Spring is in full bloom in Sydney in October, and the weather is lovely and warm, but not hot. Daylight saving beginning on 1 October, makes the days longer, giving you more time to get out and explore.

The first Monday in October is a public holiday, Labour Day, which honours the mid-19th-century fight for an 8-hour working day.

The School Holidays continue from last month until 6 October. These events combined see an increase in both prices and activity at the beginning of the month. Book accommodation and tours in advance if you are visiting Sydney in early October.

Average Temperatures: 22-14°C (72-57°F)
While each year varies the last October, we had fifteen days of rain last year and we are expecting another wet October with La Niña still causing disruption.

We update this page as new events are made available to us. If you would like to have your event added, please send us an email.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here.

Major October Events in Sydney

Sculpture by the Sea

With 100 artworks by Australian and international sculptors, the world’s largest free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition will surprise and delight for its 25^th year, with approximately 450,000 visitors expected to attend the free three-week exhibition.

When: 20 October – 6 November
Where: Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk
Cost: Free, get our tips for visiting here.

Parramatta Lanes

Explore new tastes, sounds, and artwork over four fun filler nights as Parramatta morphs into a labyrinth of free after-dark entertainment for Parramatta Lanes.

Sample new flavours from bars and food trucks, get your groove on to the beat of eclectic musical performances, and check out striking art displays tucked away within the alleys.

This year’s event is loaded with more than 120 music performers, exceeding 40 food stalls and three massive pieces of art. There is so much to take in that a single night may not be enough so take advantage of reduced prices from nearby hotels and immerse yourself in the full experience.

When: 11-14 October
Where: Parramatta Square and surrounding laneways
Cost: Free

Festivals, Fairs and Community Events

Mind, Body, Spirit Festival

Australia’s largest health, well-being, and natural therapies event offers several free workshops, paid experiences, and over 200 exhibitors for you to chat with. There will be tastings and readings, seminars and sound healings, and chair yoga!

See, try, and buy products and gifts including jewellery, cosmetics, music, books, giftware, clothing, crystals, educational courses, body treatments, and more!

When: 12-15 October 2023
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour

The North Sydney Living Futures Sustainability Festival

An event not to be missed! This is a day for inspiration and information, entertainment, fun, networking and socialising. Stage entertainment, workshops, stalls, kids’ activities, guided walks and tours are just a few of the things that will be on offer for a great day out at one of Sydney’s most iconic harbourside sites.

When: Sunday, 29 October 10am-4pm
Where: The Coal Loader, 2 Balls Head Dr, Waverton
Full guide here

Granny Smith Festival

Back in 1868, Ryde resident Maria Ann Smith grew the first crop of shiny green apples. Now known as Granny Smith’s, these crispy, crunchy apples are sold all over the world.

On the program is:

• Paw Patrol meet and greets
• A performance by Dami Imm
• Fireworks
• A parade
• Circus Playground
• Batlow Cider Bar

The Granny Smith Festival celebrates the woman, the apple and is just a fun day out for the whole family.

When: Sat. 21 October 9am-8.30pm
Where: Eastwood Plaza and surrouning streets
Cost: Free, more information on the website

Way Out West Festival 2023

A festival for children, young people, and their families in Liverpool and beyond. Expect immersive and engaging family fun with a wide range of arts, cultural events and activities suitable for children, young people, and families of all ages and all abilities.

When: 5- 7 October
Where: Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
Cost: Free, for more updates, visit their website

Sydney Streets on Stanley Street

Expect festival vibes along the street with plenty of live music, entertainers and alfresco dining. There’ll be lots of alfresco wining and dining from all of your Stanley Street favourites.

When: Saturday 21 October 11am-10pm
Where: Stanley St. Darlinghurst 
Cost: Free, more information on the event site

Horrorween

Australia’s largest and most anticipated Halloween extravaganza is back for its second year. This sensational event is expanding into a full-weekend activation, spreading its bewitching allure across the hottest venues, iconic hotels, and cherished queer establishments throughout the city.

