October Long Weekend in Sydney
Mona Vale Rockpool, Mona Vale - Credit: Eugene Tan
The first Monday in October is Labour Day, giving the whole city three days off to enjoy the start of spring. There are lots of ways to enjoy the long weekend in Sydney: Head to the beach for the first swim of the season, explore a coastal walking trail, plan a picnic or spot whales migrating along the coast.
Spring is a beautiful time of year in Sydney with an array of flowers and plants coming into bloom. Visit one of the city's beautiful parks to see native flora, such as Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Or stop for a picnic in one of Sydney’s beautiful green spaces.
Read more: Secret Sydney spots you may have all to yourself
In October, thousands of whales make their way down the east coast of Australia towards Antarctica. Spot them from vantage points like Barrenjoey Lighthouse, North Head, the Federation Cliff Walk and Cape Solander. You can also hop aboard a whale-watching cruise. Visit Wild About Whales for recent sightings.
Read more: The ultimate guide to whale watching in Sydney
Taronga Zoo is always a favourite. Meet lions, giraffes, zebras and meerkats in the African Savannah exhibit, take an immersive Tiger Trek through the Indonesian jungle, and watch the seals show off their aquatic skills at the daily presentations. In Darling Harbour, explore the Great Barrier Reef by night at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or spot the koalas in Gum Tree Valley (and many more critters) at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. In Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from around the world in sprawling, innovative exhibits.
Read more: Eight animals you can see up-close in Sydney
With the weather warming up, the October long weekend is a great time for a dip. Check the surf on the beaches in the Eastern Suburbs or Northern Beaches or discover one of Sydney’s secret harbour beaches. Along the coast are spectacular ocean pools for a swim, like the 115-year-old Wylie’s Baths in Coogee and Mona Vale Rockpool.
Read more: Different ways to play at Sydney's best beaches
Get active by exploring the city’s walking trails, from coastal pathways to rugged bushland hikes. Bondi to Coogee, the Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head and the Manly to the Spit Bridge all provide glorious views of the city and its surrounds. If you prefer to travel on two wheels, check out these top cycling routes.
Read more: The best ways to escape the city without leaving Sydney
Head to Western Sydney for a whole host of exciting activities. You’ll find elevated obstacle courses and rollercoaster zip lines for the whole family at TreeTop Adventure Park. In Penrith, go skydiving without having to get in a plane at iFLY Downunder, fly through the air with a water jet-powered backpack with Jetpack Adventures, hug the corners on a high-speed go-kart track at Luddenham Raceway and much more. At Sydney Olympic Park the kids can try archery, bike around Bicentennial Park, take a segway tour, attend a circus class or check into the dive clinic at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
Read more: The ultimate thrill seeker's guide to Western Sydney
Holiday | 2023 | 2024 |
---|---|---|
New Year's Day | Sunday 1 January (Additional day Monday, 2 January ) | Monday 1 January |
Australia Day | Thursday 26 January | Friday 26 January |
Good Friday | Friday 7 April | Friday 29 March |
Easter Saturday | Saturday 8 April | Saturday 30 March |
Easter Sunday | Sunday 9 April | Sunday 31 March |
Easter Monday | Monday 10 April | Monday 1 April |
Anzac Day | Tuesday 25 April | Thursday 25 April |
King's Birthday/June Long Weekend | Monday 12 June | Monday 10 June |
October Long Weekend (Labour Day) | Monday 2 October | Monday 7 October |
Christmas Day public holiday | Monday 25 December | Wednesday 25 December |
Boxing Day | Tuesday 26 December | Thursday 26 December |
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