It a rare unicorn in calendar form, but this year; boxing day is followed by yet another public holiday. After you’ve thanked the gods and put all your money on red, head to one of these festive spots to cure your Christmas hangover and enjoy the blissful, minimum responsibly period that is the last week of the year.
Oh, and its forecast to be sunny, 33 degrees with a likely chance of alcohol.
#1 Watch the Sydney to Hobart
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is the dose of fun-loving outdoor activities you need – without having to participate. To soak up the atmosphere, a spot on North or South Head, or even join the action on the water among the colourful spectator fleet. Good vantage points for spectator boats include Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay and North Head on the west and Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove and South Head to the east.
#2 Fancy pants lunch at Watson’s Bay
If travelling up to North or South head doesn’t sound appealing, Watson’s Bay Hotel is serving up brunch in the Sunset room from 11am. Enjoy views of the race, the spectacular harbour and quite possibly some of the best seafood in Sydney. There will also be DJs and special guests so you can dance off that second serving of lunch from the day prior.
#3 Go shopping
If you’re a die-hard shopper, then you don’t need us to tell you that this is the biggest day of the retail year. We suggest leaving the car at home and heading straight to where the action is – Sydney Westfields, QVB, Strand Arcade and Galleries Victoria. For a late lunch celebrating your finds, head to Fratelli Fresh at the Westfield for a hearty pasta and a negroni. Their happy hour is 3-6pm.
#4 Shady Pines Saloon
If you would rather escape the heat than embrace it, and nurse your withering woes from the train wreck that may have been family Christmas, head to Shady Pines in Darlinghurst. Drown yourself in air-conditioning and whiskey cocktails in an American style saloon and don’t peep your head out until the sun is well and truly down.
#5 Picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens
And if free events are more to your taste, the best seat in the house on a sunny Sydney day is by the lake in the Royal Botanical Gardens. Dust off the picnic blanket, pack a lunch, and lie spread eagle in sun while you secretly dread your new year’s plans. There’s also the pop-up harbour side wine bar Busby’s, for those with thicker wallets.
Image source: Time Out, Broadsheet, Zimbio, Watson’s Bay, Life Without Andy.