When: 28 October 6pm-2am
Where: Hordern Pavilion
Cost: from $160, more information on the website

Markets

The Big Design Market Sydney 2023

Australia’s ultimate shopping destination is back – bigger, bolder and brighter than ever where there will be over 200 stallholders & delicious food & drink experiences. Expect a fresh lineup of boutique homewares, hand-made ceramics, limited-edition art prints, Australian-made fashion, unique jewellery, stationery and much more. Plus for the first time ever, there’ll be a fashion parade showcasing gorgeous pieces from our apparel brands which you definitely won’t want to miss!

When: 13-15 October
Where: Carriageworks, Wilson St, Eveleigh
Cost: Adults: $6, Kids (0-12 yrs) Free
Tickets online at here or at the door. More on the website

Paws at the Point Market— Ultimate Dogs’ Day Out

This is an event that celebrates our pooch friends. There will be 35+ stalls offering all sorts of canine treats, products and accessories. As well, there will be a Food Alley with 30+ hot food stalls, curated by Cambridge Markets.

When: Sunday, 7 October 12pm-8pm
Where: Wentworth Point Town Square
Cost: Entry is by gold coin

The Other Art Fair Sydney

Discover artwork from over 130 emerging and independent artists, selected by an expert-led selection committee and experience a wholly-unexpected program of performative art, hand-poked tattooing, workshops, art installations and more.

When: 12-15 October
Where: The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney
Cost: $15, for more updates, visit their website

Fibre Frolic Festival Market Day

Fibre Frolic Market is for people wishing to buy handmade and yarn products.

When: 29 October 10am-4pm
Where: Winbourne Edmund Rice Centre
Cost: Free, full guide on the website

Musicals, Opera and Drama

Miss Saigon

“An epic show, in an epic venue, with an epic cast!” “A beautiful story told in a brilliant way.”

Direct from the West End and Broadway, experience Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of this epic love story of passion and tragedy at the iconic Sydney Opera House. This is a spectacular performance and tickets are selling very fast!

When: 17 August-13 October
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, tickets here

Wicked

Experience the unforgettable, award-winning musical WICKED in Sydney. Courtney Monsma as Glinda and Sheridan Adams as Elphaba, the wicked witch of the West are supported by Todd McKenney as the Wizard and Robyn Nevin as Madame Morrible.

Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star
When: from 25 August 2023
Cost: From $79.00 (Transaction fees apply). Tickets here.

50/50

Celebrate the Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary with 50 consecutive days of rare and unseen recordings from the archive, spanning opera, classical, dance, theatre, contemporary music, documentaries and live streams from their Birthday Festival.

When: 2 September-21 October
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: Free, more info on the event site

Venus and Adonis

Following its critically acclaimed cinematic debut in 2020, Sport for Jove and Seymour Centre are thrilled to present the world premiere of Damien Ryan’s new play Venus and Adonis, reframing the extraordinary vision of Shakespeare’s most important work of poetry.

When: 29 September-21 October
Where: Seymour Centre
Tickets: single tickets here 

Juanita Nielsen: The Final Days

Threatening phone calls, stolen documents and hidden romances leave an indelible imprint on the lives of those who loved her and those who sought to silence Sydney’s fiercest journalist. In her absence, a community is torn and her legacy is left to those who lived to tell the tale.

When: 28 September-14 October
Where: The Crypt, St. James’ Church, 173 King St.
Cost: $96.61, more info on the event site

You Don’t Have To Be Jewish

The production marks the return of the East Sydney independent theatre company after a break of three years.

The Bondi Theatre Company will stage the Australian Premiere of the iconic musical sketch comedy show You Don’t Have To Be Jewish.

When: 25 October-5 November
Where: Bondi Pavilion Theatre
More info on the event site

Girls In Boys’ Cars

Two friends, an accidental road trip, and a whole lot of trouble. Asheeka and Rosa are two funny, sharp, adventurous young women who refuse to be held back any longer.

When: 19 October-3 November
Where: Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta
Tickets: $28, Book here

Disney Princess – The Concert

Experience your favourite Disney Princess songs performed live by Broadway stars.

Presenting a constellation of talented performers, the lineup includes acclaimed names such as Steffanie Leigh (known for roles in Mary Poppins and War Paint), Storm Lever (of Six and The Donna Summer Musical fame), and Australia’s own Rachael Beck, the original ‘Belle’ from Beauty and the Beast.

