When to Visit - Arts and Events

From Christmas through to the end of January is the most festive time in Sydney. After celebrating with a Yuletide 'barbie' or picnic on the beach, Boxing Day is the start of the Sydney to Hobart Race when roughly 200 yachts set sail, cheered on by huge crowds around the harbour. New Year is welcomed with a fantastic firework display against the backdrop of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The Sydney Festival runs for the last three weeks of the month featuring opera, theatre, concerts and outdoor art installations.

Australia Day on the 26th is an all-day, all-night party with a variety of water-borne races in the afternoon and a selection of cultural events and fireworks in the evening.

February hosts the month-long Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, with glamour and glitz to rival Rio. The Sydney Film Festival takes place during the first two weeks of June, with the Manly Jazz Festival in early October. From mid-September to early November every even-numbered year, the Sydney Biennale focuses on the cutting edge of contemporary art with exhibitions at various venues around the city.

Sydney Dining

Australian food has come a long way from simply 'barbies and pavs' (barbecues with 'pavlova' for dessert) or traditional English-style roasts. The truly international range of ethnic styles, combined with the country's profusion of superb fresh produce, has created 'Contemporary Australian' cuisine. Similar to Californian, it is a blend of exciting taste sensations and cosmopolitan influences, especially those of the Mediterranean and South-East Asia, and is part of the renowned 'Pacific Rim' school. Sydney has a great many restaurants serving distinct ethnic dishes or a mix of styles as befits a city of such cultural diversity. The quality of the food is always of the highest standard, as is the service.

Sydney Tipping Advice

Throughout Australia, tipping used not to be customary but is becoming more widespread. In a restaurant a tip of 10% is now normal although some restaurants have started adding a service charge to the bill. Porters and staff at larger hotels can be offered a gratuity for good service, but it is purely discretionary. Taxi drivers may not expect a tip unless helping with luggage, but it is usual to round the fare up to the nearest dollar.