EVENTS

Sydneysiders have both a penchant and a talent for throwing a little glam on the glitter, saluting the moi and testing the bounds of legally-sanctioned partying. From brightly-clad jogging enthusiasts to naked Mardi Gras lovers, this city knows how to kindle up the fireworks and put a bang into celebrations.

It all kicks off with the huge Sydney Festival, which takes up most of January. It's the umbrella for a number of events from open-air concerts in The Domain to street theatre and fireworks. The Great Ferry Boat Race celebrates Australia Day in January. Indie film festival Tropfest happens in February, as does the spectacular Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. The more traditional 12-day Royal Easter Show brings the country to the city in March/April. The Sydney Writers Festival brings international scribes to the city in May, and hot on its heels is the Sydney Film Festival, reeling in the crowds in June.

Around 20,000 compete in the annual 14km (8.5mi) City to Surf Run in August. And sports fans are in for a treat with the Rugby League Grand Final in September. The Manly International Jazz Festival tunes up in October and in the same month you can laugh along with the Sydney Comedy Festival. The city's Christmas orphans traditionally gather on Bondi Beach on Christmas Day, drinking up a storm and keeping the life-savers and police busier than they would like to be on a public holiday. After a short nap, they do it all over again on New Years Eve. Those scared of the water usually do their end-of-the-year hellraising in The Rocks or Kings Cross. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts in late December and continues through to January.

Public Holidays
26 Jan - Australia Day
First Monday in Oct - Labour Day
First Monday in Aug - Bank Holiday
Second Monday in Jun - Queen's Birthday
1 Jan - New Year's Day
25 Apr - Anzac Day
26 Dec - Boxing Day
25 Dec - Christmas Day
Mar-Apr - Easter


When to Go

Sydney is comfortable to visit at any time of year, but unless you enjoy humidity, broken by the odd torrential downpour, keep away in summer. Autumn is delightful, especially around March and April, with clear, warm days and mild nights. In Spring (September to November) there's more chance of rain, but it usually clears quickly. Average temperatures are around 25°C (77°F), though it can get to over 40°C (104°F) in summer. By and large, Sydneysiders enjoy well over 300 sunny days a year.