Theatre
Travel
Need a getaway? Here’s why Sydney is the place to be in 2020
Ready to lock in a 2020 getaway? With a calendar chock full of top notch events, Sydney is the place to be. Here's the lowdown on the best things to do, see, and eat in the Emerald City. Its time to start planning!
Whether you call Sydney home or you’re planning a trip to the Harbour City in the New Year, we’ve teamed up with Destination NSW once again to put together the ultimate itinerary chock full of top notch events, delicious food, Instagram-worthy sightseeing, and a stack more. Let’s dig in.
From International theatre smash hits to world-class sport, the best of the best will be on show in Sydney across 2020. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning.
ATP Cup
The summer of tennis is going to look a whole lot different in 2020 thanks to the ATP Cup. This brand new competition will see 24 countries battle it out across three cities, with the finalists coming together in Sydney to see who will take out the inaugural title. It is set to be ten days of fierce competition, with some of the best men’s tennis players in the world all getting in on the action.
In Sydney, the newly upgraded Ken Rosewall Arena at Sydney Olympic Park will host the tournament. Eight countries will make their way for the group stages, with the likes of Great Britain’s Andy Murray, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, and Austria’s Dominic Thiem all in the mix.
It’s going down from Friday 3 January until Sunday 12 January and tickets are available here.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: La Traviata
Drama and decadence is on the menu when you book in a night with the world’s most popular opera La Traviata. This is only amplified when you add in the breathtaking surrounds of the Sydney Harbour. Fireworks light up the sky at every performance and a giant chandelier shimmers over the harbour stage with 10,000 dazzling Swarovski crystals. On a magnificent floating stage over the Sydney Harbour, Opera Australia will bring this classic tale to life – get ready for tears, heartbreak, and Giuseppi Verdi’s celebrated score.
Arrive early to enjoy drinks or dinner at one of the five pop-up bars and restaurants on site. Drink in the view as the setting sun glimmers over the city skyline, then take your seats in the comfortable grandstand to enjoy.
La Traviata comes to the Sydney Harbour from Friday 27 March until Sunday 26 April and tickets are on sale now.
9 to 5 The Musical
The queen of all queens, Dolly Parton presents the live-musical version of her hit 1980 comedy 9 to 5 to Sydney Lyric Theatre next year. This smash-hit West End musical features a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick and an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by Parton herself, including huge singalong hit ‘9 to 5’. Opening in April, 9 to 5 will see Caroline O’Connor, Marina Prior, Samantha Dodemaide and Erin Clare take on the film’s iconic characters Violet, Doralee, Judy, and Roz.
This famous tale of workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist, egotistical boss. It is the ultimate display of woman power and makes for a perfect night out of singing, laughing, and sticking it to the man.
9 to 5 The Musical opens at Sydney Lyric Theatre on Tuesday 21 April, with performances locked in until Sunday 31 May. Tickets are on sale here.
Disney’s Frozen The Musical
While we’re talking about International smash hits, we definitely can’t look past Disney’s Frozen. Storming into Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from July, Frozen the Musical is adapted from the Oscar-winning film and features all the songs you know, love, and have had stuck in your head for the last six years but with an added bonus in a dozen new songs created exclusively for the stage. Alongside sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.
While the film is truly unforgettable, the Broadway production has become a classic in its own right, featuring a creative team that has a collective 16 Tony awards to its credit and continually appearing as one of the top ten best-selling Broadway shows.
You don’t want to miss Frozen The Musical when it lands at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from Tuesday 7 July. Tickets to performances until Sunday 25 October 2020 are on sale now.
The rest of your trip
While you’re in town you might as well make the most out of your trip, so we’ve handpicked some of our favourite things to see and do in Sydney.
Where to Stay?
Throughout Sydney, there are accommodation options to suit every budget. From five-star hotels on Sydney Harbour to hostels and beachside hotels, spa retreats and resorts, apartments and cottages, or even camp on a harbour island – in Sydney, you can shape your holiday whichever way you want.
Looking for some inspiration? If you want to stay in the heart of the CBD look no further than Pullman Hyde Park, Pullman Quay Grand, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour or Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall. If you want to be closer to Olympic Park, we’ve got you sorted too with Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, Novotel Sydney Parramatta, and Pullman Sydney Olympic Park all great choices.
Take in the Harbour and Sydney’s stunning beaches
There is a reason that the Harbour is one of the most iconic and recognisable landscapes in the world. While it looks beautiful on land, it looks even better from the water – especially when you cast off under a billowing mainsail. You won’t regret setting sail on the harbour.
A trip to Sydney isn’t complete without some time spent at one of their ocean beaches. World famous Bondi is a cosmopolitan delight. The Promenade alongside the beach is a favourite track for joggers, Campbell Parade has some great café dining and you don’t want to miss the local beachwear boutiques. Manly has all the essential ingredients for a fabulous day in the sun. Hit the surf, get a lesson from the experts at surf school, head north for the sea pool at Freshwater Beach Baths or walk south to Shelly Beach. Or head to Balmoral Beach, with its serene shady park, sailing boats for hire and casual cafes and bistros, it’s the ultimate relaxation spot.
Delight your tastebuds
If exquisite and exciting food and drink is your thing then you’ve definitely come to the right place because the sky’s the limit when it comes to scenic watering holes in Sydney. Pull up a seat and soak up the views from Henry Deane, The Glenmore Hotel, Café Sydney, O Bar Dining, or Shangri – La Hotel’s Blu Bar on 36. For beachside views, you can’t beat Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Coogee Pavilion and Icebergs. The Streets of Barangaroo has flourished into feast central by the harbour including Barangaroo House, Anason, Cirrus, Lotus. Kensington Street is another hive of culinary activity. In the old Rum Store, Bistrot Gavoche’s neighbours include award winning Olio and the American/Japanese Eastside Grill. Also part of the exciting food mix is Spice Alley, a funky laneway packed with aromatic Asian Eateries. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it.
Shop til you drop
Whether you’re after luxury international brands or stand out Aussie fashion designers, Sydney is the shopping destination for you. Head over to the historic Queen Victoria Building where you’ll find luxury brands and high street retail amongst it’s gorgeous interior. The CBD’s splendid Victorian Strand Arcade has always been home to artisans, couturiers, milliners and shoemakers, and these traditions are still firmly upheld today, while Paddington is home to high-end Australian designer boutiques, niche art galleries, and cafes.
Explore the art scene
Sydney is brimming with world-class galleries hosting incredible art from around Australia and across the globe. Head to White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale and discover some of the most significant collections of contemporary Chinese Art. Finish your visit at the Tea House, with its tranquil vibe and wide range of Chinese finest tea. The Art Gallery of New South Wales, the leading museum of art, houses significant collections of Australian European, Asian and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, and The Factory, based in Marrickville, is a performance art space that’s always brimming with live music, theatre and comedy gigs featuring a steady mix of up and coming local artist and must-see international acts.
For tickets to all the above shows and to keep up to date with what’s on in Sydney, head to guides.ticketmaster.com.au/destinationnsw
**In partnership with Destination New South Wales
