What’s on in Sydney in January 2026

One of my favourite months to be in Sydney, January always sees plenty going in across the city. With summer in full swing and what seems like half of Sydney on holiday, there are events on every day.

Accommodation prices are still at their peak and many attractions are busy. So if you are visiting and keen to do tours and activities on a particular day, it’s worth booking these in advance.

New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available.

Average Temperatures: 25.9 – 18.7 C ( 79.7 – 67.3°F)
While each year varies, the last January was pretty wet with 12 days of rain.

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Major Events in January

The Sydney Festival kicks off the year with a huge bang with dozens of free and paid events. We don’t have the space to share them all but have added our favourites here. For the full list be sure to visit the festival site.

• Sydney Festival – 8 – 25 January, 2026
• Flickerfest – 23-01 February 2026
• Australia Day – 26 January 2026
• Year of the Horse Festival

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Sydney Festival

Sydney Festival 2026 will feature over 130 shows and events, 43 locations, and more than 50 free events, over 12 nights of live music. With First Nations artists at the forefront and new international works being introduced, this year promises to inspire audiences.

The festival reflects current cultural themes through diverse local and international artists.

When: 8 January–25 January
Where: Various venues across Sydney
More: Check out the jam-packed program here.

Australia Day

Australia Day, held on 26 January, commemorates the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson. Conversely, it is a sad day for indigenous Australians as it marks the day of the white invasion. There are options for commemorating each of these events.

Head to the Harbour to join the Australia Day Regatta will play out on the harbour from 1:30pm – 6pm, and the Wheelchair Race will take place in the Rocks from 9am.

To join the indigenous activities head to the Yabun Festival in Redfern. This festival is the largest one-day gathering and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia.

When: 26 January 2026
Where: All over Sydney but the CBD, Rocks and Circular Quay are the centre of the action
More: Check out our guide to Australia Day events here

Festivals, Fairs and Community Events

Eat Drink Nights Wentworth Point

A powerhouse night food event in one of Sydney’s most densely populated communities brings crowds for street food, global flavours and social summer atmosphere. This Saturday night gathering creates perfect conditions for vendors with fast turnover and strong demand.

The event taps into Wentworth Point’s vibrant community where apartment living and warm evenings create ideal outdoor dining conditions.

When: Saturday 17 January 2026
Where: Wentworth Point I Cost: Free entry

Kia Friday Nights

Sydney Motorsport Park’s summer nights out return with racing, lights, free kids’ activities and a buzzing food market. Expect big energy, fast trade and an unbeatable atmosphere across four Friday nights in January, plus a special Thursday event on New Year’s Day.

When: Thursday 1 January, Fridays 16, 23, 30 January 2026
Where: Sydney Motorsport Park

Music and Markets in the Park

A brand-new addition to the summer market calendar brings festival-style atmosphere to Burwood Park over the Australia Day long weekend. Expect festival crowds, families celebrating and big appetite for food, desserts and treats across one of the biggest food opportunities of January.

Live music and market stalls create a relaxed community atmosphere in this new event.

When: Sunday 25 January 2026
Where: Burwood Park I Cost: Free entry

Ryde Wharf Market

A lively riverside market with an enthusiastic community who love to browse, taste and shop. Brilliant for handmade goods, fashion, gifts, homewares, produce and quality food with great energy and strong mix of locals and visitors.

When: Sunday 11 & 25 January 2026
Where: Ryde Wharf I Cost: Free entry

Heffron Park Market

A bright community market full of young families, locals and weekend explorers. Great for makers, fashion, homewares, gifts, plants, kids’ products and boutique foods with warm, energetic and engaging atmosphere.

When: Sunday 18 January 2026
Where: Heffron Park I Cost: Free entry

Musicals, Opera, and Theatre

Cricket The Musical

Denis Carnahan’s one‑man satirical show takes aim at the summer’s cricket highs and lows with songs, sketches and video. Expect sharp takes on Bazball, tour controversies and classic moments from the game’s past, delivered with plenty of wit for cricket tragics and casual fans alike.

Part of a national tour, the Sydney run lands in Rozelle across two weeks. If you follow the Tests or the Big Bash, this is an easy night out with plenty of laughs.

