In Sydney, we are blessed with so many festivals and events that happen annually throughout the year. I have been going to most of them every year from the time I have moved to Sydney. These are really nice celebrations and they bring people together to celebrate seasons, music or in general life.

Festival and events in Sydney

January

Sydney festival

The Sydney festival is a program of World premier showcasing more than 70 works by the established artists.

• Venue: The Rocks.
• Cost: As per the event or the premier.
• Official website: Sydney festival.
• Nearest train station: Circular Quay.

Australia Day

Australia Day is a national day celebrated on 26 January every year. It marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove.

• Venue: Darling Harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• Cost: Free.
• Nearest train station: Town Hall and Circular Quay.

April

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a national remembrance day celebrated on 25 April every year, in Australia and New Zealand. It commemorates all who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. It is celebrated with a dawn service.

• Venue: Martin Place.
• Cost: Free.

May

Sydney Vivid

A festival of lights and music is Sydney vivid. It is approximately 3 weeks (23 days) festival, starting from the last week of May every year. Sydney Vivid was started in 2009 and it attracts more than thousands of people.

• Venue: Many locations across Sydney, including Circular Quay, Royal Botanical Garden, and Darling Harbour. The best way to get to Sydney Vivid is by public transport as most roads are closed, during nights, for cars.
• Cost: Free; However to attend the music and events, one needs to purchase the tickets.
• Official website: Sydney vivid.
• Nearest train station: Circular Quay if visiting Circular Quay or Royal Botanical Garden and Town Hall or Wynyard if visiting Darling Harbour.

Circular Quay

Royal Botanical Garden

Darling Harbour

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Whale Watching

The starting of the official Whale watching season. It is that cool-season where the humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to up north to Queensland and then back. The season starts from the end of May and lasts up till November.

• Venue: Boats depart from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay; also there are various whale watching spots around Sydney like La Perouse.
• Cost: Boat rides vary in cost and Whale-watching spots are free.
• Tip: Buy the whale watching boat ride tickets from Groupon as it is cheaper than buying from the tour operators.
• Nearest train station: Town Hall or Wynyard in case of departing from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay in case of departing from Circular Quay.

Circular Quay

Darling Harbour

June

Are you in Sydney during the winter season? Then read my post things to do in Sydney winters to find all the cool things you can do in this beautiful city.

Milky Way season

June is winter season in Australia and it is the Milky Way season. The skies and the starry nights are amazing to look at and feel like a part of a Disney movie.

• Venue: Various; Refer 10 places to see Milky Way in NSW for all the locations.
• Cost: Free.

July

Christmas in July

July is also winter season in Australia. So we show off wearing the red and green jumpers matching with our happy socks by celebrating Christmas in July. It is an unofficial holiday and it is celebrated at the peak of winter.

• Venue: Across Sydney. Some of the pubs in the CBD have Christmas in July celebrations.
• Cost: Free.

Remember that the seasons are reversed in Southern Hemisphere when compared to Northern Hemisphere?

August

Wild flowers at Muogamarra Nature Reserve

The wildflowers in Muogamarra Nature Reserve are open to the public only for 6 weeks in a year. The wildflowers in its full bloom can be viewed during August.

Some of the wildflowers to watch out are Waratahas, pink boronias and some native little flowers.

• Venue: Muogamarra Nature Reserve.
• Cost: There is an entry fee and it costs about AUD 15 per vehicle. Note: They accept only cash.
• Nearest train station: Cowan.

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

Yes, we, the Sydneysiders, have our own cherry blossom festival here in Sydney. It starts in the mid of August.

• Venue: Auburn Botanical Gardens.
• Cost: There is an entry fee and it costs about AUD 7. Note: They accept only cash.
• Nearest train station: Auburn.

September

The festival of Winds

The festival of Winds is a kite festival. This is the two days festival where everyone flies kites at the beach.

• Venue: Bondi beach.
• Cost: Free.
• Nearest train station: Bondi Junction. There are frequent buses between Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach.

October

Dhandiya

The dancing Indian festival, especially celebrated by the people of Gujarat (India), is organised every year. All the Indians come together to dance for the folk and traditional Gujarat music.

• Venue: Liverpool.
• Cost: AUD 15; booked online. The websites vary and hence searching on Google is the best bet.
• Nearest train station: Liverpool.

Sculptures by the Sea

The Sculptures by the Sea is an annual exhibition at Bondi beach to exhibit sculptures created by artists around the world. It is a 2-week event starting in the last week of October.

• Venue: Bondi beach to Tamarama beach. Refer Sculptures by the Sea to know all the details.
• Cost: Free.
• Nearest train station: Bondi Junction. There are frequent buses between Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach.

Jacarandas Season

The Jacarandas season is that beautiful season where Sydney turns purple with Jacaranda trees everywhere. It starts by the end of October and goes into November.

• Venue: Various locations but McDougall Street in Kirribilli is very famous. Refer to the Best places to see Jacarandas in Sydney to know about other places.
• Cost: Free. There is also a festival that is celebrated with live music and afternoon and evening markets.

Visual Chart

Is it safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, absolutely. Sydney is very safe for solo female travelers and one can move around and navigate safely between the places solo. I have been living in this city for many years now and have had any issues whatsoever. However, like any other place, be cautious especially at nights, and trust your instinct.

Conclusion

There are many more annual festivals in Sydney, but these are the ones that are popular and are known to me. I have been attending these festivals every year from the time I moved to Sydney and I have had a great time at each one of these events.

If you know some of them that need to go on to ‘What’s on Sydney’ list, please leave a comment or write to me on Solopassport@gmail.com.