Don't retreat back under the doona this Boxing Day. We've crowdsourced 15 hangover-bashing ideas to make this the absolute best Boxing Day yet.
If you've been waiting for the perfect time to get that adventure in, why not on Boxing Day?
From getting out onto the water to heading to the skies, it's the perfect way to kick off the last week of the year.
Experience Oz
Experience Oz
Experience Oz
Hankering to escape the city and breathe some fresh (blue-tinged) air? Hop in the car and escape to the Blue Mountains this Boxing Day. A short drive away and otherworldly in appearance (the blue mist that hovers overhead is bordering on fairytale-like), the Blue Mountains is prime "mini break" territory for Sydneysiders.
Burn off excess Christmas calories with a hike up Wentworth Falls, meander Mount Wilson's gardens or relax in a kooky Katoomba cafe.
RedBalloon
After a tiring Christmas, there is nothing nicer than a slap-up Boxing Day feast – especially when you don't have to lift a finger.
From a seafood buffet lunch at a hotel and sticky dim sum dumplings in Chinatown to proper pub grub at your local, just make sure you book a table.
RedBalloon
RedBalloon
The ultimate bucket list item – but how often does it actually get ticked off?
We think there's no better time than Boxing Day. Stay with us here, we're very serious. Here's why:
RedBalloon
Boxing Day is a very big deal for film buffs. That's because it's when you can catch some of the biggest summer releases.
Whether you're off to watch a romantic comedy or you want to take the family to the next big kids flick, not much beats settling into a comfy armchair, munching on popcorn and fixing your eyes on that super-sized screen.
With Christmas in Sydney being a summer affair and all, outdoor movie experiences are all the rage on Boxing Day.
RedBalloon
Groupon
Groupon
We may not have a white Christmas Down Under but we do get to make the most of those warm December temperatures. Boxing Day provides the perfect opportunity to get out onto the water. Escape the crowds on Sydney's main beaches and hire your own kayak, paddleboard or boat for the day.
RedBalloon
RedBalloon
RedBalloon
Not a picnic and park kind of person? No worries. Take to the water with a Boxing Day cruise. Sit back and relax as you watch the waves pass you by with your choice of day cruises.
After a long and hectic year, you might be keen to surround yourself with nature. Maybe get close and personal with one of Australia's critters?
Fortunately, Sydney is surrounded by great wildlife opportunities and a koala cuddle could be just a ferry ride away.
RedBalloon
Viator
Viator
Treat yourself for a laugh, arts or cultural experience and get tickets to the latest opera/theatre/musical production.
There is an event showcasing on Boxing Day from Royal Randwick Racecourse.
And we don't need to tell you twice that 26 December is Boxing Day Test day for cricket fans. Head to your local to catch it on the big screen.
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster
Ticketek
Culture vultures and art addicts can get their fix on Boxing Day too. A lot of the city's art galleries and museums stay open for most of the day. Here's where you can go:
RedBalloon
Viator
We were surprised to find out that you could do this on Boxing Day, but we're mighty happy that you can.
Picture this: you're looking down on speck-like city buildings from a 52,000-tonne steel frame while sparkling water flows below and the morning sun warms your shoulders. Goodbye, post-Christmas blues!
From Insta-perfect local creeks to wave-battered ocean pools, Sydney has no shortage of sweet swim spots. Get a head start on those healthy New Year's resolutions and start Boxing Day with a cooling dip.
Our personal favourites include these great spots:
Need somewhere good for small children? Quaint and quiet Little Manly Beach has a child-friendly swimming net, relatively calm waters and a cute kiosk serving snacks.
Okay, let's be honest. While everything on this list sounds tempting, this one wins the award for most realistic.
You have more than a few binge menu items to choose from. Here's our handy streaming hub for everything you need to know.
Volunteering around Christmas is a great way to embrace the festive spirit – and Boxing Day isn't too late. Give the gift of your time and help out a worthy cause.
There are loads of causes around Sydney, such as children's charities, St Vinnie's and soup kitchens that would love your help.
We have 1 question: do you really want to spend the day after Christmas trying to tackle the Boxing Day crowd? Nope, neither do we.
Boxing Day is an important event in any shopaholic's calendar, but it also turns shopping into a migraine-inducing, elbow-bashing, bargain hunter's jungle.
Trust us when we say this: be a truly savvy shopper and stay at home. You can bag brilliant bargains on fashion, furniture, electronics, toys and travel all from the comfort of your sofa.
You'll even find online-only promo codes for extra savings that you wouldn't get in-store. To navigate the online sales like a pro, check out our full guide of all the Boxing Day sales you need to know about.
Want to browse in-store? Keep up to date with all the Boxing Day sales in Sydney.
| Attraction | Boxing Day trading hours | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Tower Eye | 10am–7pm | Adrenaline |
| Featherdale Wildlife Park | 9am–4pm | Amazed |
| Madame Tussauds | 10:30am–5pm | Klook |
| Stadium Australia | 9am–5pm | Adrenaline |
| Australian Maritime Museum | 10:30am–4pm | Amazed |
| Bridge Climb Sydney | All day | |
| Australian Museum | 10am–5pm | |
| Museum of Sydney | 10am–5pm | |
| Powerhouse Museum | 10am–5pm | |
| Art Gallery of NSW | 10am–5pm |
| Venue | Boxing Day trading hours | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| Via Alta | 6pm–7:30pm | Groupon |
| Turkish Shared Meze Feast Experience | 6pm–8pm | Scoopon |
| Cicchetti Restaurant and Wine Bar | 10am–1pm | Groupon |
| Cantina Bar Balmain | 2pm–5pm | Groupon |
| Dalong Yi Hot Pot | 2pm–8pm | Groupon |
| Namaste Nepali Indian Restaurant | 11:30am–9pm | Groupon |
| Shaahi Tandoori Enmore | 6pm–8pm | Groupon |
| Common Place | 5pm–7:30pm | Groupon |
| Salt & Pepper Grill | 12pm–6:30pm | Groupon |
| Ho Jiak - Town Hall | 11:30am–2:30pm and 5pm–9:15pm | |
| Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium | 11:30am–9pm | |
| Cafe Sydney | 5pm to late | |
| Bathers' Pavilion | 8am–12pm | |
| Jang Ta Bal | 5pm–11:55pm | |
| Chiswick | 7am-8pm | |
| North Bondi Fish | 12pm–8:45pm | |
| Alberto's Lounge | 12pm–late | |
| The Collaroy Hotel | 12pm-late | |
| Opera Bar | 11am–11pm | |
| The Golden Sheaf Hotel | 12pm-late | |
| Darlo Bar | 12pm-late | |
| Jackalberry | 7am-8:30pm | |
| The Dolphin Hotel | 12pm-10pm | |
| Shuk | 6am–2:45pm | |
| Gelato Messina Darlinghurst | 2pm-10pm | |
| Gelato Messina Bondi | 1pm-10pm | |
| Mayflower | 7:30am-2:15pm | |
| Cuckoo Callay Surry Hills | 7:30am–3pm |
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