the Royal Botanic Garden and enjoy a movie with a view of the Harbour and Opera House. Or how about a picnic at Hyde Park? Right across the street from SIBT lies Australia’s oldest public parkland, with acres of exotic and native trees, monuments, and water features, making it the perfect spot to take a break and relax.
Greater Sydney
Action Stations!
Moving out into Greater Sydney opens up a range of new and exciting opportunities. If you’re not afraid of heights and are up for a challenge, TreeTops Adventure Parks are a great way to get your adrenaline pumping. With flying foxes, Tarzan swings, tightropes, and more, you can swing through the trees and put yourself to the test at over 10 metres off the ground!
Climbing back down, why not make the most of Centennial Park? With plenty of fields and open space, it’s the perfect spot to bring your mates for a game of footy, cricket, a walk in the park, or even brunch. If you head west into Penrith, you’ll find loads more activities from ice skating, to go-karting, to wakeboarding! Or, if none of those do the trick, you can give skydiving a shot at iFLY Downunder indoor skydiving.
Take it Easy
Of course, we can’t forget the beach! Summer in Sydney would hardly be complete without a swim at on our pristine beaches. With warm sand and sun, and plenty of waves, taking it easy with a surf or sunbathe on one of Sydney’s many beaches is a great way to relax and take in the natural beauty. But if you’re looking for something a bit closer to home, the Cook + Phillip Park Pool, just across Hyde Park from SIBT, is the perfect place to cool off.
Last, but certainly not least, we have the hikes and nature walks through all the national parks in Greater Sydney. From bushwalking through the mangroves of Ku-ring-gai Chase, to the rainforest and beaches of Royal National Park, there are enough trails around Sydney to keep you walking for days. Perfect for hiking, cycling, or surfing, Sydney’s national parks offer refuge from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s most vibrant city.
Final Thoughts…
With so much to do in both the CBD and Greater Sydney, you’d have to try to be bored this summer. From shopping, drinks, and movies downtown, to the beaches, bushwalks, and go-kart tracks of the suburbs, Sydney’s got everything to let you make the most of these next few weeks before Uni starts.
But don’t worry, there’s no rush to do everything! Because with SIBT’s central location in the heart of the CBD, Sydney is at your fingertips.
Make the most of your time at university and experience everything Sydney has to offer with SIBT.