When: 3, 4, 9 & 10 January 2026
Where: The Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
Bookings: cricketthemusical.com.au

Cirque Alice

From the creators of Le Noir and The Illusionists, Cirque Alice reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic with aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, puppetry and guest musical acts. A cabaret‑style stage layout puts audiences close to the action while a newly arranged soundtrack ties the acts together.

This strictly limited season runs over the holiday period, finishing in early January. It’s a family‑friendly option in Western Sydney with affordable entry tiers.

When: 24 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Where: Sydney Coliseum Theatre, West HQ, Rooty Hill
Cost: From $69 + booking fee (early bird presales from $49) Bookings

Putting It Together – Stephen Sondheim Revue

A smart, intimate Sondheim celebration set at a glamorous cocktail party, this revue weaves the composer’s greatest songs into a witty story about love, ambition and desire. The Sydney season features a standout cast including Caroline O’Connor, Michael Cormick, Nigel Huckle, Bert LaBonté and Stefanie Caccamo in the Foundry Theatre’s close‑up setting.

If you love musical theatre, this offers premium vocals and a curated Sondheim songbook without the big‑house crowds. Multiple performances each week make it easy to fit into summer plans.

When: 6 January – 15 February 2026 (performance times vary)
Where: Foundry Theatre, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Cost: From $69 (transaction fees apply) l Bookings

Hansel & Gretel

Deep in the dark woods, two hungry children stumble upon a house made of sweets and an eccentric woman who’s not quite what she seems. This acclaimed production from director Elijah Moshinsky brings the Grimm fairy tale to the opera stage with larger-than-life sets and costumes by Mark Thompson. Margaret Plummer and Stacey Alleaume star as the clever siblings, with Jane Ede as the witch and Helen Sherman and Andrew Moran as their parents.

Performed in English with surtitles, Humperdinck’s score blends German folk tunes with rich orchestration under conductor Tahu Matheson. The production balances humour and heart against the darker elements of the original story, creating an enchanting first opera for newcomers and a nostalgic treat for seasoned fans. Multi-show packages offer up to 20% savings plus priority booking and free ticket exchanges.

When: 27 January – 28 February 2026
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $190 (child) to $379 (adult), concessions $341
Duration: Approximately 2 hours 5 minutes including interval

God’s Cowboy

A powerful new Australian play by veteran theatre personality Les Solomon makes its full season premiere at Flight Path Theatre. The backstage triangular love story follows a self-styled ‘cowboy’ and twin siblings, revealing secrets through flashbacks. Written by the force behind 30 years of productions that launched careers including David Campbell and Tim Draxl.

Director Ella Morris leads a cast including Max Fernandez fresh from Frogs: They Sing Show Songs in Hell and Bonny and Read. Solomon’s writing debut draws on decades of experience both on stage and behind the scenes in what he describes as “a powder-keg of deep human emotion.”

When: 21 January – 21 February 2026, Wed-Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3:30pm & 8:30pm, Sun 5:30pm
Where: Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville
Cost: $35-50

The Social Ladder

David Williamson’s brand-new social satire receives its world premiere following sell-out seasons of Aria and Emerald City at Ensemble. Katie bets everything on one dinner party with elite art-collecting power couple Charles and Catherine Mallory, hiring a jaw-dropping painting to secure her place among Sydney’s cultural elite.

Director Janine Watson brings together an all-star cast of six including Mandy Bishop, Andrew McFarlane and Sarah Chadwick. As drinks flow and facades crack, the evening unravels into lies, cover-ups and social desperation.

When: 23 January – 14 March 2026
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Cost: $46-109

Dial M for Murder

Jeffrey Hatcher’s spine-tingling adaptation of Frederick Knott’s thriller arrives in its Australian premiere, directed by Mark Kilmurry. Ex-tennis-pro Tony Wendice plots the perfect murder to claim his wife Margot’s enormous inheritance, but when the plan goes awry, he must spin a web of lies to outsmart the police.

Anna Samson makes her Ensemble debut alongside Garth Holcombe, Madeleine Jones, Kenneth Moraleda and David Soncin. The production runs over the Christmas period, joining the tradition of murder mysteries as festive entertainment.

