Here’s what’s happening in Sydney on New Year’s Day

Sydney knows how to do New Year’s Eve with a bang. 

You’ll see our famous fireworks display on television screens around the globe and revellers attending an endless list of functions city-wide.

But while Sydney is abundant with events and things to do on New Year’s Eve, News Year’s Day is a different story.

The first day of the new year is often overlooked or unplanned on account of many being royally hungover from the festivities of the night before and alas, Sydney becomes a ghost-town. 

So, to gear you up for a fabulous 2018, FEMAIL have rallied to assemble a tasty array of eats, beats and leisurely activities for your number one day of the year.

Sydney is home to stunning beaches and beautiful views, kick-start your New Year in style

THE BUCKET LIST, BONDI BEACH 

Located on one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches, this venue offers incredible views and the option to take a dip before or after a delicious meal. 

With free entry and doors set to open at 11am this is a great option for those who had a little too much bubbly the night before and need a sleep-in. Full drinks and food menus are available as well as a summer cocktails list. 

The Bondi House DJs will keep you entertained (and awake) while you sip on that Bloody Mary and return to the land of the living after the festivities of NYE.

The Bucket List Bondi Beach (pictured) is located on one Sydney’s most iconic beaches. With great food, drinks and music this is a great way to spend the 1st-of-January, 2018

The Bucket List Bondi Beach (pictured) is located on one Sydney’s most iconic beaches. With great food, drinks and music this is a great way to spend the 1st-of-January, 2018

The Bondi House DJs will keep you entertained with beats to get you ready for a fantastic 2018

The Bondi House DJs will keep you entertained with beats to get you ready for a fantastic 2018

COOGEE PAVILION AND ROOFTOP 

With several bars and stunning views of the beach, Coogee Pavilion is an ideal spot to start your new year.

This seaside venue is host to an extensive and reasonably priced cocktail menu and some of Sydney’s finest seafood. The Ground Floor is great for family catch-ups, sipping a barista-made brew or meeting with friends in a more casual setting.

While the Rooftop features four separate bars, a spacious balcony and a ‘mouth-watering’ Mediterranean menu. If fresh air is what you’re after, head to the rooftop ASAP to secure yourself a table overlooking the water.

With several bars and stunning views of the beach, Coogee Pavilion is an ideal spot to start your new year 

With several bars and stunning views of the beach, Coogee Pavilion is an ideal spot to start your new year 

The Coogee Pavilion Rooftop features four separate bars, a spacious balcony and a 'mouth-watering' Mediterranean menu perfect for NYD recovery

The Coogee Pavilion Rooftop features four separate bars, a spacious balcony and a ‘mouth-watering’ Mediterranean menu perfect for NYD recovery

WATSONS BAY BOUTIQUE HOTEL  

Celebrate the New Year by relaxing in one of Sydney’s most remarkable harbourside spots. For a sun-soaked day complete with fresh seafood and seasonal drinks look no further. A relaxing a idyllic position to kick-start your year in all the right ways.

The iconic hotel boasts a nautical-themed Beach Club which has quickly become a hotspot for visitors and locals alike. 

And staff promise that the hotel’s chefs ‘aim to aide your cocktail-filled day with sashimi tasting plates, delicious classics and chilled seafood feasts making for that perfect Instagram shot.’

As the winner of ‘Hotel of the Year’ and ‘Best Social Media’ by the NSW Australian Hotel Association Awards for Excellence in 2016, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is certain not to disappoint you on your first day of 2018.

The Watsons Bay Boutique hotel chefs 'aim to aide your cocktail-filled day with sashimi tasting plates, delicious classics and chilled seafood feasts'

The Watsons Bay Boutique hotel chefs ‘aim to aide your cocktail-filled day with sashimi tasting plates, delicious classics and chilled seafood feasts’

For a sun-soaked day complete with fresh seafood and seasonal drinks look no further than Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

For a sun-soaked day complete with fresh seafood and seasonal drinks look no further than Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

FAMILY FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS 

Many attractions you wouldn’t expect to be open on this often quiet day, in fact are.

Dive head-first into 2018 by treating yourself to something a little more unique and fun for everyone in your family. 

SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM 

An underwater experience like no other. The aquarium is home to 12 different themed zones that are sure to get your senses back in tact from the night before.

The underwater and interactive exhibits are fun and exciting for those of all ages and this is sure to be a unique and memorable way to spend the first day of the year if you’re not keen on a noisy restaurant or wild party.

