Easter long weekend in Sydney: What’s open and things to do

Don't get bored this Easter long weekend! Here's what you can get up to, plus the shops open for all the essentials.


Not sure how to spend the Easter long weekend this year?

From virtual reality escape rooms and Easter fairs to jet boat rides and painting workshops, our guide has all the top things to do in Sydney. Plus, here are shopping centre opening hours so you can still pick up the essentials.

Things to do over the Easter long weekend in Sydney

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo from Wotif

Looking for the perfect family activity for the Easter long weekend? A trip to Taronga Zoo will not disappoint.

  • Location: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
  • Cost: $53 per person
View details
Sydney Virtual Reality Escape Room

Sydney Virtual Reality Escape Room from Adrenaline

Love a good challenge? Fill your weekend and battle it out of an escape room with up to 4 of your mates. This is an escape room with a twist. It's based in a world of VR where you'll have to walk, bend and throw in a virtual environment for your freedom.

  • Location: 4/393 George St, Sydney
  • Cost: $59 per person
View details
Outdoor Sip and Paint Class

Outdoor Sip and Paint Class from Classbento

Unwind this Easter long weekend with a glass in hand and a painted masterpiece to take home.

  • Location: Darling Point, Moore Park
  • Cost: From $95 per person
View details
Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride

Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride from RedBalloon

Push that adrenaline button with an exhilarating jet boat ride on the harbour. Expect wave jumps, 360 degree spins and more – all to the backdrop of Sydney's most famous icons.

  • Location: Departs from Circular Quay, Sydney
  • Cost: $85 per adult and $59 per child
View details
Multi-entry Combo Attraction Pass

Multi-entry Combo Attraction Pass from RedBalloon

Visit some of Australia’s most popular land and sea creatures at SEA LIFE and WILD LIFE in Darling Harbour. If you’ve visited both of these attractions already, you can also opt to visit Madame Tussauds and Sydney Tower Eye with this pass.

  • Location: Various locations across Sydney CBD
  • Cost: $63 per adult, $50 per child
View details
Sunset Kayaking Session on Sydney Harbour

Sunset Kayaking Session on Sydney Harbour from RedBalloon

If the sun is shining during the Easter long weekend, polish off a day with a breathtaking sunset kayak tour on Sydney Harbour.

  • Location: Departs near McMahons Point
  • Cost: $149 per person
View details
Tall Ship Lunch Cruise

Tall Ship Lunch Cruise from Adrenaline

If you’ve never experienced Sydney Harbour from the water, tick this off your list of things to do in Sydney. This 2-hour cruise experience also includes lunch and commentary. What’s not to love?

  • Location: Departs from Campbells Cove Jetty, The Rocks, Sydney
  • Cost: $109 per person
View details
Scenic Helicopter Flight

Scenic Helicopter Flight from Adrenaline

Go all out this Easter weekend with a scenic helicopter flight that gives you a bird's-eye view of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach.

  • Location: Departs from Sydney Airport
  • Cost: $250 per person
View details
Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens from RedBalloon

Tuck into a gourmet picnic featuring Southeast Asian flavours and native Australian ingredients accompanied by a bottle of wine in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

  • Location: 1 Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
  • Cost: $140 for 2 people
View details
SKYWALK at Sydney Tower Eye

SKYWALK at Sydney Tower Eye from RedBalloon

Take in 360 degree views of Sydney from the top of Sydney Tower Eye. The observation deck sits 268 metres above ground. Don't forget to pack your camera!

  • Location: Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Cost: $192 for 2 people
View details

Shops open over the Easter long weekend in Sydney 2025

Shopping centreGood FridaySaturdayEaster SundayEaster Monday
QVB
Closed
9am-6pm
Closed
11am-5pm
Westfield Pitt Street
Closed
9:30am-7pm
Closed
10:00am–7:00pm
World Square
10am-7pm
10am–7pm
11am-5pm
10am–7pm
Westfield Bondi Junction
Closed
9:30am-6pm
Closed
10am-6pm
Broadway Shopping Centre
HOYTS open 10am - midnight
Centre open 9am - 6pm, dining until 10pm
Centre open 9am - 6pm, dining until 10pm
Centre open 9am - 6pm, dining until 10pm
Supa Centa Moore Park
Closed
10am–5pm
Closed
10am–5pm
Westfield Warringah Mall
Closed
9am–5pm
Closed
10am–5pm
Westfield Miranda
Closed
9am-6pm
Closed
10am-6pm
Westfield Parramatta
Closed
9am-6pm
Closed
10am-6pm
Chatswood Chase
Closed
Closed
9:30am-5:30pm
9:30am-5:30pm
Westfield Chatswood
Closed
9am-6pm
Closed
9:30am-6pm
Macquarie Centre
Closed
9am-6pm
Closed
10am-6pm

