Things to Do in Sydney in December

December is the kickoff of Sydney’s summer, and there are plenty of things to do around the city as the weather heats up. From beach days to Christmas celebrations, this blog will help you plan your itinerary in this beloved city.

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Outdoor Things to Do

Watch the Surfers From Bondi Beach

Be honest - surfers are likely one of the first things that comes to mind when someone mentions Australia. Australians have built quite a reputation for themselves as active surfers, especially as their coastal towns boast covetable waves. 

Even though the best time to surf is from March to June, you’ll find plenty of people surfing in December, providing great entertainment while you lay on one of the most famous beaches in the world.

One thing to note is that while hanging out at Bondi Beach is one of the most popular things to do in Sydney, December also happens to be stinger season. Jellyfish are commonly found in the waters this time of year, so it is recommended to wear a stinger suit if you’ll be getting in. Otherwise, lather up on the sunscreen or find some shade, as the rays are extra harsh in Australia!

Take a Surfing Lesson at Bondi Beach

If laying and tanning isn’t your thing, you can embrace one of Australia’s biggest pastimes and sign up for a surfing lesson! What better way to embrace the culture than with the country’s biggest hobby?

With this 2-hour surfing lesson in Bondi Beach, you’ll have experienced professionals teaching you the basics of surfing. This is a great option for any level, specifically beginners, helping you feel confident on your board. 

And with the small group size, you’ll gain valuable one-on-one time with your instructors, giving you the best value for money. This is a fun and safe way to embrace the waves and get some activity in during your trip!

Book your surfing tour here!

Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk

If you’re in the Bondi area, then completing the Bondi to Coogee Beach walk is a must! This entire walk can take between 2-3 hours but might take longer if you decide to stop off at one of the many beaches along the way.

This path leads you along the coast, offering stunning views of the waves, seaside baths, and surfers. There are a few beaches and food spots along the way, as well as the free Bronte Baths, providing swimmers with a safe jellyfish-free spot to cool off.

This is a great way to get your steps in on a beach day and one of my favorite things to do in Sydney in December.

Take the Ferry to Manly Beach

Another fun activity you can do is taking the ferry to Manly Beach. The ferry departs from Circular Quay and takes about 20-30 minutes to arrive at Manly Beach. As you depart Sydney, you’ll get stunning views of the Sydney Opera House from the water, an experience I highly recommend!

Once arriving in Manly, you’ll want to walk straight down to the main beach. From here, you can turn right for a beach trail that leads up to a lookout. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy some time on the beach.

Outside of lounging on the beach, there are plenty of restaurants and shops around Manly Beach to enjoy. I happened to visit on a rainy day but had a great time enjoying acai bowls and champagne, as well as shopping at Ghanda and Cotton On.

Walk Through the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Located near the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers a beautiful escape in the city. I walked through the public gardens a few times throughout my trip and discovered some beautiful plant species and picturesque views of the Opera House.

You’ll also find the Botanic Gardens Cafe along the way, offering an air-conditioned place to cool off, grab some water or snacks, and use the restroom. From here, it’s an easy walk out to the Opera House!

Hike at the Blue Mountains

If you’re looking for active things to do in Sydney in December, you can book an excursion to the Blue Mountains. This stunning region offers insane views and a glimpse into ancient Aboriginal culture. If time allows, you can take a full-day tour of Featherdale Wildlife Park for a look at Australian wildlife and rock formations.

At the park, you’ll have the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and see koalas and wombats. Booking this tour will also include three rides at Scenic World, a stop at Leura Village, and a ferry trip back to Sydney. 

This activity was something that came up in a lot of my conversations with other tourists, so it’s safe to say you won’t regret making the time for this day trip.

Check here for open dates!

Luna Park Sydney

As you stare out at the Sydney Harbour, your eyes will likely land on a giant face marking the entrance to Luna Park, a theme park with various attractions. Ride passes can be purchased in order to make the most of your time here. Enjoy everythnig from rollercoasters to slideshow games like those found in a carnival. This is a great family-friendly activity for the day if you’re looking for a unique experience.

Saturday Night Fireworks

Another thing to do in Sydney in December is to check out the Saturday night fireworks show at Darling Harbour. The best place to view the show is from Cockle Bay Wharf. The show begins at 9pm each Saturday and provides a great ending (or beginning) to the night.

Indoor Things to Do

Tour the Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is arguably one of the most iconic things to do in New South Wales. No matter the time of year you are visiting, this classic landmark is a must-see during your trip! Visitors can opt to view it from outdoors. Or, if you’re feeling up to it, you can book tickets for a show or take a guided tour of the interior.

If you decide to take a guided tour, you can expect to learn the history of this building and explore vantage points that are closed off to the general public. The design is truly unique and worth a visit!

Book your tour here.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Everybody needs to escape the summer heat at some point. Thankfully, you can gain free entrance to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This public gallery is one of the largest in Australia, offering various rooms of artwork for visitors to enjoy.

The gallery is open from 10am-5pm daily and until 10pm on Wednesdays. Be sure to make a stop inside this stunning venue while you're exploring, as it is closely located by the Royal Botanic Garden! 

Cafe Hopping

Speaking of taking breaks from the heat, there are countless cafes located around Sydney that you can stop in for a mid-day coffee, acai bowl, or full meal! You’ll need a break from the heat throughout the day, so embrace the hunger and stop at as many cafes as you fancy!

What Are Some Festive Things to Do in Sydney at Christmas Time?

The Rocks Christmas Market

Although Sydney doesn’t seem to go out of its way to decorate for Christmas, there are still some holiday-friendly things to do in Sydney in December, one of them being The Rocks Christmas Market. Embrace the hot Aussie Christmas vibes and stroll through this festive marketplace offering live music, homemade gifts, and 50 food vendors. The markets typically begin in mid-November and run through Christmas day.

The free Laneway Cinema also shows Christmas movies on Wednesdays, providing you with one more festive activity.

Christmas Lights Display

As mentioned, Sydney doesn’t go as hard with their Christmas decorating as some other areas around the world. With that being said, there are a few notable locations if you’re hoping to get in the holiday spirit.

Sydney’s largest Christmas tree can be found in Martin Place, where you’ll find additional seasonal markets and choir events. St. Mary’s Cathedral also showcases a festive projection in the evenings, completed by a manger scene.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Sydney?

December is a great time to visit Sydney! There are so many things to do this time of year, with summer officially kicking off and holiday festivities popping up. 

While this does mark the beginning of high tourist season, it is not as crowded as January and February can get, especially if you visit in early December. 

Keep in mind that the temperatures will also rise even further by January and February, so visiting at the start of the summer season might be a better option if you’re not a fan of intense heat. Additionally, stinger season lasts from November to May, so it is important to be on high alert and wear protective layers when swimming to avoid encountering dangerous jellyfish.

How to Dress in Sydney in December

As I’ve mentioned, the temperatures are starting to rise in December, so arrive with plenty of summer clothes! My wardrobe consisted of tanks, lightweight shorts, sandals, and bathing suits. Lightweight summer clothes 🤝 Carry-on luggage

I recommend bringing a light raincoat, poncho, or umbrella to carry with you in case of any rain showers, as I encountered a few while I was there. Wet season begins in January, but you may encounter a few unexpected sprinkles (or showers). It’s always best to have something with you just in case.

Overall, this city is a good place for those looking to escape winter. There are lots of things to do in Sydney in December, from seasonal events to sunny beach days. With its abundance of activities, you can easily spend an entire week here and not get bored.

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