Easter long weekend in Sydney: What’s open and things to do

Don't get bored this Easter long weekend! Here's what you can get up to, plus the shops open for all the essentials.


Not sure how to spend the Easter long weekend this year?

From virtual reality escape rooms and Easter fairs to jet boat rides and painting workshops, our guide has all the top things to do in Sydney. Plus, here are shopping centre opening hours so you can still pick up the essentials.

Things to do over the Easter long weekend in Sydney

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo from Wotif

Looking for the perfect family activity for the Easter long weekend? A trip to Taronga Zoo will not disappoint.

  • Location: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
  • Cost: $53 per person
View details
Sydney Virtual Reality Escape Room

Sydney Virtual Reality Escape Room from Adrenaline

Love a good challenge? Fill your weekend and battle it out of an escape room with up to 4 of your mates. This is an escape room with a twist. It's based in a world of VR where you'll have to walk, bend and throw in a virtual environment for your freedom.

  • Location: 4/393 George St, Sydney
  • Cost: $59 per person
View details
Outdoor Sip and Paint Class

Outdoor Sip and Paint Class from Classbento

Unwind this Easter long weekend with a glass in hand and a painted masterpiece to take home.

  • Location: Darling Point, Moore Park
  • Cost: From $95 per person
View details
Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride

Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride from RedBalloon

Push that adrenaline button with an exhilarating jet boat ride on the harbour. Expect wave jumps, 360 degree spins and more – all to the backdrop of Sydney's most famous icons.

  • Location: Departs from Circular Quay, Sydney
  • Cost: $85 per adult and $59 per child
View details
Multi-entry Combo Attraction Pass

Multi-entry Combo Attraction Pass from RedBalloon

Visit some of Australia’s most popular land and sea creatures at SEA LIFE and WILD LIFE in Darling Harbour. If you’ve visited both of these attractions already, you can also opt to visit Madame Tussauds and Sydney Tower Eye with this pass.

  • Location: Various locations across Sydney CBD
  • Cost: $63 per adult, $50 per child
View details
Sunset Kayaking Session on Sydney Harbour

Sunset Kayaking Session on Sydney Harbour from RedBalloon

If the sun is shining during the Easter long weekend, polish off a day with a breathtaking sunset kayak tour on Sydney Harbour.

  • Location: Departs near McMahons Point
  • Cost: $149 per person
View details
Tall Ship Lunch Cruise

Tall Ship Lunch Cruise from Adrenaline

If you’ve never experienced Sydney Harbour from the water, tick this off your list of things to do in Sydney. This 2-hour cruise experience also includes lunch and commentary. What’s not to love?

  • Location: Departs from Campbells Cove Jetty, The Rocks, Sydney
  • Cost: $109 per person
View details
Scenic Helicopter Flight

Scenic Helicopter Flight from Adrenaline

Go all out this Easter weekend with a scenic helicopter flight that gives you a bird's-eye view of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach.

  • Location: Departs from Sydney Airport
  • Cost: $250 per person
View details
Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens from RedBalloon

Tuck into a gourmet picnic featuring Southeast Asian flavours and native Australian ingredients accompanied by a bottle of wine in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

  • Location: 1 Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
  • Cost: $140 for 2 people
View details
SKYWALK at Sydney Tower Eye

SKYWALK at Sydney Tower Eye from RedBalloon

Take in 360 degree views of Sydney from the top of Sydney Tower Eye. The observation deck sits 268 metres above ground. Don't forget to pack your camera!

  • Location: Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Cost: $192 for 2 people
View details

Shops open over the Easter long weekend in Sydney 2025

Shopping centreGood FridaySaturdayEaster SundayEaster Monday
QVBClosed9am-6pmClosed11am-5pm
Westfield Pitt StreetClosed9:30am-7pmClosed10:00am–7:00pm
World Square10am-7pm10am–7pm11am-5pm10am–7pm
Westfield Bondi JunctionClosed9:30am-6pmClosed10am-6pm
Broadway Shopping CentreHOYTS open 10am - midnightCentre open 9am - 6pm, dining until 10pmCentre open 9am - 6pm, dining until 10pmCentre open 9am - 6pm, dining until 10pm
Supa Centa Moore ParkClosed10am–5pmClosed10am–5pm
Westfield Warringah MallClosed9am–5pmClosed10am–5pm
Westfield MirandaClosed9am-6pmClosed10am-6pm
Westfield ParramattaClosed9am-6pmClosed10am-6pm
Chatswood ChaseClosedClosed9:30am-5:30pm9:30am-5:30pm
Westfield ChatswoodClosed9am-6pmClosed9:30am-6pm
Macquarie CentreClosed9am-6pmClosed10am-6pm

