Vivacity – when wonderful Sydney comes out to play

In January, Sydney comes alive with Vivacity, a spectacular calendar of concerts, sporting events and outdoor activities, climaxing with Sydney Festival.

Sydney’s flourishing arts scene—seen at its most dynamic through the stimulating, diverse and spectacular events of Sydney Festival—is well matched on other fronts.

The fusion of flavours, cultures, fresh produce and vivid scenery that typifies Sydney’s dining scene means there are many options for festival dining. Throughout January diners flock to waterfront restaurants, bustling “eat streets” and multicultural neighbourhoods. The trend towards small plate and tapas menus is perfect for sharing with friends before or after a show.

Sydney’s nightlife is evolving as well, as a new wave of new wine bars—perfect locations for post-performance analysis—open around the inner city.

Sydney’s climate is perfectly suited to picnics at one of the Festival’s many outdoor events. Pick up a deluxe picnic hamper from providores like Simon Johnson in Pyrmont and Woollahra, or Fratelli Fresh at Waterloo and Potts Point, or visit one of the new farmers’ markets at The Rocks or Cook Phillip Park in the city for provisions.

There’s no shortage of gorgeous everyday picnic spots either. Sydney has outstanding natural assets—national parks, botanic gardens, pristine waterways and stunning beaches—all within easy reach of the city centre.

Sydney Harbour boasts a number of accessible islands which offer activities such as kayaking, dining, picnicking, snorkelling, insights into Aboriginal culture and historic tours. Fort Denison has turned from garrison to gourmet, with decadent cheese and wine tastings on the former fortress. Several harbour islands also provide atmospheric venues for major events, such as the Nick Cave and the Bad Seed’s-curated All Tomorrow’s Parties festival on Cockatoo Island during the Sydney Festival.

Finally, make time to explore Sydney on foot. On the track between Bondi and Bronte you can take in ocean views, dramatic sandstone cliffs, beaches, inlets and coves where you can surf, dive, swim and sunbake. The Manly to Spit Bridge walk passes through bushland, secluded bays, harbour beaches and lookouts. At Royal National Park south of Sydney, a one- hour walk from Bundeena along Jibbon Beach and the coast passes Aboriginal rock carvings. And while doing the full Great Coastal Walk takes seven days, it can be split into easy segments between Barrenjoey in the northern beaches to the Royal National Park.

For more information visit www.sydney.com