The Best of Sydney this August

First held in 1971, the Voltaren City2Surf has grown into one of Australia's most iconic sporting events and the world's largest fun run. Held on 9 August, the event attracts more than 90,000 participants, from elite athletes and dedicated runners to families, walkers and first-time entrants, creating an unforgettable celebration of fitness, community and the spirit of Sydney.
 

The 14-kilometre course begins at Hyde Park in Sydney's CBD before weaving through Kings Cross, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay and the legendary Heartbreak Hill, finishing at the iconic Bondi Beach. Along the route, participants are cheered on by live entertainment, community groups and thousands of spectators, with music, performances and festivities transforming the city streets into a vibrant celebration.
 

For those watching from the sidelines, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere. Hyde Park offers a front-row view of the mass start, while Heartbreak Hill has become one of the event's most recognisable vantage points as runners take on its challenging climb. Bondi Beach provides the perfect place to witness the excitement of the finish line, where participants are welcomed with live entertainment, food stalls and a festival atmosphere overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're taking part or simply enjoying the occasion, the Voltaren City2Surf is one of the best ways to experience Sydney's energy and community spirit. As one of the city's longest-running annual events, it continues to bring people together from around Australia and the world, making it a highlight of Sydney's sporting calendar.

For over two decades, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has proudly partnered with the Art Gallery of New South Wales as its Official Luxury Hotel Partner, supporting Australia’s most iconic cultural exhibitions including the most anticpiated Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes.

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes bring together leading works in portraiture, landscape and contemporary Australian art. From recognisable faces to powerful interpretations of place and form, the exhibitions offer a considered reflection of Australia’s creative landscape.

Discover Australia's most celebrated art exhibition with complimentary exhibition tickets, breakfast at Delta Rue, a $100 dining credit and overnight parking included.

The Australian Whisky Embassy is a monthly tasting series at Bar Tilda celebrating the innovation, craftsmanship and diversity of Australian whisky. Each edition brings together some of the country's leading distillers, brand ambassadors and whisky makers for an intimate evening of guided tastings, storytelling and conversation, offering guests the opportunity to discover the people, provenance and techniques behind Australia's most exciting whiskies.
 

On Saturday, 29 August 2026, Australian Whisky Embassy Vol. 11 spotlights Archie Rose, with Global Brand Ambassador Nick Baxter leading an exclusive masterclass exploring the distillery's pioneering approach to smoked Australian whisky. The evening features five guided tastings, including historic limited releases and a world-first spirit infused with native stringybark smoke through water, malt and cask, alongside insights into Australian smoke innovation and whisky craftsmanship.

The TCS Sydney Marathon is one of the world's premier running events and the newest member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. On 30th August, thousands of runners from around the globe take on the 42.2-kilometre course, which begins in North Sydney before crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and passing many of the city's most iconic landmarks, including The Rocks, Circular Quay and Centennial Park, before finishing in front of the Sydney Opera House.

More than a race, the marathon transforms Sydney into a city-wide celebration of sport and community. Spectators can line the course to cheer on participants or head to one of the official Party Zones, where live entertainment, music and activities create an unforgettable atmosphere throughout race day.

Motion Festival

Returning to Circular Quay from 27 to 30 August, Motion Festival is the official festival of the TCS Sydney Marathon, bringing together movement, music, food and community in the heart of Sydney. Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour at Customs House Forecourt, the free four-day event transforms the precinct into a vibrant gathering place for runners, spectators, locals and visitors alike.

The festival programme includes community runs, wellness and recovery sessions, live music and DJs, athlete talks, family-friendly entertainment and curated food experiences, creating a lively atmosphere before, during and after marathon day. Whether you're preparing to race or simply soaking up the energy of marathon weekend, Motion Festival offers a unique way to experience one of Sydney's biggest sporting celebrations.

Celebrate curiosity and innovation during National Science Week, Australia's annual festival of science and discovery. Held from 15 to 23 August, the week-long program features hundreds of events across Sydney, with museums, galleries, universities and public spaces hosting interactive exhibitions, hands-on workshops, expert talks and family-friendly activities. Whether you're exploring the latest scientific breakthroughs or enjoying immersive experiences, National Science Week offers something for visitors of all ages.