Attractions open over the Easter long weekend in Sydney

AttractionGood FridaySaturdayEaster SundayEaster MondayWhere to book
9:30am–5pm
9:30am–5pm
9:30am–5pm
9:30am–5pm
9am–6pm
9am–6pm
9am–6pm
9am–6pm
9.30am–6pm
9.30am–6pm
9.30am–6pm
9.30am–6pm
9.30am–6pm
9.30am–6pm
9.30am–6pm
9.30am–6pm
10am–7pm
10am–7pm
10am–7pm
10am–7pm
8am–5pm
8am–5pm
8am–5pm
8am–5pm
10am–4pm
10am–4pm
10am–4pm
10am–4pm

Restaurants, cafes and bars open over the Easter long weekend in Sydney

A snapshot of the restaurants you can book online that are open over the 2025 Easter long weekend.

RestaurantAddressOpening hoursCuisineBook
6HEAD
7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 12pm–10.30pm
Sunday:
12pm–9pm
Monday: 12pm-9.30pm
Steakhouse, Australian
Bitton Cafe Rose Bay
23 Plumer Rd, Rose Bay
Friday: 7am-2pm
Saturday:
7am-4pm
Sunday:
7am-4pm
Monday:
7am-4pm
French
Bitton Alexandria
36/37A Copeland St, Alexandria
Friday: Closed
Saturday:
7am-4pm
Sunday:
7am-4pm
Monday:
7am-4pm
French
Teppanyaki by Kobe Jones
176 Cumberland St The Rocks, Sydney
Friday: 5pm-late
Saturday–Sunday: 12pm to late
Monday: 5pm-late
Japanese
Cicchetti Restaurant & Wine Bar
455 George St, Sydney
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 11.30am-5pm
Sunday:
11.30am-5pm
Monday: 10am-5pm
Italian
Colors of India
97 Victoria Road, Parramatta
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9am-10pm
Sunday:
9am-10pm
Monday: 9am-10pm
Indian
Exotik Latin Cafe
284 King St, Newtown
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 1pm-9:30pm
Sunday:
1pm-9:30pm
Monday: 1pm-9:30pm
Latin, South American, Mexican
Cantina Bar Balmain
350 Darling Street, Balmain
Friday: 11am-11pm
Saturday: 11am-11pm
Sunday:
11am-9:30pm
Monday: 11am-9:30pm
Mexican
Via Alta
197 High St, Willoughby
Friday: 12pm–4pm, 6pm–10pm
Saturday: 12pm–4pm, 6pm–10pm
Sunday:
12pm–4pm, 6pm–10pm
Monday: Closed
Italian
Penny Lane Bar and Cafe
Level 1, Building 11 81-117 Broadway, Ultimo
Friday: 8am - 3pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Monday:
8am - 3pm
International
The Bushranger Hotel
24 Church St, Collector
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11:30am-late
Sunday:
11:30am-late
Monday:
Closed
Australian, Bar
Dalong Yi Hot Pot
Shop 70, 1 Dixon Street, Haymarket
Friday: 12–3pm, 5pm–8:30pm
Saturday: 12–3pm, 5pm–8:30pm
Sunday:
12–3pm, 5pm–8:30pm
Monday:
5pm–8:30pm
Chinese
Sapori D'Italia
163 Oak Rd, Kirrawee
Friday: 5pm-9:30pm
Saturday: 11am-9:30pm
Sunday:
11am-9:30pm
Monday:
5pm-9:30pm
Italian
Salt & Pepper Grill
55 George St, Kensington
Friday: 10am-3:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm
Saturday: 10am-3:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm
Sunday: 10am-3:30pm, 5pm-10pm
Monday:
Closed
Australian, Italian
Shaahi Tandoori
200 Enmore Rd, Enmore
Friday: 5pm-11:30pm
Saturday: 1pm-11:30pm
Sunday:
1pm-11:30pm
Monday:
5pm-11pm
Indian
Common Place
Shop 24, 19A Evans Avenue Eastlakes Shopping Centre Eastlakes, NSW
Friday: 6:30am-6pm
Saturday: 6:30am-3pm
Sunday:
7:30am-1pm
Monday:
6:30am-5pm
Canadian, Cafe
Manjit's Wharf
10/49 Lime St, Sydney, NSW
Friday: 6pm-8pm
Saturday: 6pm-8pm
Sunday:
6pm-8pm
Monday:
Closed
Indian
  • Note: The above is accurate as of 7 April 2025. Public holidays may affect normal trading hours. Contact the venue before visiting to confirm their trading hours for 18–21 April 2025.

