From beaches to bridges and sights to behold, Sydney, New South Wales is a city with a unique character. After all, where else can you experience a kayak trip and be greeted by the sunrise next to one of the world’s most iconic architecture, the Sydney Opera House? But there is much more of the city waiting to be uncovered.
So, without further ado, here are our travel advisors’ picks for some of the exciting things to do in Sydney in 2025.
HEAD FOR THE OUTDOORS
Despite its modern city environment, Sydney still has much to offer in the outdoor department. Age also doesn’t matter here, as we’ll cover bits of activities for just about everyone in every stage of life.
Dream along with Vivid Sydney at sundown.
Photo by Srikant Sahoo on Unsplash
From the 23rd of May to the 14th of June 2025, get ready to see Sydney in a different light – quite literally. Vivid Sydney, the festival where lights, music, and ideas come together will be celebrating its 15th year. The theme of Vivid Sydney for 2025 is “dream”. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Vivid Sydney fan, it’s good to know that the festival hits in four ways.
The Vivid Light experience is the icon of this festival, with 3D illuminations taking over landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Jaw-dropping art installations can also be found along the 8km Vivid Sydney Light Walk which spans from The Rocks to Circular Quay, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Music lovers will find their feet tapping away at the live music performances at Vivid Music. The full line-up will be released in March. Vivid Ideas, on the other hand, is a great stop for those looking to engage in thought-provoking experiences and heartfelt discussions led by inspiring minds. Finally, don’t leave the festival until you’ve tasted the culinary offerings from Vivid Food.
If you’re headed to Vivid Sydney this year, we recommend you skip driving. Instead, taking the bus to Wynyard, Town Hall, or Martin Place will lead you to the heart of the action. If you’re looking for a different way to experience the festival, catching a ferry into Circular Quay allows you to marvel at the lights from the water.
Families visiting with younger children can also request a free ID band from the Vivid Sydney Information Booth. This ensures your little ones are more secure in case you get separated in the crowds. Vivid Sydney may get busy as the weekends roll in, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
Pack your shoes and run the Sydney Marathon 2025
Photo by NY Times
Following its successful predecessors, the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS will return on the 31st of August 2025. It was officially named the 7th world major marathon in 2024. As Australia’s largest marathon, the event is set to welcome over 35,000 runners this year.
Avid marathoners will recognize this run as one with the best views. Why? It flags off at Miller Street – akin to the start of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Marathon that birthed this annual event. Across the route, you’ll be taken through the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and gorgeous Centennial Park sights.
You’ll finish the run at the Sydney Opera House and we can assure you there’s no feeling better than seeing and hearing the cheers of supporters at the finish line. As a bonus, revisiting these landmarks after you’ve completed the run always brings back great memories and we cannot recommend it enough.
If tackling all 42.195KM feels too far-fetched, you can also opt for the Sydney Marathon 10KM. This category allows you to run through the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finish at the Conservatorium of Music.
Participants in the Sydney Marathon will gain access to the TCS Sydney Marathon Run Club, where you can train with a group of warm, inclusive, and supportive community for the upcoming event.
Looking to add the Sydney Marathon to your travel itinerary for 2025? Reach out to our team at Holiday Tours to see how we can make your dream come true.
Early risers get the view of a lifetime with the Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour.
Photo by Mads Schmidt Rasmussen on Unsplash
If you’re keen to explore Sydney from first light, then the Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour is just for you. Although you have to leave bed before 5 AM for this excursion, your final view makes the rise worth every minute.
The tour pushes off from the Lavender Bay Boat Ramp, making its way into Luna Park and ending at Sydney Harbour. Thanks to the harbour’s calm waters, it doesn’t take long for you to get into position as you’re greeted by the sight of the sun hitting the Sydney Opera House for the first time of the day. We would recommend taking as many pictures and videos for you to remember the moment, but the tour even introduces a professional photographer who will capture your best angles for free.
If the sight alone isn’t enough to wake you up, the tour often begins with freshly brewed coffee from a local café that you can take along. Set it down on the custom coffee holders attached to the single-rider kayaks and you’ll already start your day strong.
Hop on as many (or as little) rides at Luna Park.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Sydney in 2025, then Luna Park is a spot not to be missed. Located at 1 Olympic Drive on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour, this heritage-listed amusement park first opened in 1935. It takes inspiration from the Luna Park of Coney Island, New York.
From thrilling roller coasters to relaxing carousel rides, Luna Park continues to spark nostalgia for many locals while offering a unique experience to visiting tourists. To keep things exciting, the park also hosts on-demand activities such as the immersive Squid Game: The Experience that will put your physical and strategy strengths to the test. This new attraction can be found at The Immersive Big Top area of the park.
The best thing about Luna Park is that entrance is free. Instead, visitors can opt to pay per ride. Unlimited ride passes are of course also available and can save you a good penny if there are a number of attractions you’d like to try. Luna Park opens daily year-round but can get busy in the summer.
Escape the bustle at the Auburn Botanic Gardens.
Photo by Mun The Boi on Unsplash
Located in the suburbs of Auburn, the Auburn Botanic Gardens is a lush 9.7-hectare park. The gardens comprise numerous themed areas including a scented garden, a fauna reserve, and a Japanese Garden.