When: 28 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Cost: $43-94

Putting It Together

Stephen Sondheim’s greatest work comes to life in this dazzling celebration set at a glamorous cocktail party. Caroline O’Connor, Michael Cormick, Nigel Huckle, Bert LaBonté and Stefanie Caccamo bring decades of musical theatre experience to this once-in-a-lifetime production exploring love, ambition and desire.

The intimate Foundry Theatre creates perfect conditions for experiencing Sondheim’s sophisticated lyrics and complex melodies. Performance times vary each week.

When: 6 January – 15 February 2026, various times
Where: Foundry Theatre, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Cost: From $69 (transaction fees apply)

GATSBY at The Green Light

Jay Gatsby invites audiences into a world of 1920s-inspired revelry in this immersive cabaret running through summer. The Studio transforms into a speakeasy featuring world-class talent delivering scandalously good entertainment inspired by F Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary parties.

The intimate venue creates an immersive atmosphere where audiences become part of the glamorous world of excess and excitement.

When: 13 December 2025 – March 2026
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $49-$184 direct from Opera House

Outdoor Cinema & Film Festivals

Flickerfest

Flickerfest is an Academy® Accredited and BAFTA-recognised International Short Film. Films of 35 minutes or less and completed in the last two years are eligible for entry.

This year is the festival’s 32nd anniversary and will feature 25 films shown in the Spiegeltent tent on the North Park lawn at Bondi Beach. The festival will tour Australia from February to October.

Where: Bondi Beach
When: 23-01 February 2026
More: check the website for program details.

Smart Fone Flick Fest Finals

Australia’s biggest smartphone film festival reaches its 11th annual climax with three days of screenings. Around 450 entries from filmmakers aged 4 to 79 compete across five categories: Gala Finals, Kids, Feature Films, Mini (3 mins or less, theme ‘Breath’) and AI.

The premiere Gala Finals features 16 short films, awards and red-carpet reception at Sydney Opera House. Entries came from more than 60 countries, with over $50,000 in prizes.

When: 23-25 January 2026
Where: Sydney Opera House Playhouse (Fri-Sat), Palace Chauvel Paddington (Sun)
Cost: Various I More: www.sf3.com.au

Playhouse Cinema

Escape the heat and revisit the year’s most talked-about films including Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and supernatural horror Weapons.

The Playhouse programme also features school holiday family flicks like KPop Demon Hunters and Labyrinth.

When: 20-26 January 2026
Where: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $26-30

Westpac Open Air Cinema

Billed as the most beautiful cinema in the world, the Westpac Open Air Cinema shows both the latest flicks as well as classics with the beautiful Sydney Harbour at its back.

Where: Mrs Macquaries Point
When: From Jan 2026
Cost: $36 – More: Full schedule

See the full list of Sydney’s outdoor cinemas here

Art & Exhibitions

PRIMAVERA: Young Australian Artists

Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists has opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), showcasing works by five emerging artists: Teresa Busuttil, Chun Yin Rainbow Chan, Aidan Hartshorn, Monica Rani Rudhar, and Sarah Ujmaia. Curated by Lucy Latella, the exhibition explores cultural connection amid social and political challenges, with each artist drawing on personal and family histories.

The diverse works presented highlight the evolving nature of cultural identity. Now in its 33rd year, Primavera remains a significant platform for early-career Australian artists.

When: Daily from 10am – 5pm until 27 January 2026
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Level 2 Galleries
Cost: Free

Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Competition

This exhibition of Australian Photojournalism showcases the winners and finalists of the 2024 Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism, including the Nikon Photo and Portrait of the Year. There are 30 categories of photography, featuring people from all walks of life and places across the globe.

Where: State Library of New South Wales
When: Daily until January 24. Open from 9am on weekdays and 10am on weekends.
Cost: Free.

Data Dreams: Art and AI

This landmark exhibition presents the first major Australian exploration of artificial intelligence’s impact on contemporary life and creative practice. Ten international artists examine AI’s role as artistic collaborator through immersive installations, AI-generated films and mind-expanding sculptures, including works by Angie Abdilla, Kate Crawford, Fabien Giraud and Hito Steyerl.

The exhibition explores relationships between technology and power, how algorithms influence worldviews, and environmental costs of the data economy. Part of the 2025-26 Sydney International Art Series.