When: Thursday, 5 October
Where: Enmore Theatre, Enmore, Book here

Bark of Millions

Featuring 54 new original songs inspired by queer idols throughout world history. A world-premiere hybrid work from renowned artist Taylor Mac, and performed by a global ensemble of queer artists. Join the celebration of queer history on the Concert Hall stage for this epic performance.

When: 18-20 October
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $79, Book here

Message In A Bottle

An exhilarating dance work showcasing the world-class storytelling of triple-Olivier Award nominee, Kate Prince. Inspired by the smash hits of Sting, Message In A Bottle is a must-see spectacle.

When: 25-29 October
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $89, Book here

Twelfth Night

This production of Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s most musical play, features original music from Aria Award winner Sarah Blasko. Six new songs are sung live onstage by the cast, and the plot is carried along by Blasko’s melancholic score.

When: 26 October-19 November
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $89

Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing

A delightful show for the whole family! Sid dreams of singing – but will anyone listen? Sid the Serpent works as a slithering circus snake – but deep down in his heart, he just really wants to sing.

The trouble is, everywhere he goes and tries a different style, no one wants to listen to him. Follow Sid as his adventures take him right across the world, to Rome, London, Hong Kong and New York.

When: 27 October 7:00pm
Where: In the Utzon Room
Cost: From $45, full guide here

The Disappearance

Based on Kin Platt’s book “The Boy Who Could Make Himself Disappear”. A powerful, moving and joyful play that meets mental illness and diversity with heart and with humour, opens for a two-week Sydney season.

When: Tuesday October 10th- Sunday October 22nd
Where: Chippen St Theatre, 45 Chippen St Chippendale
Cost: Adults $45, Concessions $30 Booking here

The Importance of Being Earnest

The fabulous Helen Thomson plays Lady Bracknell, the wittiest and most wicked role in one of the greatest comedies ever written

When: 5 September -14 October
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre
More details here

The Visitors

A mysterious fleet of giant nawi is amassing in the harbour, and as they creep closer, these seven representatives must choose unanimously: Should they send these strangers on their way or welcome them?

The Visitors is a riveting, deeply researched insight into one of Australia’s most impactful and painful days and a hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.

When: 19-21 October
Where: Riverside Theatres
Cost: from $69
Booking here

Robyn Archer: An Australian Songbook

When: 18 October – 29 October 2023
Where: Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre
Cost: From $47-92

Film Festivals

Irish Film Festival Australia 2023

The Irish Film Festival showcases the best dramas, most compelling documentaries and of course, the famous Irish sense of humour.

Among the highlights this year is the opening night premiere, Lakelands, an exploration of masculinity, loneliness and the role of sport in rural communities.

When: 5-8 October
Where: Dendy Cinema, Newtown
More details on the event site

Japanese Film Festival

Experience the rich tapestry of Japanese storytelling at the 27th Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia. the festival theme revolves around the enduring link between the past and the present. Whether it’s a young fishmonger suddenly catapulted into nobility or the journey of scientists unravelling shamanic mysteries, JFF 2023 underscores the significance of history in shaping our current narratives.

When: Opening Reception: 26 October 2023 at Palace Norton Street
Latest Releases: 26-31 October 2023 at Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona
Special Series: 23-25 October 2023 at The Chauvel
More details on the website

Palestinian Film Festival Australia

Navigating universal themes of people, place and politics, this year’s Festival delivers yet another enthralling program of the finest and newest Palestinian films to Australian audiences.

There are eleven unforgettable films on offer, all telling their unique story of Palestine and Palestinians including 3 feature films, 5 documentaries and three shorts.

When: 13 October – 29 October 2023
Where: Dendy Newtown
More details on the event site

Family Movies Under the Stars

Enjoy a night at the movies, bring your picnic chair, blanket and favourite snacks for a night with free face painting, garden games, a 31ft inflatable obstacle course and more.

