Sydney

The Line Up 

Sydney is in for a treat with a huge array of artists playing across the city and Western Sydney. 

On opening day, Jessica Mauboy will bring her powerhouse vocals to City Recital Hall. The Whitlams are bringing an entire orchestra to accompany them at Coliseum Theatre and James Reyne will hit the same stage the following weekend. Baker Boy will bring new album DJANDJAY and more to Dee Why RSL. All the way from the USA, Thundercat will take over the Hordern Pavilion. Party starters Keli Holiday, The Jungle Giants, Young Franco and Playlunch are just some of the artists that will keep you dancing, and Peking Duk will close out the final weekend in style.

Between gigs, grab delicious eats on the go, or settle in for some fine wining and dining across Sydney’s incredible culinary offerings. Rest your head at boutique hotels or stay in the heart of the city - here’s just a few ideas of what beautiful Sydney has to offer. 

Local Eats and Treats

Sydney’s food scene is vast, but its best experiences are often neighbourhood-driven. In Surry Hills, the city’s long-standing dining hub, Arthur continues to set the standard for produce-led Australian cooking, while Pellegrino 2000 brings big, glamorous Italian energy to the suburb’s nightlife. 

In Redfern, dining feels grounded and community-focused. Ester is still one of Sydney’s most influential restaurants, while Bush celebrates native ingredients in a relaxed, modern setting. For something casual, RaRa Ramen delivers comfort food done properly.

The Inner West continues to be one of the city’s most exciting food regions. Cafe Paci in Marrickville blends Italian technique with bold creativity, while Bella Brutta has become a must-visit for pizza lovers. Ante offers a refined yet low-key experience pairing Japanese-inspired dishes with sake and natural wines, and Baba’s Place remains a go-to for share-style Middle Eastern feasts.

Western Sydney offers some of the most exciting and authentic eating in the city. From the Indian restaurants of Harris Park to Middle Eastern institutions like El Jannah, the focus here is on flavour, generosity and late-night trading. In Penrith, the dining scene continues to lift, with riverside precincts and modern venues redefining the suburb as a genuine destination rather than a stopover.

Where to Grab a Drink

Sydney’s drinking culture is as diverse as its dining. In Surry Hills, The Clock Hotel remains a classic pub stop, while the Golden Age Bar offers a moodier, more intimate option for wine and cocktails. Over in Redfern, The Noble Hops is a favourite for craft beer, and The Dock delivers a modern pub experience that works equally well day or night.

The Inner West shines when it comes to relaxed drinking spots. The Henson is a true local institution with a welcoming beer garden, while The Courthouse Hotel remains a dependable pre- or post-dinner stop. For something smaller and moodier, Bar Louise in Enmore nails the neighbourhood cocktail bar brief.

Penrith continues to emerge as a nightlife hub in the west, with new breweries and hotel bars adding to the suburb’s growing after-dark appeal. Nick & Nora’s Parramatta adds rooftop glamour and sprawling views across Western Sydney.

Where to Spend the Night

Sydney’s accommodation options are as varied as its neighbourhoods. In the inner city, Ace Hotel Sydney has quickly become a favourite, blending design-forward rooms with a strong food and bar offering in the heart of Surry Hills. Paramount House Hotel offers a more understated boutique stay, ideal for those wanting something calm but central.

In Redfern and the Inner West, boutique hotels and well-located short stays in suburbs like Newtown, Marrickville and Enmore put you within walking distance of some of the city’s best venues. For beachside stays, Dee Why and the Northern Beaches offer relaxed accommodation close to the sand, perfect for balancing city nights with early swims.

In Western Sydney, SKYE Suites Parramatta remains one of the region’s most polished hotel experiences, while new hotels and serviced apartments around Penrith cater to visitors drawn to the area’s growing dining, arts and riverfront precincts.

Gigs in Sydney

Fri 1 May

Sat 2 May

Sun 3 May

Thu 7 May

Fri 8 May

Sat 9 May

  • The Terrys

    Dee Why RSL, Dee Why

    The Terrys

    7:00pm

    Save Gig GET TICKETS
  • Jon Stevens
    On Sale Soon

    The Backyard - Panthers , Penrith

    Twilight in the Backyard

    Jon Stevens

    7:00pm

    Supported by Chocolate Starfish / 19Twenty

    Save Gig
  • PANIA

    The Vanguard, Newtown

    PANIA

    7:00pm

    Save Gig GET TICKETS
  • Memphis LK
    On Sale Soon

    Secret Marrickville Location, Marrickville

    Memphis LK

    9:00pm

    Save Gig

Sun 10 May

  • Thundercat
    On Sale Soon

    Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park

    Thundercat

    8:00pm

    Save Gig

Wed 13 May

Thu 14 May

Fri 15 May

Sat 16 May

See Full Program

Performances (including scheduled artists, venues, dates, venue capacity) may be subject to change or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check www.greatsouthernnights.com.au or the authorised ticketing agency/venue websites for the latest information. Any queries regarding ticket refunds should be directed to the ticket seller for the performance. ARIA and Destination NSW accept no liability arising from or in connection with the information published on this website or for any changes or cancellations in relation to any of the performances.

Please consult the relevant authorised ticketing agency/venue for ticket prices, ticket conditions, booking fees, surcharges and any applicable taxes before purchasing any tickets. Please only buy tickets from authorised ticket sellers. There may be conditions imposed by the authorised ticketing agency/venue as a result of your purchase or attendance and you are responsible for ensuring that you read and comply with those conditions.