Top events in Sydney over the Easter long weekend

  • Sydney Royal Easter Show: Practically synonymous with the Easter holidays, the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show is a fun-for-all-ages event where woodchopping and produce-growing competitions meet carnival rides and showbags. 6–17 April, Sydney Olympic Park
  • Easter Storytime: Entertain the kids with some Easter tales. Select libraries, including Castle Hill Library
    and Dural Library, are hosting Easter-themed storytimes that include stories about the season as well as Easter craft.
  • Easter Egg Hunt on the Harbour Bridge: For something a little different BridgeClimb is hosting the first ever Easter Egg hunt on the Harbour Bridge. While you won't get to actually collect eggs, you can spy them hidden on the bridge and count them as you go along and each kid will get a delicious prize at the end of their climb. Suitable for kids 8+ years old. Prices from $176. 18-21 April 2025.
  • Fairfield Easter Fair: Fairfield Showground will be transformed into an Easter Wonderland this long weekend, with plenty of rides and fun for all ages. 17-21 April, Fairfield Showground
  • Giant Easter Egg Hunt: For something a little different, take the family out of Sydney for a day to join in one of the biggest, craziest egg hunts we know of. That's 25,000 chocolate eggs to find. Note: only children under 16 may participate in the hunt. 19 April, Glenworth Valley
  • Easter @ Broadway Shopping Centre: Most shopping centres hold Easter-themed events for the little ones. At Broadway in Glebe there will be an Easter Egg hunt at Create Club, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny and Easter-themed creative workshops. 17-19 April 2025.

Sydney Royal Easter Show review: Is it worth it?

With adult tickets priced at $41, and rides, food and show bags costing extra, the Sydney Royal Easter Show can quickly become an expensive day out. Is it worth the price? Finder's travel editor went in 2022 with her then 1-year-old and here are her thoughts:

Stef and River

River with a carrot

For me, the Easter Show was an integral part of my childhood. When I was a toddler, my parents took me to my first show in Moore Park. As a teen, I went with my school and then with my friends.

I've always loved the live entertainment, the animals, the rides and, yes, the show bags.

So after finding out that children under 4 are free, I couldn't resist the chance to take my little one to her very first show.

And yes, it didn't hurt that I saved a few bucks on the entry price as well.

The moment I walked through the gates, nostalgia hit. The bright lights of the rides called to me, the smell of carnival food drifted up to my nostrils and the excitement of watching wood-chopping events and equestrian displays put a smile on my dial.

The show didn't disappoint. It had everything it is known for from the bustling crowds and that electric atmosphere to local food and agriculture experiences. Everything was as I remembered, and from a parent's point of view, there was more than enough to keep the kids and adults entertained.

Wood chopping Easter Show

We mapped our way around early, which was a good thing too as by lunchtime the crowds had descended.

What I loved is that there was a heap of free stuff we could get stuck into. My daughter adored the Junior Farm Hands experience where she got to forage for (plastic) fruit and vegetables and trade her spoils for a handful of real fruit to eat.

We kept the animal theme going by visiting the pig, chicken and sheep pavilions but sadly missed out on the 10 Shake Farmyard Nursery as we got there during a peak period. Lesson learned there. Next time, we'll do better.

While she slept, I attended the wood-chopping competition, caught the street parade and meandered through the food dome, world bazaar and arts pavilions.

Sadly, having a 1-year-old with me meant that I had to skip the rides and the show bags. This was a blessing and a curse really, as the extra dollars in my pocket were nice, but the carnival really makes the show sing – at least in my opinion.

At $41 per adult, an Easter Show ticket is fairly steep. But, with so much going on – and a bunch of it for free – I reckon it's worth it. Particularly if you spend the whole day there.

