Sydney in the summer leans into its outdoorsy personality, with clear skies, warm evenings and that unmistakable mix of beach culture and city buzz. With major holidays like Christmas and Boxing Day filling up December’s calendar, there is much to see and do. As the city gears up for one of its busiest days after Christmas, here is a guide for things to do on Boxing Day and tips to plan your day out.
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Planning Your Boxing Day In Sydney
What is Boxing Day in Australia?
Boxing Day in Australia is a laid-back sequel to Christmas. Evolved from the age-old tradition of distributing “Christmas boxes” and gifts, to being a public holiday that is associated with shopping sales and sporting events. It’s the perfect day for post-Christmas relaxing, shopping and watching big sporting events – all under the summer sun.
Why is Sydney’s Boxing Day so iconic?
Sydney turns this holiday into a city-wide event. The city becomes busy with a variety of activities and events like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Boxing Day cruises on Sydney Harbour, test matches and people spilling onto the beaches to enjoy the summer weather at its best.
Top Boxing Day Activities and Events In Sydney
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
One of the main events in Sydney on Boxing Day is the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. This annual racing event starts at Sydney and finishes in Hobart, Tasmania. The race distance is approximately 630 nautical miles and is considered one of the world’s most difficult yacht races. The best way to see the start of the race is onboard one of the spectator Boxing Day cruises that give you prime views of the racing vessels all lined up and waiting to sail out of the harbour!
Royal Randwick Racecourse
Celebrate the ‘festive season’ on Sydney’s famed racecourse. Royal Randwick hosts a festive race day every year on Boxing Day and it is the place to be. The event offers a stylish mix of sport, music, racewear fashion and summer socialising with delicious food and refreshing beverages! It’s a popular choice for those wanting a more elegant and event-focused outing.
Boxing Day Sales and Shopping Centres
Every shopper in Sydney waits for the Boxing Day Sales! Shopping centres and precincts like Westfield Sydney and Bondi Junction offer jaw-dropping deals and easy-to-score bargains on fashion, electronics and homeware. Picture all your favourite items at an all new discount!
(Pro Tip: plan your Boxing Day shopping well in advance as shoppers start lining up as early as 5am to be the first ones through the doors!)
Why Should You Spend Boxing Day Outdoors?
Benefits of enjoying Australia’s Summer Weather
This holiday arrives when the weather is best in Australia, making it the perfect excuse to be outside! Long and warm days means less layers and more tanning! You can swim, picnic and explore without worrying about it being too cloudy and moody.
How to avoid crowds while exploring
Crowds and Boxing Day go hand-in-hand. You’ll find the city teemed with locals and visitors having a fun day out, doing a little exploring – same as you.
- Arrive earlier to avoid people traffic at beaches, shopping areas and vantage points.
- Use public transport to skip out on waiting on the road.
What to pack for you Boxing Day out?
The summer sun is sure shining down on the city, so make sure to pack essentials:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- A refillable water bottle
- Wear light clothing
- Comfortable shoes
- Towel and swimmers (for the beach or harbour)
The quintessential attire for summer – flowy dresses, shorts and thongs, make it ideal to venture outside and enjoy the various activities that Sydney has to offer!
Boxing Day Events In Sydney Are Ideal For
Families
A family outing on Boxing Day is a great idea to keep the Christmas festivities going. Sydney’s abundance of parks, beaches and free lookout spots make it a stress-free holiday for parents and a fun one for children!
Kid-friendly attractions like Taronga Zoo are open on the day and the Darling Harbour playground with views of the yacht race ensure that you don’t feel excluded in the city-wide celebration!
Couples and friends
For couples and groups, Boxing Day in Sydney is a great opportunity to do some socialising! You can spend your day beach-hopping, watching the yacht race unfold or dress up for an elegant evening. Match the energy of your group to the experience, from fast-paced shopping sprees to relaxing cruises.
Visitors and first-timers
If you’re visiting Sydney for the first time, Boxing Day gives you Sydney at its peak: A vibrant harbour, lively summer crowds, amazing weather and a festive atmosphere!
Visitors can experience iconic hotspots like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach, all buzzing with activity.
Sailing fans and photographers
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race transforms the harbour into a moving gallery of colour. Sailing fans get spectacular views to the start of the race, the strategies and more from vantage lookout points on land or onboard a spectator cruise.
Photographers have endless opportunities all over Sydney – from candid crowds and festive decor to sweeping shots of the skyline and close-up action as the fleet charges!
Tips For Planning Boxing Day
Choosing the best locations for the day
With Sydney at full capacity, a little planning will spare you queues and last-minute stress. Depending on the experience, your Boxing Day location changes so here are a few recommendations:
For Yacht Race Views:
- North Head Lookout (Manly)
- Cremorne Point Reserve
- Robertson Park (Watsons Bay)
- Kirribilli Foreshore (near Jeffrey Street Wharf)
- Sydney Harbour Boxing Day Spectator Cruises
For Beach-focused Trippers:
- Bondi Beach
- Coogee Beach
- Manly Beach
For Shopping Deals:
- Pitt Street Mall
- The Galeries
- Parramatta Retail Hub
- Westfield Bondi Junction
For Picnic Spots with Harbour Views:
- Barangaroo Reserve
- Royal Botanic Garden
Comparing events, activities and costs
Boxing Day can fit any budget. Free experiences include coastal walks, view of the yacht race and beach time. Paid options include attraction entry fees, guided tours and Boxing Day cruises. The variety of these experiences gives you the freedom to shape your day, whether you lounge on the sand or attend a special event.
When to book for a hassle-free Boxing Day experience ?
- Plan your day well in advance in terms of what activities, events or places you will visit.
- Book the activities as early as November, because popular tours, dining venues and special event tickets sell out quickly.
- Check out public transport schedules, timetables and parking restrictions ahead of time so you don’t stress out on that day!
The Takeaway: Boxing Day In Sydney
Boxing Day is Sydney’s answer to summer – sunny, active and social! Between the world-famous yacht race and buzzing city centres, the city has an experience for everyone. So, whether you plan to watch the yachts race out the harbour, dive into discounts or spend the day outdoors, spend this Boxing Day in Sydney at your pace.