• Mummies (PG) – Bankstown Sports Complex
• The Super Mario Bros: The Movie – PG – Marco Reserve, Marco Avenue, Panania
• Puss in Boots: The Last Wish – PG – Campbell Athletics Field, Princess Street, Canterbury

When: across October 5pm-7pm
Cost: Free More information on the event site

Music, Comedy and Dance

Li-Wei Qin performs Haydn’s Cello Concerto

World-renowned Chinese Australian cellist and former Young Australian of the Year, Li-Wei Qin will return home to perform one of the greatest works of the classical cello repertoire: Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1.

When: 26 & 28 October 2023
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Adult tickets from $28, booking here

Drag N’ Dine

Want a quiet burger on the side while sashaying to a live drag show? Now you can! It’s an elevated local dining experience, spiced up with the grandeur of live, riveting performances. Indulge in our delectable $15 Burger Specials every Wednesday and savour the taste of $15 Pasta on Thursdays! It’s a culinary delight!

Please be aware that all individuals under the legal drinking age must be accompanied by a responsible adult and, all minors must have left the premises by 9pm.

When: Wednesday – Sunday for dinner from 4-10pm
Where: Imperial Hotel Erskinville
Booking and reservations here

Authentic Flamenco Presents Paula Rodríguez

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the essence of flamenco with The Royal Opera of Madrid. Discover a vibrant show full of sensibility and powerful images. Get to know the real flamenco!

When: 21 September-7 October
Where: Hayden Orpheum and Seymour Centre
Tickets: from $79 Book here

Mansion

Prepare to be transported into a realm where gothic horror seamlessly blends with captivating dance performances.

MANSION is the epitome of spine-tingling sensuality. It narrates the story of Mel Walker, a recent widow, and her children, who seek refuge in an ancient mansion in search of new beginnings.

When: 25 October –19 November
Where: Sydney Spiegeltent, The Entertainment Quarter
Cost: $50-$120, secure your tickets here

Witch

A 30-minute add-on performance was staged before the Walker family moved in. Encounter the mansion’s prior residents through spellbinding burlesque, circus, and dance.

When: 25 October –19 November
Where: Sydney Spiegeltent, The Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021
Cost: $35, secure your tickets here

Message In A Bottle

A spectacular new dance-theatre show from triple-Olivier Award nominee, Kate Prince, inspired by and set to the iconic hits of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting, including Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Walking On The Moon and more.

When: 25-29 October
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: from $89, book here

The Surge

The Surge is a multi-layered feast of music, ideas, lessons from the past and hope for the decade ahead, brought to you by Australia’s prolific new music group Ensemble Offspring and leading guitarists Andrew Blanch and Vladimir Gorbach.

When: 8 October 4pm
Where: Riverside Theatres
Tickets: From $69, booking here

Bingay

From the songs and the look to the vibe and pizzazz, ABBA had it all. And we are going to dedicate this special edition of Bingay to the fabulous Hello Darling Tent in their honour.

When: Sunday 1 October 8pm
Where: 25 Harbour Street, Darling Harour
Cost: $25
Book here

Feel The Magic: Magic Men Live

Get ready to experience the ultimate night out with Australia’s rated #1 male revue show! Magic Men’s “FEEL THE MAGIC” features the hottest hunks bringing the heat to town with their sizzling performances.

When: Every Saturdays 6pm-9:30pm
Where: Home the venue
Cost: $50
Secure tickets here

Big Dance 2.0

Picture this – 9 dancers, singing, a boxing ring, a live-stream, and a snake. Intrigued? You should be! Don’t miss the latest work by Australia’s only collective-led dance company, Dance Makers Collective (DMC).

When:12-14 October
Where: Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
Tickets: $25-42 + bf
Visit the event site for more details

The Italian Comedy

Steven Hopley and Alexander Gibbs came up together as teenagers performing in youth theatre, and have spent the two decades since refashioning an ancient comedic art form into a new play they call The Italian Comedy.

It’s an all-guns-blazing comedy about a Venice fashion store owner who hides a political dissident as a mannequin, and it takes its inspiration from the Renaissance artform commedia dell’arte, a vibrant heavily improvised form of comic street theatre sometimes referred to as Italian Comedy.

When: 11-21 October
Where: Meraki Arts Bar, 231 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Tickets: full: $35, concession: $30, preview: $20, More info here

Museums & Galleries / Art and Exhibitions

Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition

The Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism honour the accomplishments of Australian photographers in a variety of disciplines, from news and sports to portraiture and visual essays.