Attractions open over the Easter long weekend in Sydney

AttractionGood FridaySaturdayEaster SundayEaster MondayWhere to book
Taronga Zoo9:30am–5pm9:30am–5pm9:30am–5pm9:30am–5pmWotif
SEA LIFE Aquarium9am–6pm9am–6pm9am–6pm9am–6pmRedBalloon
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo9.30am–6pm9.30am–6pm9.30am–6pm9.30am–6pmRedBalloon
Madame Tussauds9.30am–6pm9.30am–6pm9.30am–6pm9.30am–6pmRedBalloon
Sydney Tower Eye10am–7pm10am–7pm10am–7pm10am–7pmAdrenaline
Featherdale Wildlife Park8am–5pm8am–5pm8am–5pm8am–5pmRedBalloon
Australian National Maritime Museum10am–4pm10am–4pm10am–4pm10am–4pmRedBalloon

Restaurants, cafes and bars open over the Easter long weekend in Sydney

A snapshot of the restaurants you can book online that are open over the 2025 Easter long weekend.

RestaurantAddressOpening hoursCuisineBook
6HEAD7-27 Circular Quay W, The RocksFriday: Closed
Saturday: 12pm–10.30pm
Sunday:
12pm–9pm
Monday: 12pm-9.30pm
Steakhouse, AustralianRedBalloon
Bitton Cafe Rose Bay23 Plumer Rd, Rose BayFriday: 7am-2pm
Saturday:
7am-4pm
Sunday:
7am-4pm
Monday:
7am-4pm
FrenchRedBalloon
Bitton Alexandria36/37A Copeland St, AlexandriaFriday: Closed
Saturday:
7am-4pm
Sunday:
7am-4pm
Monday:
7am-4pm
FrenchRedBalloon
Teppanyaki by Kobe Jones176 Cumberland St The Rocks, SydneyFriday: 5pm-late
Saturday–Sunday: 12pm to late
Monday: 5pm-late
JapaneseGroupon
Cicchetti Restaurant & Wine Bar455 George St, SydneyFriday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 11.30am-5pm
Sunday:
11.30am-5pm
Monday: 10am-5pm
ItalianGroupon
Colors of India97 Victoria Road, ParramattaFriday: Closed
Saturday: 9am-10pm
Sunday:
9am-10pm
Monday: 9am-10pm
IndianGroupon
Exotik Latin Cafe284 King St, NewtownFriday: Closed
Saturday: 1pm-9:30pm
Sunday:
1pm-9:30pm
Monday: 1pm-9:30pm
Latin, South American, MexicanGroupon
Cantina Bar Balmain350 Darling Street, BalmainFriday: 11am-11pm
Saturday: 11am-11pm
Sunday:
11am-9:30pm
Monday: 11am-9:30pm
MexicanGroupon
Via Alta197 High St, WilloughbyFriday: 12pm–4pm, 6pm–10pm
Saturday: 12pm–4pm, 6pm–10pm
Sunday:
12pm–4pm, 6pm–10pm
Monday: Closed
ItalianGroupon
Penny Lane Bar and CafeLevel 1, Building 11 81-117 Broadway, UltimoFriday: 8am - 3pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Monday:
8am - 3pm
InternationalGroupon
The Bushranger Hotel24 Church St, CollectorFriday: Closed
Saturday: 11:30am-late
Sunday:
11:30am-late
Monday:
Closed
Australian, BarGroupon
Dalong Yi Hot PotShop 70, 1 Dixon Street, HaymarketFriday: 12–3pm, 5pm–8:30pm
Saturday: 12–3pm, 5pm–8:30pm
Sunday:
12–3pm, 5pm–8:30pm
Monday:
5pm–8:30pm
ChineseGroupon
Sapori D'Italia163 Oak Rd, KirraweeFriday: 5pm-9:30pm
Saturday: 11am-9:30pm
Sunday:
11am-9:30pm
Monday:
5pm-9:30pm
ItalianGroupon
Salt & Pepper Grill55 George St, KensingtonFriday: 10am-3:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm
Saturday: 10am-3:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm
Sunday: 10am-3:30pm, 5pm-10pm
Monday:
Closed
Australian, ItalianGroupon
Shaahi Tandoori200 Enmore Rd, EnmoreFriday: 5pm-11:30pm
Saturday: 1pm-11:30pm
Sunday:
1pm-11:30pm
Monday:
5pm-11pm
IndianGroupon
Common PlaceShop 24, 19A Evans Avenue Eastlakes Shopping Centre Eastlakes, NSWFriday: 6:30am-6pm
Saturday: 6:30am-3pm
Sunday:
7:30am-1pm
Monday:
6:30am-5pm
Canadian, CafeGroupon
Manjit's Wharf10/49 Lime St, Sydney, NSWFriday: 6pm-8pm
Saturday: 6pm-8pm
Sunday:
6pm-8pm
Monday:
Closed
Indian
  • Note: The above is accurate as of 7 April 2025. Public holidays may affect normal trading hours. Contact the venue before visiting to confirm their trading hours for 18–21 April 2025.