Once you’re done, why not take a stroll around our stunning Cockle Bay Wharf and feast your eyes and your stomach at one of many restaurants open on the 1st.  

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is home to 12 different themed zones that are sure to get your senses back in tact from the night before

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is home to 12 different themed zones that are sure to get your senses back in tact from the night before

TARONGA ZOO 

Also open for business on NYD is our world-famous zoo. Home to over 400 animals this is an attraction certain to gear you up for a fantastic year ahead. 

Just a 12 minute ferry ride from the city, the zoo is easy to access and full of adventure. 

Enjoy the Free-Flight Bird Show overlooking stunning Sydney Harbour or get yourself to a live seal show for some laughs and entertainment. 

The zoo has a recently refurbished food and refreshments zone though you can always save a few pennies by packing snacks to keep you fuelled up throughout the day. 

Don’t forget your camera, the first snap you get this year will be a keeper! 

Home to over 400 animals Taronga Zoo is certain to gear you up for a fantastic year ahead

Home to over 400 animals Taronga Zoo is certain to gear you up for a fantastic year ahead

HYDE PARK BARRACKS 

If history and information is what you need to kick-start your new year, head to one of Sydney’s many fine museums. 

The World Heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks is one of the most significant convict sites in the world. 

The Barracks gives insight into Sydney’s rich history and will get your mind set for a productive and vibrant 2018. With only a $12 entry fee this is a great post-New year’s Eve activity and something fun for the whole family. 

Once you’re finished absorbing all the knowledge this wonderful museum has on offer, take a walk through the stunning Hyde Park itself. 

The World Heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks is one of the most significant convict sites in the world and the perfect place to take the family for January-1st

The World Heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks is one of the most significant convict sites in the world and the perfect place to take the family for January-1st

MORE RELAXED OPTIONS 

THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN, SYDNEY 

If getting dolled up or learning new things sounds like too-much-to-handle for you on NYD, opt for a relaxing day in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. 

The Gardens are an unexpected delight nestled on Sydney’s glorious harbour that offer an insight into the wildlife we are home to here in Sydney.

Gather your picnic basket and sunglasses and ring in the New Year by overlooking arguably one of the most stunning harbours in the world. 

For a relaxing start to the year, you can’t go past the stunning views and surround flora of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

(Don’t forget to pack sunblock)  

For a relaxing start to the year, you can’t go past the stunning views and surround flora of Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens

For a relaxing start to the year, you can’t go past the stunning views and surround flora of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens

 MILK BEACH, VAUCLUSE

Want to spend the first day of 2018 by the water but can’t bare the thought of a Bondi style mosh-pit? Milk Beach in Vaucluse, though less-known is one of Sydney’s finest.

Milk Bay is still somewhat secret  and resembles none of the hustle and bustle you'll find in the city

Milk Bay is still somewhat secret and resembles none of the hustle and bustle you’ll find in the city

This sandy spot is still somewhat secret as it’s tucked away from the inner city and resembles none of the hustle and bustle you’ll find there.

Although New Year’s Eve is set to be dampened by rainy showers, NYD is install for a sunny 28C! So if the night before was a late one, lying on a secluded beach is a fantastic option to get you ready for the year ahead. 

Bring your own food and plenty water so the only thing you have to think about is when to roll-over during sun-baking.

Tucked away from the city lies a semi-secret beach in Vaucluse where you avoid the crowds and still enjoy a picturesque view of the city from afar

Tucked away from the city lies a semi-secret beach in Vaucluse where you avoid the crowds and still enjoy a picturesque view of the city from afar

GORDONS BAY 

Just a short walk from Coogee beach and nestled amongst stunning homes lies this Eastern Suburbs jewel. 

This semi-secluded beach requires a short but steep walk through a trail of wattle trees and picturesque views. 

The spot is little-known to tourists and therefore is the perfect spot to take a dip and soak up some sun without the masses of people you’ll find at Coogee or Bondi beach. 

There is only a small amount of sand here so as long as you’re happy to soak up the sun on the rocks, this beach is perfect. 

Just a short walk from Coogee beach and nestled amongst stunning homes lies this Eastern Suburbs jewel, Gordons Bay

Just a short walk from Coogee beach and nestled amongst stunning homes lies this Eastern Suburbs jewel, Gordons Bay

 



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