Since 1956, when the first awards were presented in five categories, the Walkley Awards have honoured achievement across all media.

When: Saturday 21 October
Where: 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney
Cost: Free

Nights at the Museum

Enjoy live music and a drink at the pop-up bar as Sydney’s favourite FREE after-hours culture fix is back! Explore our incredible galleries and exhibitions and be inspired by our natural history and cultural collections.

When: Every Wednesday in November 5pm – 9pm
Where: Australian Museum
Cost: Free, More info on the official site.

Les Sculptures Refusées

Les Sculptures Refusées (LSR) presents a show of sculptures born out of this grand tradition. This initial rejection forced artists of the calibre of Courbet and Manet to create opportunities of their own – defying the academy.

When: 14 October -12 November
Where: 1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
More details are here

Hidden Rookwood Sculptures

Rookwood is the oldest, largest and most multicultural cemetery in Australia. Hidden Rookwood sees 36 sculptures set in place through the oldest part of the cemetery. Join photo tours, heritage tours and art-making sessions most for free.

When: 21 October – 19 November
Where: Rookwood Cemetery
Cost: free

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

Jurassic World: The Exhibition is a family-friendly exhibit of massive proportions based on one of the biggest blockbuster franchises in cinema history.

Visitors walk through the iconic “Jurassic World” gates, explore richly themed environments, and encounter a life-sized brachiosaurus, velociraptors, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.

When: Until early December 2023
Where: SuperLuna Pavilion, Sydney Showground at Sydney, Olympic Park
Full guide here

Atmospheric Memory

Engage with artworks in a kaleidoscopic setting that features light, sound, and enormous projections.

Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s spectacular immersive art setting welcomes audiences to a multisensory encounter at the nexus of art and science. It is inspired by computing pioneer Charles Babbage’s hypothesis that the air is a “vast library” containing every word ever spoken.

When: On now until 5 November 2023
Where: Powerhouse Ultimo
Cost: Adult $25, Concession $15, Family $65, $10 school groups

Desert Songs

The exhibition, which includes thirteen brand-new works of art, explores the complex ideas and themes of leadership, power, and legacy. Desert Songs, a concert for these times, gives Namatjira a stage to deeply examine his personal
pictures of famous people who have influenced his life through art, music, and personal histories
politics.

When: 5-28 October 2023
Where: Yavuz Gallery, Surry Hills
More info here

Wadgayawa Nhay Dhadjan Wari

This exhibition features cultural and historical information, as well as the names and depictions of deceased First Nations people. The Library collaborated with the research team and community members to properly contextualise this material but also encourages new information and feedback from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

When: Saturday 7 October
Where: 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney
Cost: Free, more info here

HIDDEN Satellite Exhibition

Offers artists a platform to communicate with audiences, including students, and demonstrate how the works were created before they visit the finished artworks in the outdoor sculpture prize. offers artists a platform to communicate with audiences, including students, and demonstrate how the works were created before they visit the finished artworks in the outdoor sculpture prize.

When: 14 October-4 November
Where: The McGlade Gallery, Gate 3, ACU Strathfield, 25a Barker Road, Strathfield
For more details, check their website.

Events for Foodies

Willie The Boatman’s 10th Beer & Food Truck Festival

Willie the Boatman, the cherished Sydney brewery, is commemorating a decade of hosting their beloved Beer & Food Truck Festival. More than just a beer festival, this is a family-friendly outing. Furry friends are welcome too! The festival will feature a kids’ play area with a jumping castle and free face painting.

No celebration is complete without music! The Pragmatics Band will keep the atmosphere lively with their live performances.

When: Saturday, October 28, 11am-5pm
Where: Precinct 75, 75 Mary Street, St Peters
Tickets: $15 check their website.

Greyhound Rescue’s Noodle Festival

Calling all foodies and hound enthusiasts! Join us for the Noodle Festival, a sensational event that celebrates the perfect blend of noodles, greyhounds, and community spirit. Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering noodle dishes, discover fantastic dog-related businesses, and make memories that will warm your heart.

