Cultural Sydney

Sydney never fails to dazzle, thanks to its spectacular natural setting, but the Australian city's cultural renaissance is offering just as many reasons to head to the coast

With its photogenic natural harbour and the golden-sand beaches of Bondi and Manly, Sydney could easily lean on good looks alone to lure visitors to its balmy shores. But the New South Wales capital also has plenty to offer culturally, and visitors returning to Australia, now that it has re-opened to travellers, may well be surprised by quite how much more there is to see and do than they remember. What you have heard is true: the city is having something of a moment in 2023.

We all know that Sydney is home to a number of World Heritage sites, not least Australia's most famous architectural icon, the Sydney Opera House; yet even this old-stager is hitting the headlines this year, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary with a packed calendar of events. It's not the only old site learning new tricks. Fresh ways to explore the three historic properties that make up the UNESCO-listed Australian Convict Sites now offer moving glimpses into the early days of colonisation, while a diverse range of Indigenous experiences is providing memorable opportunities to connect with Sydney's story, and that of its Traditional Owners, across the city.

In terms of culture, the last decade has ushered in something of a revolution in Sydney, especially in live events. The year kicks off with one of the world's most dazzling New Year's Eve celebrations, and things rarely let up thereafter. Look out for its Indigenous festivals, such as January's Yambun; plus, the city has plenty for music fans, with the international Palm Tree Music Festival heading there for the first time in 2023 (March).