By Carla Grossetti
Most interstate visitors to Sydney are amazed by the stunning beauty of the harbour and foreshore.
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Whether you're into cars or cricket, musicals or Mardi Gras, art or opera, summer is the time to celebrate in Sydney. Here is Carla Grossetti's guide for Sydney in summer.
Golf geeks will find their fairway to heaven watching the swinging stars at the Australian Open of Golf in November.
Most interstate visitors to Sydney are amazed by the stunning beauty of the harbour and foreshore, iconic buildings, sea-sculpted cliffs and beaches with bronzed lifesavers. They also provide the perfect backdrops for the many festivals throughout summer.
Between now and the start of Autumn 2015, the calendar is full of sport, music, culture, art, food and family friendly events.
First on the agenda is the myriad of sporting events around the city over summer. Golfers will find their fairway to heaven watching Rory McIlroy and other stars swing their way around the course at the Australian Open of Golf in November.
Die-hard soccer fans can watch world-class teams face-off for the 2015 AFC Asian World Cup in January.
Those who enjoy seeing hubcaps spinning in sync should steer toward the 500 V8 Supercar Championship at Sydney Olympic Park.
Die-hard soccer fans or those looking to catch a glimpse of amazing football talent, can watch world-class teams face-off for the 2015 AFC Asian World Cup in January.
Cricket tragics will be guaranteed a cracking pace at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 on February 14. Former Australian World Cup Player Brett Lee says it will be the biggest sporting event in Australia since the Sydney Olympics.
Dirty Dancing is returning to the Sydney Lyric Theatre
"I wish I was still playing because this is a chance for Australia to win the World Cup at home for the first time. I will be down at the SCG cheering the Aussies on," says Lee.
And another sporting event that is gaining global recognition is the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing in February. Australia's Kai Hing was just 16 when he took to the water at the 2014 event after receiving a wild card entry and competing against the Top 10 world-ranked surfers.
"I was so excited to get a wildcard to compete in the men's division. The vibe on the beach and the huge crowds watching is an awesome buzz. I can't wait to do it all again," says Hing.
Sydney also knows how to throw a party. Resolve to ring in the New Year while watching the fireworks rain down over Sydney Harbour.
Also firing on all cylinders is the Top Gear Festival, the motoring spectacular slated to be held in March.
At the other end of the spectrum are the arts and cultural festivals adding vibrancy and colour to the city, including the Sydney International Art Series and Parramasala.
On 17 – 19 October 2014, festivalgoers travelling west to Parramasala will feel like they've stepped onto a Bollywood film set with the opening street parade defined by a riot of colours, vibrant music and expressive dancing.
This year, the Sydney International Art Series', held from November to March, will feature Pop to popism at the Art Gallery of NSW and Chuck Close: Prints, Process and Collaboration at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Sydney also sees a lot of action on the entertainment front over summer. Film buffs should stake out a patch of grass for this year's annual Tropfest on December 7. Speaking from his home base in New York City, founder and director John Polson says he's seen some incredible stories come through for the 2014 competition.
"Tropfest conveys a global appetite for fresh storytelling voices. It's a great privilege to see the work of fresh creative talent take to the global stage. As a free event, it makes short films accessible to all," says Polson, who famously staged the first Tropfest to a crowd of about 200 at Darlinghurst's Tropicana Café 22 years ago.
The stage is also set for some imaginative musical offerings such as the Australian-made Dirty Dancing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre as well as an immersive performance of Handa Opera Aida set against the sparkling backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
Yes, Sydney also knows how to throw a party. Resolve to ring in the New Year while watching the fireworks sparkle over Sydney Harbour or wait until February for the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival's own whizz-bang display of brilliance.
Sydney Festival is another world class event that makes the cityscape come alive. This year's diverse program, which includes free and ticketed events, includes iconic international artists such as James Thierrée in the Australian exclusive performance of Tabac Rouge and a number of world premiere Australian works including Nothing to Lose by Force Majeure and Masquerade by playwright and actor Kate Mulvany.
Festival Director Lieven Bertels says what makes the festival special is its diverse programming. "Sydney Festival gives audiences the perfect excuse to celebrate the city in summer with everything from opera, theatre and contemporary dance to circus and family shows," he says.
Another warm-weather favourite in Sydney is Australia Day as scores of people use the public holiday as an excuse to hit the beach or harbour or have a barbecue with mates. The 2015 program features musical acts, arts and cultural events dotted around public spaces such as Hyde Park, Darling Harbour and the Rocks. Free activities include the Summer Playground for Kids, as well as the annual Ferrython, Tall Ships Race, Harbour Parade and Australia Day Regatta.
The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, from 13 February – 8 March, is also a nod to Sydney's progressive nature. Beyond the glitz and kitsch of the street parade, the carnival is also a forum for the gay and lesbian communities to promote messages of acceptance and equality.
Go to Sydney.com for more information about where all the action is this summer on the beaches, waterside dining, amazing events and great walks.
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