When: 21 October 12pm-5pm
Where: Addison Rd Community Centre, Marrickville.

Oktoberfest In the Rocks

It’s an atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else: pumping music, traditional games, and MASSIVE steins flowing the whole time! Oktoberfest is known for traditional Bavarian food, music, and beers, and we’re bringing all of that and more to this year’s blowout!

When: 16 September-7 October
Where: The Rocks. Book here

St Ives Food and Wine Festival 2023

Get ready for a bigger and better celebration of delicious food, tantalising wine and family fun! This spectacular spring event attracts visitors from near and far thanks to its stellar showcase of over 50 food, wine and lifestyle stalls and an awesome line-up of entertainment for the young to the young at heart!

When: Sunday, 17 September 2023
Where: St Ives Village Green, Memorial Avenue St Ives
Check their website for more details

Oktoberfest in the Gardens

Gather your mates, grab your tickets, and dust off your lederhosen for an action-packed day of fun, delicious beers, authentic German delights, and more at Australia’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration! 

When: 28 October 1pm-9pm
Where: The Domain
Cost: $79.90 Full guide here

Afternoon Tea Party

Enjoy a delectable selection of sweet and savoury snacks such as poached prawn fennel and spiced mayo buns, saffron and buffalo mozzarella arancini, salted caramel mini eclairs and assorted macarons.

• Sakura Tea Party- September 30- October 14
• Spring Tea Party-  October 21- November 11

Where: West Hotel Sydney
Cost: $65 per person, $20 extra, you can also enjoy bottomless house wine, sparkling and beer.
Check their website for more details

Five Dock “Little Italy” Food Tour

Discover one of Sydney’s original Italian Communities on this walking tour of Five Dock and discover their passion and taste their delicious products!

This is a great experience for locals or visitors to Sydney who want to see a slice of everyday life.

When: Friday, 13 October
Where: Meet in front of Fred Kelly Place, just back off Great North Roa
Tickets: $50 per person (includes one coffee and 4 tastings)
Book here

Pinot Palooza

For wine lovers, this is for you! Join the Pinot Palooza Community and get loads of perks including hard-to-get ‘drops’, event tickets, merch, free shipping and more.

When: 6-7 October
Where: Carriageworks – Bay 22 & 24
Cost: $65
More information about tickets and the venue, check their website

The House of Burton Bar

Love Halloween & Tim Burton is an immersive Halloween bar coming to town this October!

It offers a variety of activities, including 1 x Boozy Welcome Drink, 90 minutes in the themed Halloween bar, Games, additional activations and a Ghost Host.

When: 4 -31 October
Where: 280 Cleveland St., Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales
Tickets: $16.50pp
Full details here

18th Annual Aussie Hotel Beer Festival

Over the Labour Day Long weekend, The Australian Heritage Hotel will celebrate the 18th Annual Craft Beer and Food Festival with over 30 different craft breweries showcasing the best beer and cider our country has to offer.

When: 6-8 October
Where: 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Tickets: Free, full details here

Sports and Outdoor Events

Our first sport-related event this week is fundraising for incredibly worthwhile causes. Why not get outdoors, get some exercise and do some good this month?

Seven Bridges Walk

The Seven Bridges Walk will challenge you to cover 28km as you walk around the spectacular harbour and across 7 iconic bridges.

A major fundraiser for the Cancer Council, the Seven Bridges Walk, is a fantastic event that, along with providing a great challenge for walkers and a source of funds for the Cancer Council, is just a brilliant walking route for anyone to take.

The walk is long, 28km in total, but there is plenty of fun along the way with entertainment set up at Pyrmont, Rozelle, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Wollstonecraft and Milsons Point. Buses will be available for transport along the route if needed.

When: Sunday 22 October 2023
Where: Starts and ends in Milsons Point
Cost: $70 early bird or $90 after Sept 30

Yoga in the Park

Get fit and flexible every Sunday morning with FREE Yoga in The Park! The focus on breathing, the concentration required to find balance in certain poses, the flow of the movements – it’s all an active meditation that can help clear the mind, quieten anxieties and strengthen your body.

