Things to do in Sydney this Long Weekend (24 – 26 January)

Things to do all weekend

1. Dinosaur Valley, Scenic World Katoomba

Australia’s biggest dinosaur experience is now open at Scenic World, with even more fun for the whole family.

For the first time, you’ll hear a new sound in the rainforest at Dinosaur Valley – the voice of Dino Super Fan and TV presenter, Andy Day. As you go on your dino-size adventure, look for Andy’s exclusive Dinosaur Valley videos and audio buttons to learn about his favourite dinosaurs and incredible facts and feel his infectious enthusiasm for our dinotastic friends.

This year, Dinosaur Valley has its biggest herd ever – 60 dinosaurs and 29 species have migrated into the rainforest and around Scenic World. You’ll find (and hear!) T Rex, Stegosaurus, Velociraptors, Dilophosaurus, some of Australia’s very own dinosaurs such Minmi and Australovenator, and many more roaring, moving dinosaurs.

• When: Until 9 February
• Where: 1 Violet Street, Katoomba
• Cost: Adults from $54 | Kids from $32.40
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

2. Free Movies at Warner Bros. Discovery Open Air Cinema, Darling Quarter

Get ready for a cinematic summer as Darling Quarter transforms into Sydney’s go-to outdoor movie destination. 

Start your new year with fun-filled, free evenings at Darling Quarter. From 9 to 26 January, Sydneysiders can grab their families and furry friends to enjoy 18 hit movies in the heart of the city.

The event kicks off on Thursday, 9 January, with an enchanting screening of Wonka to set the tone for a month of blockbusters. Friday brings the breakout hit of 2023, Barbie, while Saturdays are reserved for magical marathons featuring six of the eight beloved Harry Potter films across three weekends.

As always, attendees can register for free unallocated seating and bring their own rugs or chairs. For added comfort, beanbags and picnic rugs are available to reserve for $10. Walk-ins are welcome, but early arrival is advised as seating is first-come, first-served and will close once capacity is reached.

For the first time, Warner Bros. Discovery will offer headsets to enhance the audio experience for attendees. While the movie will be played through speakers for all Darling Quarter visitors to enjoy, 350 headsets will be available each night for those seeking cinema-quality sound.

• When: 9 January to 26 January, 6pm-11pm
• Where: Darling Quarter, 1-25 Harbour Street, Sydney, 2000
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

3. Dogwood Exhibition

DOGWOOD Exhibition: Charismatic Dog Sculptures & Enchanting Landscape Paintings by Northern Beaches artist Col Ritchie.

• When: 18 January to 30 January, 10am-4pm
• Where: Sydney Road Gallery, Sydney Road, Balgowlah NSW, Australia
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

4. Opera Australia Presents Cinderella

Opera Australia presents Cinderella in association with Sydney Festival. It’s playing at the Joan Sutherland Theatre at Sydney Opera House from 2 January–28 March 2025.

You know the fairy tale, now feel the magic of Laurent Pelly’s whimsical production of Cinderella. After packed-out runs at the Metropolitan Opera of New York and Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, this acclaimed staging of Cinderella makes a grand Australian debut.

Massenet’s classic opera has long delighted audiences with its sumptuous music and big heart. This production adds a delightful dash of humour with playful choreography and extravagant costumes in outrageous shapes and sizes. Barbara de Limburg’s extraordinary set is a pop-up storybook world inspired by an original illustrated edition of the fairy tale, complete with fold-out balcony and paper-cut carriage.

Performed in English, this crowd-pleasing production is perfect for newcomers, but opera-lovers are in for a royal treat. Massenet’s score offers plenty of opportunities for the cast to show off. Rising star Emily Edmonds, audience favourite Emma Matthews and internationally renowned Australian mezzo soprano Margaret Plummer will relish the comedy and poignancy of the score. We can’t promise you happily ever after, but you can expect 90 minutes of joy and wonder. Dust off your glass slippers and step into a land of enchantment and nostalgia. Maybe dreams really do come true.

