24 Things to do in Sydney

• NEWS
• 18 Nov, 2024 06:21:00 PM

24 Things to do in Sydney

Travelling to Sydney for the start of the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race? Check out activities to do in Sydney this December.

To celebrate the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, read the list of 24 events and activities in Sydney this December: 

1. Watch the Start of the ACSBWPS Cabbage Tree Island Race on board the Rosman Spectator Ferry 

Watch the start of one of the CYCA’s most beautiful races, the ACSBWPS Cabbage Tree Island Race. The sunset start at 1900 hours kicks off in Sydney Harbour before 50+ competitors head north towards Port Stephens. Don’t miss this chance to cheer on your friends and loved ones from the best vantage point on Sydney Harbour aboard the timeless ‘Royale’, built in 1972 and brimming with vintage charm. With two levels, you’ll have the perfect spot to take in the pre-race excitement and the unforgettable start. Purchase your ferry tickets here. 

2. Explore North Head in Manly

Looking for panoramic views of the Sydney city skyline and Tasman Sea? Hike through Manly's North Head. Explore the area on Saturday 7 December to catch the maxis and mini-maxis zipping back into Sydney Harbour for the finish of the ACSBWPS Cabbage Tree Island Race. 

3. Shop for your race-gear at the Helly Hansen merchandise tent 

Shop for your holiday gifts for your fellow yachtie and grab your race tee at the Helly Hansen merchandise tent in the Sydney Race Village. 

4. Sailing in the ACSBWPS Cabbage Tree Island Race? Join us for the Sunday Session. 

Sunday late afternoon following the ACSBWPS Cabbage Tree Island Race, join fellow sailors, yacht owners, and families at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia to celebrate the race. Listen to live music, enjoy delicious cocktails, meet crew members, unwind and share stories. 

5. Watch the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on board Coast Cruises 

Watch the maxis and mini-maxis flex their muscles on the world's most beautiful harbour, a preview for the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart (only 16 days away). The 2024 SOLAS Big Boat Challenge will run on Tuesday 10 December. The two-lap race around Sydney Harbour acts as the final race of the Australian Maxi Championship, hosted by the CYCA. The day showcases close and intense racing with no exclusion zone, meaning spectator vessels get a front row seat to the race track. Competitors finish in front of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

6. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

Located just outside Sydney's Central Business District, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney expanses over 30-hectare. With picturesque views of Sydney Harbour, enjoy the natural scenery in Australia's oldest botanical gardens. 

7. Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk 

Walk the 6 km from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. The walk features stunning views of the ocean, rock pools, beaches and bays. The beaches and parks offer a place to sit and rest during the walk or grab a bite to eat from one of the many cafes or restaurants along the way. 

8. Celebrate yachting at the Quiet Little Drink 

The Q.L.D. (Quiet Little Drink) has been a cherished tradition for over 50 years, originally beginning at the Shipwright’s Arms in Battery Point following the 1969 Hobart Race. This year, we proudly applaud those embarking on their 25th, 40th & 50th Race, 10th Race Women, and first-time YSA competitors. Join us in the Sydney Race Village at the CYCA to commemorate these achievements and help raise funds for the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy. Get your tickets here. 

9. Admire the history of classic yachting at the Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta 

The Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta runs each December to celebrate the contribution of classic yachts to the traditions and history of the blue water classic. Watch the classic yachts sail around the Harbour from the 13 to 15 December. Join the sailors for a BBQ in the Sydney Race Village on Saturday 14 December, RSVP here. 

10. Walk the Harbour Bridge 

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk gives spectators unmissable views of the spectacular Sydney Harbour. Panoramic views expand from North Sydney all the way down to Watson's Bay. 

11. Tour the Australian National Maritime Museum 

The Australian National Maritime Museum on Darling Harbour explores Australia's close relationship to its oceans, rivers and lakes. Walk through the exhibition galleries that often explore yachting, scuba diving and marine life or tour one of the many vessels docked at the Museum. 

12. Women in Sailing night at the Sydney Race Village 

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia brings back its Women in Sailing night for the second year in a row. Celebrating women in all areas of yachting, listen to a panel of women sailors share their experience. The 2024 panel will feature professional ocean racer Stacey Jackson and local navigator Clare Costanzo. RSVP to the cocktail night here, tickets include two drinks. 

13. Enjoy drinks, dinner and live music at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 

Situated on the scenic Rushcutters Bay Park, enjoy skyline views of the CBD and of the CYCA marina from the lower deck. Listen to live music on the weekends, catch up with old mates or meet fellow yachtsmen. 

14. Watch the sunset from Watson's Bay 

Enjoy Australia's pink skies from Watson's Bay with the city skyline and stunning Harbour backdrop. 

15. Hike the Blue Mountains 

Take a day trip out to the Blue Mountains. Known for its steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests and waterfalls, hike the vast region just 2 hours west of Sydney or take a guided tour. 

16. Enjoy a Long Lunch in the Sydney Race Village

An Australian tradition, a Long Lunch comes to the Sydney Race Village ahead of the 2024 running of the Rolex Sydney Hobart. Occurring the weekend before the race, the lunch brings together crews of past and present. Gather to reminisce on adventures and explore the docks at the CYCA to view the 2024 fleet. Book your Long Lunch spot here. 

17. Swim at one of Sydney's famous rock pools 

Make a splash in one of Sydney's spectacular rock pools. Adventure to pools across the Eastern Suburbs, Sydney Harbour or Northern Beaches. 

18. Get to know fellow competitors at the 2024 RSHYR Crew Party 

Meet your fellow racers ahead of Boxing Day at the annual Crew Party. Gather up your crew and head on over to the Sydney Race Village for this prized event. 

19. Explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales 

One of Australia's largest public galleries, the Art Gallery of NSW showcases world-class Australian and international art. 

20. Watch the Start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race from on board the official Spectator Vessel, the Jackson 

Don't miss out on the opportunity to have a front-row seat to the epic start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Experience up-close, 360-degree views of the race start from the MAIN DECK, inside the Exclusion Zone. Witness the fleet as they jostle for position on the iconic start line of Sydney Harbour and hear the firing of the 10-minute, 5-minute, and start cannons. The main deck offers floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish décor, luxurious furnishings, a dedicated bar and outside access. Get your tickets here. 

21. Watch a film at one of Sydney's outdoor cinemas 

Each summer, outdoor cinemas set up camp all around Sydney, displaying new and classic films on warm summer evenings. 

22. Enjoy Family Day in the Sydney Race Village 

Immediately following the departure of the competitors from the marina at the CYCA, watch the Start Broadcast of the Rolex Sydney Hobart from the Sydney Race Village. 

23. Explore one of the many weekend markets around Sydney

From local produce and vintage finds to gourmet pastries and hand-made ceramics, Sydney's weekend markets are a delight for both locals and visitors alike. 

24. Walk around Hornby Lighthouse 

An icon of Sydney's South Head, the heritage-listed active lighthouse offers gorgeous views of the New South Wales coastline. 

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