There's nothing like a Sydney summer – warm days, balmy nights, and every corner of the city seems to blossom with premier cultural events and activities. The infectious vibe starts early in December and carries through until the end of January, with festivals on most weekends. If you're holding a conference or exhibition around this time, it's a perfect opportunity to treat your delegates to a true taste of Sydney culture, entertainment, adventure and life.
You can visit the 'Events Sydney' website for a complete rundown of this year's buzzing schedule. In the meantime, here's a list of the biggest and best events and activities on the Sydney 2011-12 summer calendar.
1. Picasso, Masterpieces, Art Gallery NSW, now until 25 March
Sydney Morning Herald art critic, John McDonald, has called this exhibition the most important show to ever hit our shores. Indeed, with record-breaking attendances, this collection of masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso in Paris has become the exhibition to view this summer.
Tip: Pre-book your tickets online to avoid the queues.
2. Carols by the Tree, Darling Harbour, 24 December
A little Christmas cheer does wonders for the soul, so get into the mood this year and catch the last night of this annual event before Santa arrives in town. Sing carols with hundreds of others around the enormous sparkling Christmas tree.
Tip: Head to Chinatown afterwards for dinner where the restaurants are always open late.
3. Christmas Day on the beach
If you or your delegates are normally accustomed to snow and eggnog at this time of year, spending a hot Christmas Day on one of Sydney's iconic beaches will make for a most memorable celebration. Swap turkey for prawns and fresh seafood, and pudding for ice-cream.
Tip: To avoid the crowds, head to a less-populated beach such as Bronte or head north over the Harbour Bridge to Whale or Bungan Beach.
4. Boxing Day on Sydney Harbour, 26 December
For many locals and visitors, it's almost mandatory to be on or around Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
A picnic on the water's edge provides the perfect backdrop to feast on Christmas Day leftovers.
Tip: Hiring a boat on the Harbour is a great way to get up close to the yachts. If that's not in the budget you can always jump on a ferry at Circular Quay to get into the spirit of things.
5. Fireworks Celebrations, New Years Eve
At the stroke of midnight on 31 December each year, images of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are beamed across the world – showcasing the spectacular fireworks displays that illuminate the harbour. With several excellent vantage points throughout the city and harbour foreshores, you and your guests can join more than 1.5 million Sydneysiders expected this year to watch both the 9 pm and midnight visual extravaganzas.
Tip: Visit the website to enter the competition to win an exclusive, VIP New Year's Eve experience for you and 10 of your friends.
Bonus tip! Beat the crowds and download the free iphone app, which includes an interactive map with the best vantage points and important services updates to help you get around on the night.
6. Second Test, Australia v India, Sydney Cricket Ground, 3-7 January
Watching the Australian cricket team battle itout during summer has become as ubiquitous to locals as prawns on the barbie. What better way to experience this great Aussie traditional than to watch it live at this famous inner city ground.
Tip: This is likely to be the last Australian tour for Indian great Sachin Tendulkar so don't miss your chance to see "Little Master" in action as he chases his one hundredth century in first class cricket.
7. Sydney Festival, 7-29 January
Sydney's premier arts and cultural festival attracts some of the world's greatest musical and performing artists. Highlights include the Festival First Night, which has become the city's biggest street party and officially kicks off the event.
Tip: Don't fret if your chosen show is sold out as "Tix for Next to Nix" sells a small allotment of tickets for each day's shows for $25. Check website for details.
8. St George Open Air Cinema, 11 January – 18 February, 2012.
Imagine watching an outdoor film premiere at Mrs Macquaries Point, on the shores of Sydney Harbour. As the sun sets over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, a massive cinema screen rises out of the water, and so the drama begins. This world-class cinema festival is usually a sell-out but a small amount of tickets are sold each night at the venue.
Tip: The show goes on regardless of rain so if the weather is looking questionable pack your poncho and be prepared to get a little wet!
9. Australia Day Celebrations, 26 January
For many Sydneysiders, Australia Day is spent on a boat puttering around the harbour watching the annual ferry race and waiting for the evening fireworks. For others, it's a time to celebrate our Indigenous culture and reflect on our nation's past. A unique way to start the day is at Farm Cove, within the Royal Botanic Gardens, for a traditional Aboriginal Morning Ceremony.
Tip: You could also visit La Perouse in the city's south for the annual Survival Day Concert, one of the biggest Aboriginal cultural events of the year.
10. BridgeClimb, Sydney Harbour
For the absolute 'wow' factor, a BridgeClimb during a clear summer's day has become a must-do for locals and tourists alike. Choose from early morning walks or a beautiful sunset climb to capture the breadth of the city from the Pacific Ocean to the east, to the sprawling western suburbs and beyond to the Blue Mountains.
Tip: The bridge is closed 30-31 December. There are still places left for Christmas
Day, but it might be wise to climb before indulging in that big Christmas lunch.
While there are amazing things to do all year round in Sydney, and we think of December and January as quiet times, summer really is a wonderful time to showcase the best of Aussie life to your event delegates and associates.
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