Complete with lakes, ornamental bridges, and even a torii gate, the Japanese Garden is one of the most iconic areas to be. In August, you’ll even find locals making their way into the park to wonder at the lush cherry blossom blooms. Paid tickets are necessary to join this activity, but it’s a worthy redemption if you’ve missed the fleeting blooms in Japan itself.
Visiting on weekends, you’ll often see families making a day out of it. For parents, the tranquillity is much appreciated while the littles burn off their energy at the playground nearby. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see animals like wallabies, kangaroos, and common wombats roaming the grounds thanks to the fauna reserve within the garden.
WHAT TO DO INDOORS
But we get it, not everyone loves the great outdoors and that’s totally okay. Thankfully, Sydney does not run short of exciting things to do. Instead, here are some fun outings for those who aren’t looking to be overly adventurous but still want the best activities Sydney has to offer.
Smash, splash, and crash away at Smash Splash
Photo by NSW Gov
If you’ve ever wanted to swing a baseball bat over crates of glassware or run a sledgehammer over an old TV, then a day out to Smash Splash is a must.
Perfect as a hen’s night or stag do activity, the Smash Room of this establishment in the suburban areas of Gladesville welcomes all and any guests above the age of 16. Upon entry, you’ll be given all the protective gear you need. You can then break everything to your heart’s content for a duration of your choice – with options ranging from 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Younger visitors from ages 5 and up are not forgotten, with the Splash Room offering just as much fun. Here, you’ll find yourself throwing brush swabs, buckets, or balloons of paint at a wall. The mayhem is less destructive but offers the same stress-relieving satisfaction at the end of your session.
Unleash your inner artist at Pinot and Picasso.
Photo by NSW Gov
Sip and paint experiences have risen in popularity recently, so it’s no wonder you’ll find Pinot and Picasso all over Australia. With 70 different establishments – 26 in Sydney alone, this art studio welcomes painters of all skill levels seeking a fun time out.
Each session is hosted by experts who will take you through step-by-step guides on making your perfect art piece. But taking their lead or otherwise is completely up to you, so if you’re someone who prefers a free hand at “just doing your thing,” you do you!
From hen’s nights to date nights or simply as a relaxing activity, Pinot and Picasso prides itself on a BYO drinks and snacks policy. An optional grazing box is also available for purchase from the studio. You can order this while you’re booking your session and your box will be ready for you when you arrive.
Grab a drink at Sydney’s highest bar.
Photo by Sydney.com
Speaking of drinks, how about catching a sip at Sydney’s highest bar some 83 storeys above road level? Located at Sydney Tower, Bar 83 offers an unbeatable panoramic view of Greater Sydney from the Golden Bucket. The bar itself is thoughtfully renovated, allowing for unobstructed views regardless of where you sit.
Boasting a flashy 60’s vibe, there are no less than 8 contemporary cocktail options including a drink named Hal. This unique rum, matcha, and rose-infused cocktail takes inspiration from the sci-fi hit 2001: A Space Odyssey. Snacks are served on a to-share basis using fresh local produce that’s sure to satisfy.
Many find Bar 83 the perfect spot for pre-drinks before moving upwards to Infinity, a revolving restaurant that sits above the bar. The bar is open until 2AM, so you’ll also find some guests stealing in some last sips after a meal.
The next stop: Sydney Bus Museum
Photo by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra on Unsplash
Have you ever wondered where you can catch glimpses of decommissioned buses from all over the world? Well, the Sydney Bus Museum is your answer. This non-profit organization first opened in 1986 and houses over 70 retired vehicles, some even dating back to the 1920s.
And you won’t just find Australian buses here; the collection extends far beyond with iconic double-decker vehicles from London and Hong Kong also on display.
But these buses are not just for good looks. On special months, the Sydney Bus Museum organizes special vintage night bus tours. This allows you to ride one of the vintage buses on a special route after sundown. Normal museum entrance fees apply if you’re looking for a ride. You can find the newest dates and routes for 2025’s vintage night bus tour on the Sydney Bus Museum website.
Get ready to shop at the Queen Victoria Building.
Photo by Sydney.com
The late 19th-century Queen Victoria Building of 429-481 George Street is an iconic shopping destination in Sydney’s central business district. Spanning across 5 storeys, the building is home to over 140 boutiques, jewellery stores, cafés, and more.
But what puts it on our list of exciting things to do in Sydney in 2025 is the fact that the building features an architectural splendour like no other. On sunny days, the gorgeous stained-glass windows create a beautiful sight to behold within the building. Each year, a giant Christmas tree takes over the centre dome of the Queen Victoria Building, and this has become a must-see for anyone visiting.
As the Queen Victoria Building was opened in 1898, one can only wonder about the building’s story of creation along with its preservation. This is why the building offers a QVB History Tour. This 45-minute excursion takes you down memory lane, with expert guides walking you through the ins and outs that you must know about the building.
Ready to take on everything Sydney has to offer in 2025? Reach out to Holiday Tours and speak to our travel advisors to plan your perfect getaway today!