When: 21 November 2025 – 27 April 2026
Where: MCA Australia, Level 2 Galleries
Cost: Free for members and under 18s, Adults $20-35

Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890-1940

This major exhibition features over 200 works by 50 trailblazing women artists including Nora Heysen, Margaret Preston, Grace Cossington Smith, Agnes Goodsir and Helen Stewart. At the turn of the 20th century, an unprecedented wave of women artists left Australia to pursue international careers, bringing new ideas back that helped modernise the nation.

When: 11 October 2025 – 15 February 2026, Mon-Tue & Thu-Sun 10am-5pm, Wed 10am-10pm
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road, Sydney
Cost: $18-35 2 for 1 tickets on Wednesdays after 5pm.

Ron Mueck: Encounter

The largest exhibition of Ron Mueck’s work ever seen in Australia comes exclusively to Sydney this summer. The Melbourne-born artist revolutionised figurative sculpture in the late 1990s with his exquisitely detailed realism, creating figures scaled from monumental to minute that explore human experience and emotion.

At the centre of the exhibition sits Havoc, a new immersive work featuring larger-than-life fighting dogs created especially for this show. The installation charges the space with quiet, unsettling intensity whilst drawing past sculptures into dialogue with new work. This marks Mueck’s most significant solo exhibition in Australia in over a decade and his first in Sydney since 2003.

When: 6 December 2025 – 12 April 2026
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Badu building, Lower level 2
Cost: $18-35 2 for 1 tickets on Wednesdays after 5pm.

Unfinished Business

This groundbreaking 3D lenticular photographic exhibition shares first-person experiences of 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability. Images appear to move and shift as viewers walk past, alongside a short documentary film and new installation Not Fit for Purpose by Uncle John Baxter featuring outdated mobility equipment.

Working with Vision Australia and Expression Australia, the exhibition features tactile panels, audio descriptions, Auslan interpretation and large-print materials, setting new standards in museum accessibility.

When: 1 November 2025 – 19 April 2026
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney
Cost: Free

Safe Zone

Artist Christopher Kulendran Thomas combines painting and television across two major bodies of work examining imperialism’s legacies. Peace Core (sphere) features American television footage from moments before September 11, 2001, endlessly re-edited by AI algorithm. Twelve expressionistic paintings imagine scenes from an undocumented massacre at Mullivaikkal, Sri Lanka.

The exhibition links these seemingly different works through ongoing political ripples and questions of image circulation, whose history is told, and which narratives are remembered.

When: 14 November 2025 – 15 February 2026
Where: Artspace, Sydney
More details on the exhibition site

Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2025

A free exhibition of 120 images showcasing the region’s wildlife, landscapes and human impact. For its 20th anniversary, past winners are displayed alongside this year’s finalists, creating a visual timeline of ecological change. Produced by the South Australian Museum in partnership with the Australian Museum.

Highlights include threatened species, urban adaptation and marine phenomena, with multiple NSW photographers among the category winners. Workshops and special events run alongside the exhibition.

When: 25 October 2025 – 15 February 2026
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst
Cost: Free entry

Immersive Experiences

Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City

This groundbreaking VR experience allows you to explore the iconic Inca citadel without leaving Sydney. Don next-generation VR headsets and freely roam through lifelike 4D recreations of the Peruvian Andes, from vast agricultural terraces to the sacred Temple of the Sun.

Guided by Teri, a robot voiced by actor Terry Crews, you’ll walk through temple corridors, terraced farms and sacred plazas whilst learning about Incan culture and history. Groups of six visitors explore together, making it suitable for families and friends. The hour-long expedition includes witnessing ancient rituals, soaring above mountains with condors, and stepping inside an Incan home during a solar eclipse.

When: Various sessions from 12 December 2025 through January 2026
Where: Fever Pavilion, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: $49.50 adults, $40.50 conc. book direct
Age: 8+I Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Stranger Things: The Experience

Be the hero of your own Stranger Things story in this interactive adventure returning to Luna Park for one final run ahead of the show’s fifth season. Your journey begins in Hawkins Lab where you’ll unlock your powers and complete a story-driven mission alongside Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max and Will. The high-quality production features special effects and live performers bringing the Netflix series to life.