• When: 2 Jan – 28 March
• Where: Sydney Opera House
• Cost: From $79
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

5. The Wind in the Willows

Join Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly,  and, of course, Mr Toad as they bring Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank to the stage

This critically acclaimed outdoor theatre production delivers music, songs, and laughs. There is fun for young and old as the Head Chief Rabbit transforms the audience into rabbits with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose. The young ‘rabbits’ are encouraged to get involved in the action and are given every opportunity to scream out loud, sing along and become part of the adventure. With laughs and surprises for children and adults, this is interactive theatre at its best.

Celebrating 20 years in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and over 35 years in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and The Wind in the Willows is Australia’s best-loved affordable family entertainment.

‍Seating: ‍This is a picnic seating event, and patrons are welcome to bring any food or drinks that you would like as well as picnic blankets, wet weather gear, and sun protection.

Please note that The Wind in the Willows is an interactive show and will move to different locations throughout the performance.‍

• When: 4 Jan – 25 Jan
• Where: Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
• Cost: $25
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

6. Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular

Things to do in Sydney this Friday

8. Chatswood Mall Market

The Chatswood Mall Markets are held in Chatswood Mall every Thursday and Friday. You’ll find pastries, pizza or pork buns. There’s Japanese, Malaysian, Greek, Gozleme, and a whole host more to explore, including fresh produce. Pop down for lunch, dinner and shopping in the Chatswood Mall.

• When: Thursday & Fridays, 9am-9pm
• Where: 443 Victoria Ave, Chatswood
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

Things to do in Sydney this Saturday

Wondering what to do around Sydney this Saturday? There are plenty of fun events to choose from!

9. EQ Markets

The EQ Markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday at The Entertainment Quarter. These markets are a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and culture that promises to add a splash of excitement to your day.

Up to 50 stallholders come together to sell a fantastic variety of goods, from fresh produce to gourmet French fare specially imported. Be sure to pop by to enjoy some fresh air and fill your basket with beautiful seasonal produce and gourmet treats. Check out the fantastic stalls full of one-of-a-kind and artisan gifts for that special someone in your life (or treat yourself!), or stop past one of the most beautiful stores for flowers you’ll ever see.

• When: Every Wednesday & Saturday, 8am-2pm
• Where: EQ Markets, Lang Road, Moore Park 
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

10. St Ives Organic Markets

The St Ives Organic Food Markets are held at St Ives Showgrounds every Saturday. At these markets, you’ll find Certified Organic food, artisan gourmet produce, conventional fresh fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread and patisserie, seasonal produce from the farmer, salami, local and French cheese, smoked salmon and other delicacies, Aussie truffles….. and all the goodies you love to eat, every week, rain or shine.

At these friendly community markets, you will find everything to fulfil your weekly shopping needs, including an exciting choice of fashion, homewares, plants, and eco-friendly, sustainable fare trade and healthy products.

You will all enjoy mixing with other like-minded, fun-loving, friendly foodies…people like you who care about the environment and the health of the people they feed.

• When: Every Saturday, 8am-2pm
• Where: St Ives Showground, Mona Vale Road, St Ives 
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

11. Darling Harbour Fireworks

What better way to end dinner or entertainment than with an incredible array of fireworks at one of Sydney’s most glorious waterfront locations? Watch the Sydney sky above Darling Harbour come to life every Saturday night, from anywhere along Darling Harbour’s edge, including the many waterfront restaurants or bars along Cockle Bay Wharf, Harbourside Shopping Centre, King Street Wharf and Barangaroo.

• When: Every Saturday night,9pm
• Where: Darling Harbour
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

Things to do in Sydney this Sunday – Australia Day

Celebrate the Australia Day long weekend and get out with the family to one of the many kid-friendly events across the North Shore and beyond.

EVENT GUIDE: AUSTRALIA DAY 2025

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