Top events in Sydney over the Easter long weekend

  • Sydney Royal Easter Show: Practically synonymous with the Easter holidays, the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show is a fun-for-all-ages event where woodchopping and produce-growing competitions meet carnival rides and showbags. 6–17 April, Sydney Olympic Park
  • Easter Storytime: Entertain the kids with some Easter tales. Select libraries, including Castle Hill Library
    and Dural Library, are hosting Easter-themed storytimes that include stories about the season as well as Easter craft.
  • Easter Egg Hunt on the Harbour Bridge: For something a little different BridgeClimb is hosting the first ever Easter Egg hunt on the Harbour Bridge. While you won't get to actually collect eggs, you can spy them hidden on the bridge and count them as you go along and each kid will get a delicious prize at the end of their climb. Suitable for kids 8+ years old. Prices from $176. 18-21 April 2025.
  • Fairfield Easter Fair: Fairfield Showground will be transformed into an Easter Wonderland this long weekend, with plenty of rides and fun for all ages. 17-21 April, Fairfield Showground
  • Giant Easter Egg Hunt: For something a little different, take the family out of Sydney for a day to join in one of the biggest, craziest egg hunts we know of. That's 25,000 chocolate eggs to find. Note: only children under 16 may participate in the hunt. 19 April, Glenworth Valley
  • Easter @ Broadway Shopping Centre: Most shopping centres hold Easter-themed events for the little ones. At Broadway in Glebe there will be an Easter Egg hunt at Create Club, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny and Easter-themed creative workshops. 17-19 April 2025.

Sydney Royal Easter Show review: Is it worth it?

With adult tickets priced at $41, and rides, food and show bags costing extra, the Sydney Royal Easter Show can quickly become an expensive day out. Is it worth the price? Finder's travel editor went in 2022 with her then 1-year-old and here are her thoughts:

Stef and River

River with a carrot

For me, the Easter Show was an integral part of my childhood. When I was a toddler, my parents took me to my first show in Moore Park. As a teen, I went with my school and then with my friends.

I've always loved the live entertainment, the animals, the rides and, yes, the show bags.

So after finding out that children under 4 are free, I couldn't resist the chance to take my little one to her very first show.

And yes, it didn't hurt that I saved a few bucks on the entry price as well.

The moment I walked through the gates, nostalgia hit. The bright lights of the rides called to me, the smell of carnival food drifted up to my nostrils and the excitement of watching wood-chopping events and equestrian displays put a smile on my dial.

The show didn't disappoint. It had everything it is known for from the bustling crowds and that electric atmosphere to local food and agriculture experiences. Everything was as I remembered, and from a parent's point of view, there was more than enough to keep the kids and adults entertained.

Wood chopping Easter Show

We mapped our way around early, which was a good thing too as by lunchtime the crowds had descended.