After the main adventure, explore Mix-Tape, an 80s-themed area featuring iconic locations from the show including Scoops Ahoy, Surfer Boy Pizza and the Byers’ living room. Enjoy themed food and drinks, browse exclusive merchandise, and snap photos in various sets and a retro photo booth. VIP tickets include a cocktail or mocktail, merchandise and retail discounts.

When: Through January 2026
Where: Crystal Palace, Luna Park, Milsons Point
Cost: From $53, VIP from $81 I Age: under 13yrs must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, contains flashing lights

Music & Comedy

Ludovico Einaudi – The Summer Portraits

Neoclassical composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi returns to the Concert Hall with a seven‑piece ensemble performing his new album, The Summer Portraits, alongside favourites from his catalogue over six nights. The album’s opening track, Rose Bay, was composed ahead of his last Opera House performance and nods to a family connection with Sydney.

Expect a lush, full‑band set that moves from intimate piano works to rich ensemble pieces, delivered in one of the city’s best acoustic spaces. Tickets will be in high demand for this residency.

When: 23–29 January 2026, 8pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $139.90 + booking fee
Bookings: sydneyoperahouse.com

The Works

Finely Tuned, the team behind Lost Paradise festival, launches this ambitious new electronic music series inspired by London venues like Printworks and Drumsheds. Over four weeks, more than 20 international and local DJs take over Carriageworks with cutting-edge production values. The lineup spans rave pioneers to underground trailblazers, with several shows already sold out.

Key dates and performers:

• 2 January – I Hate Models, VTSS, Sim0ne, MASSI
• 3 January – Ben Böhmer, Pretty Girl, PARIS b2b Juno Mamba
• 4 January – Marc Rebillet, A-Trak, Young Franco, Madame Reve
• 10 January – Chris Stussy (SOLD OUT), Josh Baker b2b Prospa
• 16 January – CamelPhat, Samantha Loveridge, OLIIV
• 25 January – Michael Bibi

When: 29 December 2025 – 25 January 2026 (various dates)
Where: Carriageworks, Gadigal Land/Sydney
Cost: From $89
More: Check website for full lineup and tickets

The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans

Step into a street-style bar recreating 1920s New Orleans for this live jazz performance featuring talented musicians and vocalists. The show delivers a mix of carefully chosen classics including “St. James Infirmary,” “When The Saints Go Marching In,” and “Hello Dolly,” alongside spontaneous improvisation that captures jazz’s free spirit. The intimate venue creates the perfect atmosphere for experiencing the soulful sounds of saxophone, trumpet and other jazz instruments.

The one-hour show explores hot jazz—a unique blend of ragtime, brass and blues that defined the genre’s early years. Grab a cocktail from the bar and settle in for an evening where every note tells a story of freedom, creativity and camaraderie. Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each zone.

When: 31 January 2026
Where: Albert Palais Events, 2 Catherine Street, Leichhardt
Cost: $49-65 – book direct here
Age: 18+I Duration: 1 hour I Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Dance, Talks and Performace

Garrigarrang Badu

Dharug choreographer Peta Strachan and her all-female Jannawi Dance Clan present this world premiere celebrating Country from mountains to sea. Meaning “saltwater / freshwater” in Dharug language, the work brings together women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations across the continent through dance, language and story.

Following a celebrated development showing at Sydney Festival 2023, the full production returns for three performances. A special Dharug Knowledge Holders Talk follows the Saturday 1pm performance.

When: Fri 9 Jan 6:30pm, Sat 10 Jan 1pm (with talk) & 6:30pm
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Premium $89, A Reserve $69/$63 conc, B Reserve $59/$53 conc (plus fee)
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Waverider

Legs On The Wall launches Bondi Pavilion’s 2026 programme with a spectacular outdoor performance mixing surf culture, acrobatics and ocean magic. The large-scale work transforms the beach and pavilion precinct with aerial performers and physical theatre.

This accessible family event captures the spirit of coastal Australia, marking the start of a jam-packed year at the Pav.