When: 9:30 am, every Sunday (All Year)
Where: Corner of Lower Fort St. and George St. at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Tickets: Free, more Info here 

Sydney Harbour Hike

Secure your VIP entry in The Fred Hollows Foundation Sydney Harbour Hike! Hike from Bondi and enjoy an incredible scenic walk through some of Sydney’s most beautiful coastlines.

When: 15 October 2023
Where: North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club Cnr Ramsgate Ave &, Campbell Parade
Sign up here

KAAIAA

KAAIAA is a transformational practice that is underpinned by 4 distinct pillars: Focus, Strengthen, Balance and Connect.

Join Founder Leah Simmons for a beautiful sunrise KAAIAA class at the iconic Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney.
Immerse yourself in nature and come away feeling clear, strong, balanced and connected!

When: 8 October 6:15am-8:30am
Where: Harbour View Lawn, Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
More details here

Rugby World Cup Live and Loud

Get ready for the Rugby World Cup 2023!

We’ve partnered with our mates from Asahi to bring you all the action live & loud from France. You can expect the best footy atmosphere in the Eastern Suburbs with our giant screens and stadium-like sounds – the perfect place to see the Wallabies bring the trophy home for the first time since 1999!

When: 14-28 October
Where: 253 Coogee Bay Rd Coogee
Cost: Free, details here

Walks, Talks, & Tours

State Library NSW Open Day

Open Day will feature a great range of talks, tours, movies, and performances by visiting the State Library’s new Underground Photography Gallery.

When: Sunday 29 October
Where: 1 Shakespeare Place, more information on the event site

Springtime Bronte House & Garden Open Weekend

Come along and indulge your senses in Bronte House and Gardens. The property features two acres of undulating subtropical garden bursting with a variety of beautiful flowers, native plants, foliage and immaculately manicured lawns.

When: 14-15 October 10am-2pm
Where: Bronte House, Bronte Road Bronte
Cost: Free, more information on the event site

Charing Cross to Bronte House Heritage Walk

This unique walk will take you on a historical journey through Charing Cross led by local heritage expert Anne McGovern culminating with an intimate tour through Bronte House and Garden by current resident Anna Van Der Gardner.

When: Sunday 22 October 11am-1.30pm
Where: View Street Queens Park
Cost: $25. More information on the event site

Waranara Tours

Expand your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures on this unique tour of objects from the Australian Museum’s exhibitions, led by a First Nations guide.

When: Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays: 11.30am– 1pm
Where: Australian Museum – meet at the Gadigal Shield, near the Admissions Desk
Tickets: $35-17.50
For more details, check their website.

NSW Regional Events in October

Grafton Jacaranda Festival

If you are heading north, schedule a stop in Grafton for one of the most colourful festivals in the country. With the streets full of purple blooms, the markets, exhibitions, concerts and parade will play second fiddle.

When: 27 October-5 November 2023
Where: Across Grafton 
Check the festival website

Leura Gardens Festival

Leura is the prettiest village in the Blue Mountains and every October for the last 55 years, their gardens festival has attracted visitors keen to check them out in full bloom.

This year, eight gardens are open to the public. Highlights include stunning displays of azaleas, tulips, bluebells, rhododendrons and my favourite peonies. There is a festival bus to ferry visitors between the properties and art and music events to complement the garden displays.

When: 29 September-2 October 2023
Where: Leura, Blue Mountains
All details here

Griffith Spring Fest

See Griffith burst into bloom at this colourful festival with jaw-dropping citrus sculptures, incredible open gardens and an entertaining launch party featuring live music, local food and kids’ activities.

When: 8-22 October 2023
Where: Corner Banna & Jondaryan Avenue
More details on the website

Bowral Classic

Hop on your bike and sign up for this year’s Bowral Classic cycling Gran Fondo. With three road cycling courses and The Criterium Race to choose from, all showcasing the most beautiful Southern Highlands scenery you can experience on two wheels, there’s a ride for everybody.

You can conveniently park at the intersection of Moss Vale Road and Eridge Park Road. Additionally, there will be parking spaces at Chevalier College, accessible from Moss Vale Road across from Riversdale Ave. Look out for the signs indicating parking areas.

When: 21-22 October 2023 Register
Where: Southern Highlands in New South Wales