What I loved is that there was a heap of free stuff we could get stuck into. My daughter adored the Junior Farm Hands experience where she got to forage for (plastic) fruit and vegetables and trade her spoils for a handful of real fruit to eat.

We kept the animal theme going by visiting the pig, chicken and sheep pavilions but sadly missed out on the 10 Shake Farmyard Nursery as we got there during a peak period. Lesson learned there. Next time, we'll do better.

While she slept, I attended the wood-chopping competition, caught the street parade and meandered through the food dome, world bazaar and arts pavilions.

Sadly, having a 1-year-old with me meant that I had to skip the rides and the show bags. This was a blessing and a curse really, as the extra dollars in my pocket were nice, but the carnival really makes the show sing – at least in my opinion.

At $41 per adult, an Easter Show ticket is fairly steep. But, with so much going on – and a bunch of it for free – I reckon it's worth it. Particularly if you spend the whole day there.

Sheep shearing Easter Show

5 ways to save at the Sydney Royal Easter Show:

  1. Buy tickets early: Early-bird tickets bought before the show starts can save you a bundle on entry.
  2. Pack your own food: Carnie food is notorious for being overpriced and you can bring as much food in as can fit in your belly. Don't forget a water bottle, too.
  3. Go on Kids Day: Got a family? Visit on Kids Day. All tickets are discounted but kids tickets are discounted the most at more than 50% off.
  4. Go on Seniors' Day: If you hold a seniors card, you can save 50% on your ticket by visiting the show on your dedicated day.
  5. Visit after 4pm: Half-day tickets are cheaper than full-day ones. From 5pm, pavilions start to shut with most closed by 7:30pm. You'll also only have 5 hours to see and do what you want as the show closes at 9pm.

Top free things to do in Sydney over the long weekend

  • Visit the Botanic Gardens. Find the picnic basket and get your favourite bites together for a perfect Easter weekend date or a day out with the family.
  • Enjoy the waves at Freshwater Beach. Just because summer is over doesn't mean you can't enjoy the beach. Freshwater provides plenty of space (and in the middle of autumn, we don't think there will be many people around).
  • Sydney Harbour National Park. Located on Sydney's north shore, the national park boasts plenty to see, from the Hornby lighthouse to endless views of the horizon.
  • Sydney Heads. As a very coastal country, you don't have to go far for picturesque views of the sea, ideal for a weekend drive.
  • Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden. As the name suggests, this little slice of paradise is the perfect spot for a morning walk. Located in the CBD, you'll feel a million kilometres away.
  • West Head Lookout. The lookout provides (what feels like) never-ending views of the horizon that offer the perfect way to start or end the long weekend.
  • Visit Bare Island. Located in La Perouse, Bare Island is home to a 19th-century fort and the set of Mission Impossible 2.
  • Spend the day at Bicentennial Park. If you're after something a little further west, then the Homebush Bicentennial Park is a quiet retreat where you can spend the day picnicking with family and friends.
  • Relax at Maitland Bay Beach. This long stretch of coastline offers endless space on the sand to set up a water-side lunch. We recommend bringing a jacket as April tends to bring more wind to the beach and fewer crowds.

See the latest Easter long weekend deals

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Sydney bus tours from $55

Available on tours daily. Sample rate is for a classic ticket.
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Enjoy up to 54% discount on select Sydney accommodations when you book via Wotif. Available on travel dates from 7 March 2023 onwards. T&Cs apply.
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Jetstar flights in Australia from $29 one way at Skyscanner

Book Jetstar flights in Australia via Skyscanner with one way fares starting at $29. The sample fare applies to flights from Sydney to Ballina Byron via Jetstar. Other local flights via Jetstar include Melbourne, Launceston, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle, and Sunshine Coast. Fares subject to change depending on availability. T&Cs apply.
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Courtney Edwards's headshot
Assistant publisher

Courtney Edwards was associate travel publisher at Finder. She has a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism and sub-majoring in English from Western Sydney University and a Certificate II in Tourism. She discovered her love for travel while completing a semester abroad in England and travelling around Europe. Outside of work, you’ll find Courtney visiting new brunch spots and planning her next adventure. See full bio

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