Things to do in Sydney this weekend

Sydney on the weekend is a different city — slower, more vibrant, fully itself. Here's how to make the most of it, whether you're a local or discovering the city for the first time.

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

The 6-kilometre cliff-top walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee is the single best free activity in Sydney. Ocean rock pools, dramatic headlands, and the sheer scale of the Pacific make it spectacular at any time of year. Time it for morning and reward yourself with breakfast at one of Coogee's excellent cafes on arrival.

Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery's North Building — the largest cultural infrastructure project in Australia in decades — has transformed the institution and given Sydney's art world a gallery worthy of the collection. Entry to the permanent collection is free. Special exhibitions carry a fee but are invariably worth it.

The Rocks markets

The Rocks Weekend Markets run every Saturday and Sunday and deliver a satisfying combination of artisan food, handmade jewellery, and crafts against the backdrop of Sydney's oldest built environment. The harbour views from the upper market area are an unexpected bonus.

Royal Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden's 30 hectares on Farm Cove are among the most beautifully situated parklands in the world. The harbour frontage, the views to the Opera House, and the remarkable collection of native and exotic plants combine to create a place that rewards a slow, unscheduled wander.

Newtown for lunch

King Street Newtown offers more dining diversity per block than almost any street in Australia. Thai, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, vegan, Italian, Japanese — Newtown has everything and most of it at prices that seem deliberately designed to keep the neighbourhood's bohemian character intact.

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