When: January 2026
Where: Bondi Pavilion and Beach
Cost: Check website

Songs of the Bulbul

Award-winning artist Aakash Odedra presents contemporary solo dance inspired by an ancient Sufi myth of a captive Persian nightingale yearning for spiritual enlightenment. The production weaves Indian Kathak dance with a cinematic score, exploring themes of sorrow, serenity and release.

Odedra’s technically demanding performance combines traditional and contemporary dance vocabulary, creating a meditation on freedom and transformation.

When: 28-31 January 2026
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: $59-79 direct from Opera House

The production transforms cinema magic into theatrical spectacle, suitable for families during the January school break.

When: 19 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $75-135

Free interactive play space invites children aged 0-12 and their families to explore creativity through touch, play and imagination. Created by multidisciplinary artist HOSSEI – who has Persian, Turkish and Russian ancestry and specialises in costume, video and installation – the experience offers hands-on environments for creative discovery.

No booking required for this drop-in experience running throughout January in the Centre for Creativity.

When: 5-23 January 2026
Where: Centre for Creativity, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Free

Duck Pond

Homegrown contemporary circus company Circa presents their inventive take on Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling. The production combines feats of strength and bravery with fluid moments of artistry and grace, showcasing the diverse skills that have earned Circa its international reputation.

Suitable for ages 10 and up, this 90-minute show brings classical stories to life through acrobatics, aerial work and physical theatre.

When: 9-12 January 2026
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $79-119 l Age: 10+

This is For Everyone – Tim Berners-Lee

Over thirty years ago, computer scientist Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web and gave it to the world for free, ensuring it would be accessible to everyone regardless of their hardware, software or language. In this Sydney exclusive event, the visionary inventor shares the story of his iconic creation and explores the future of human innovation in conversation with University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Mark Scott.

Drawing on his new memoir, Berners-Lee discusses how the web launched an era of creativity and collaboration whilst unleashing a commercial race that now threatens democracies and polarises public debate. He’ll explore whether we can recapture the spirit of individual empowerment he envisioned, particularly in an environment of deep fakes and AI-driven division. His vision centres on open, decentralised systems where individuals—not corporations—control their personal data.

When: 30 January 2026
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $69 Duration: 75 minutes, no interval

Sports and Outdoors

United Cup

Experience the excitement of mixed team tennis as the United Cup returns to Perth and Sydney from Friday, 27 December to Sunday, 5 January 2025.

This thrilling event will bring together the world’s top-ranked tennis players, competing for a share of over US$10 million in prize money and crucial ranking points.

The tournament kicks off with Perth hosting the opening matches at RAC Arena, followed by the group stage at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena. Featuring eighteen countries with up to three men and women each, teams will battle it out for a spot in the quarterfinals and ultimately, the Sydney-hosted semifinals and final.

When: 3-11 January
Where: Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park

Yoga Under the Bridge

Free yoga sessions are open to the public (and not just early birds) at 9:30am Sunday until January 21st. Note however, that you will need to book tickets in advance and bring your own mat and towel.

Where: Dawes Point Park, Sydney
When: Weekends from 10am – 5pm until Sunday January 14th
Cost: Free. Find more information and book tickets, here.

Cockle Bay Paddle Boats

Get ready for a fun water adventure at Cockle Bay this summer! Rent a pedal boat for up to two adults and two kids to explore and enjoy the scenic views of the harbour city. It’s perfect for a date, a friendly get-together, or a family race. After pedalling, relax at nearby spots for food and drinks, celebrating the festive Christmas spirit at Cockle Bay.

Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
Cost: $45 per boat for 30 minutes

Regional Events in NSW January

If you are road tripping this month, put these festivals on your radar.

• Elvis Festival Parkes – 7-11 January 2026
• Tamworth Country Music Festival: 16-25 January 2026
• Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival: 2026 TBC

Newcastle Caravan Lifestyle Expo

The biggest event in Newcastle for everything caravan and RVs features over 150 exhibitors who are Australia’s leading outdoor leisure specialists. Talk to experts, compare ranges and grab show specials all in one location with free parking and free entertainment including a jumping castle and reptile show.

The dog-friendly day out for the whole family is brought to you by the NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association.

When: 30 January to 1 February 2026
Where: Newcastle Entertainment Centre & Showground
Cost: Adults $16 Kids $12