Sheep shearing Easter Show

5 ways to save at the Sydney Royal Easter Show:

  1. Buy tickets early: Early-bird tickets bought before the show starts can save you a bundle on entry.
  2. Pack your own food: Carnie food is notorious for being overpriced and you can bring as much food in as can fit in your belly. Don't forget a water bottle, too.
  3. Go on Kids Day: Got a family? Visit on Kids Day. All tickets are discounted but kids tickets are discounted the most at more than 50% off.
  4. Go on Seniors' Day: If you hold a seniors card, you can save 50% on your ticket by visiting the show on your dedicated day.
  5. Visit after 4pm: Half-day tickets are cheaper than full-day ones. From 5pm, pavilions start to shut with most closed by 7:30pm. You'll also only have 5 hours to see and do what you want as the show closes at 9pm.

Top free things to do in Sydney over the long weekend

  • Visit the Botanic Gardens. Find the picnic basket and get your favourite bites together for a perfect Easter weekend date or a day out with the family.
  • Enjoy the waves at Freshwater Beach. Just because summer is over doesn't mean you can't enjoy the beach. Freshwater provides plenty of space (and in the middle of autumn, we don't think there will be many people around).
  • Sydney Harbour National Park. Located on Sydney's north shore, the national park boasts plenty to see, from the Hornby lighthouse to endless views of the horizon.
  • Sydney Heads. As a very coastal country, you don't have to go far for picturesque views of the sea, ideal for a weekend drive.
  • Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden. As the name suggests, this little slice of paradise is the perfect spot for a morning walk. Located in the CBD, you'll feel a million kilometres away.
  • West Head Lookout. The lookout provides (what feels like) never-ending views of the horizon that offer the perfect way to start or end the long weekend.
  • Visit Bare Island. Located in La Perouse, Bare Island is home to a 19th-century fort and the set of Mission Impossible 2.
  • Spend the day at Bicentennial Park. If you're after something a little further west, then the Homebush Bicentennial Park is a quiet retreat where you can spend the day picnicking with family and friends.
  • Relax at Maitland Bay Beach. This long stretch of coastline offers endless space on the sand to set up a water-side lunch. We recommend bringing a jacket as April tends to bring more wind to the beach and fewer crowds.

See the latest Easter long weekend deals

Deal exclusive

10% off activities with code FD300 at RedBalloon

Elevate your adventures with RedBalloon's special offer: use code FD300 for 10% off activities in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and more. This discount applies to select dates and destinations, requiring a minimum spend of $300, and covers experiences like hot air balloon flights, skydives, and high teas. Don't miss out on creating unforgettable moments at a reduced price. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Code exclusive

Get 5% off activities with code

Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Deal

New Year's Eve Cruise in Sydney Harbour with buffet and bar from $950

Enjoy your New Year's Eve at Cruise in Sydney Harbour with a buffet and bar from $950 at RedBalloon. It includes a six-hour cruise on Sydney Harbour, a delicious five-course buffet dinner with seafood, a premium open bar including spirits, and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Australia stays from $302 per night at Stayz

Explore Australia's diverse cities with Stayz accommodations, starting from $302 per night. Discover unique stays in Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, and more, on select travel dates. Note that the sample rate provided is for a stay in Adelaide. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 30% off selected family holiday hotel deals at Wotif

Create unforgettable family memories with Wotif's hotel deals, offering up to 30% off selected accommodations in popular destinations like Cairns, Gold Coast, and Sydney. Find the perfect family-friendly stay and enjoy significant savings on your next holiday. Limited time offer. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Sydney city tours as low as $35 at Experience Oz

Explore Sydney's must-see attractions with Experience Oz's affordable city tours, starting at $35. From the Opera House to Bondi Beach, discover the city's highlights on a budget-friendly adventure. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 34% off Australia holiday packages at Wotif

Explore Australia's iconic cities with Wotif's holiday package deals, offering up to 34% off. Book your hotel and flights together for destinations like Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast on select travel dates. T&Cs apply.
Deal

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Book Jetstar flights in Australia via Skyscanner with one way fares starting at $72. The sample fare applies to flights from Sydney to Ballina Byron via Jetstar. Other local flights via Jetstar include Melbourne, Launceston, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle, and Sunshine Coast. Fares subject to change depending on availability. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 34% off things to do in Australia

Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
Deal

Up to 41% off domestic stays + free cancellations

Available until December 2024. Destinations include Broome, Mackay, Launceston, Darwin, Perth, Cairns, Sydney and Gold Coast. T&Cs apply.
Courtney Edwards's headshot
Assistant publisher

Courtney Edwards was associate travel publisher at Finder. She has a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism and sub-majoring in English from Western Sydney University and a Certificate II in Tourism. She discovered her love for travel while completing a semester abroad in England and travelling around Europe. Outside of work, you’ll find Courtney visiting new brunch spots and planning her next adventure. See full bio

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