1. Kick off the New Year in style with the annual celebration Sydney Festival (Jan 8 - 26). This year more than 100 events, installations and performances will take place celebrating all things music, dance, opera, circus, cabaret, comedy & art.

2. The most fabulous event in the city’s calendar Sydney’s Mardi Gras (Feb 20 – Mar 8). Soak up the atmosphere and colorful sights on display at the annual float parade down Oxford Street. Make sure to check out the rest of the program celebrating LBGT community.

3. See stars light up the night sky and on screen and at one of Sydney’s many outdoor cinemas. Returning to Centennial Park is Maltesers Moonlight Cinema (Dec 11 to Mar 29), Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema (Jan 22 to Mar 1) takes over Bondi Beach and smack bang in Sydney Harbour St George OpenAir Cinema reopens from January (Jan 7 to Feb 21).  Over in the north check out Sunset Cinema for new releases and cinema classics (Jan 22 to Mar 28).

4. What better summer combo than music, surf and skateboarding? Head to the northern beaches for the annual Hurley Australian Open of Surfing (Feb 8 -16).

5. See multicultural Sydney celebrate Chinese traditions downtown at the New Year Festival (Jan 24 to Feb 9). See the city’s set alight with lanterns, fireworks, dragons and drums at the Twilight Parade (Feb 2).

 6. Soak in the city’s most famous views from its best vantage point under the sails of the revamped Opera House Bar. Check their website for music guests and program updates throughout the summer.

 7. Waste away a lazy afternoon or balmy evening at one of Sydney’s many rooftop bars. Sit amongst astro turf and plastic flamingos at the quirky Darlo Bar, pop over to The Glenmore for iconic Harbor Bridge and Opera House views or enjoy uninterrupted beachside views over at newly refurnished New Brighton Hotel in Manly.

 8. Seek the comfort of shade and a little pop art education with free screenings of underground and experimental films at the Art Gallery of NSW (every Saturday 13 Dec to 14 Feb).  

 9. See the hottest new music acts at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival (in Sydney Feb). Missed out, make sure to grab their sideshows check here for details.

 10. Learn to surf this summer. Single, group, one-time and short term courses available over at iconic beach at Bondi and Manly.

 11. Take up your New Year resolution to get fit, grab a buddy and be inspired by the city’s great coastal walks. Take in spectacular Manly Beach to Spit Bridge trail and stunning Bondi to Bronte walk. Closer to the city take in beautifully scenic Circular Quay to Botanic Gardens.

 12. Perpetuate old school stereotypes and throw a shrimp on the Barbie. Our pick is Centennial Park - grab some snags, a couple of mates and head down to one of the free outdoor BBQ facilities available.

 13. Dance like no one’s watching, at the boutique electro line up presented by Sunday Sessions Astral (14 Dec to Feb 22).

 14. Paddle the waters of North Harbour at Manly Kayak Center (kayak hire from $25/hour). Test your balance with stand up paddle boarding, single and double kayak available.

 15. Visit the new Dinosaur exhibit  (yes life like animatronic dinosaurs) at Taronga Zoo (31 Oct to Feb 1). Extra keen, for a truly unique experience why not stay the night (Roar & Snore)?

 16. Enjoy a beer or a few paddles over at Batch Brewing Co. in inner city Marrickville. Housed inside a converted warehouse beer hall, every second Saturday you’ll find food trucks & live music.

 17. Grab a ferry and hightail it to Cockatoo Island this summer.  UNESCO listed, explore the island’s unique past, picnic on its shores and sip cocktails on its one and only Island Bar. Camping and accommodation also available.

 18. Try alfresco dining, on the cheap grab a bottle, some mates and munchies and set up blankets at one of Sydney beautiful and iconic vantage points over Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Observatory Hill, McMahon’s Point or Nielson Park.

 19. Swim with the sharks, if it’s not on your bucket list it should be! SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is offering Shark Reef Snorkel a unique face to fin experience with on of nature’s majestic creatures.