From sun-drenched beach swims to surprising new ways to play, Sydney's golden days are extraordinary – throughout spring, summer and well beyond. Here's a guide on how to make the most of the city's stunning rays.

Become part of the harbour's sparkle

Let Sydney Harbour fill you with inspiration as light dances across the harbour's surface on an early-morning adventure with Ozpaddle, or take your place on the water on a boat adventure with EastSail or My Sydney Boat. If you'd prefer to stay ashore, enjoy long, sunny days exploring the harbour's secret beaches and islands, then roll into twilight and wonder at the city's glittering skyline. Come nightfall, relish in the harbour backdrop as you dive into world-class events at the Sydney Opera House and world-class dining at Bennelong.

Reconnect with nature at sunrise

Wake up with the animals at the Roar & Snore accommodation experience at Taronga Zoo, salute the sun with a free Yoga Under the Bridge class or ease into the day with a stand-up paddleboarding adventure from Manly Kayak Centre. Back on land, see the sandstone cliffs and world-famous beaches on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, enjoying the cafes and kiosks along the way, or head inland to Lake Parramatta, Western Sydney Parklands or Ku-ring-gai National Park for a gentle meander through lush bushland.

Drift off to the sounds of the sea

Sun, surf and sunshine make every beach holiday worthwhile – but it's staying in laidback luxury that make a Sydney holiday sing. Kick back and relax at Lilypad Palm Beach, a floating villa surrounded by the beauty of Palm Beach and/or dine or wine at Jonah's Whale Beach, after a day spent exploring the Northern Beaches peninsula. Post sunset, soak up views of Sydney's sparkling harbour from the comfort of your suite at Pier One Sydney Harbour, Four Seasons Hotel, W Sydney, Sebel Quay West, or Ovolo Woolloomooloo.

Be revitalised by a new rush

Feel on top of the world as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Aboriginal storyteller on BridgeClimb's Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience. Take a scenic Sydney Seaplanes flight, then learn to surf in Bondi or Manly – the sweeping views between these two seaside suburbs are worth checking out on one of Sydney's most epic trails: the Bondi to Manly Walk. Head south of the city to Cronulla for more incredible surfing, plus access to the jaw-dropping 26km Coast Track through the Royal National Park. Here you can continue your adventures by mountain bike riding the Loftus loop trail, or hiring a canoe or kayak from Audley Boat Shed.

Make the most of the long, warm nights

The energy is electric come nightfall in Sydney, as a balmy breeze casts its spell across the city. Assemble your crew for drinks with a view at Henry Deane, Smoke, Aster or Opera Bar, or clink glasses in YCK Laneways' secret speakeasies. Then make the most of Sydney's jam-packed calendar of sporting events, theatre shows and live music, or head to the Inner West for a headline gig at the Enmore Theatre, NSW's longest-running theatre. Afterwards, debrief over a late-night feast in Darling Quarter (near Darling Harbour) or Chinatown.

Revive your spirit in soothing waters

With a plethora of beaches between Cronulla and Palm Beach, Sydney is a saltwater playground for every swimmer. Strap on your snorkel and immerse yourself in the marine wonderland of Cabbage Tree Bay or get your wildlife fix on dry land at Cape Solander, where whales migrate past the soaring sandstone escarpment (peak season is around June and July). When it's time to just kick back and rejuvenate, make it your mission to visit each of the city's outdoor pools, stunning oceanside swimming spots, many of which have been spectacularly carved into the rock.

Plate up new memories

Match these shiny days with memorable foodie experiences across the city. Savour fresh seafood at the Sydney Fish Market, enjoy a long lunch on the water at Catalina, dine al fresco on the Woolloomooloo wharf or let your tastebuds guide you through Chinatown, where there's an incredible mix of cuisines from Cantonese to Korean barbecue, plus cocktails and excellent yum cha.

Let curiosity lead you out of town

With so many incredible holiday hubs within easy reach of the city, why not savour a scenic day trip? Journey south and follow the Grand Pacific Drive across the Sea Cliff Bridge for a memorable day on the South Coast. Head north and beach hop along the Central Coast or west to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains for a day of wild walks, grand gardens, intriguing caves and cable-car adventures.

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