Give summer Christmas experiences from three chef hat dining at Quay with spectacular harbour views to Bondi Beach surf lessons and harbour bridge climbs. Discover acclaimed sustainable seafood at Saint Peter, Din Tai Fung's world-renowned soup dumplings, and waterfront fine dining at Catalina Rose Bay. From budget-friendly Chat Thai street food to contemporary British dining at Barons, celebrate Sydney's beach culture, outdoor lifestyle, and unique Southern Hemisphere Christmas traditions with barbecues, seafood, and warm-weather festivities.
Local Gift Shops
Year-round boutiques and specialty stores perfect for gift-giving (not holiday markets)
Opal Minded
Premier opal retailer in The Rocks offering Australian opals mined by the owners, with duty-free prices.
- Australian opals
- Opal jewelry
- Custom designs
Address: 55 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Sorry Thanks I Love You
Fashion-forward concept store featuring high-end designers and local Australian makers.
- Designer fashion
- Local gifts
- Unique homewares
Address: The Olympia, Paddington NSW 2021
La La Land
Creative gift shop specializing in illustrated greeting cards and Australian-made homewares.
- Greeting cards
- Illustrated gifts
- Homewares
Address: Shop 2/38 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
The Strand Arcade
Historic Victorian-era shopping arcade featuring boutique stores and specialty shops since 1892.
- Luxury boutiques
- Specialty shops
- Historic shopping
Address: 412-414 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Dinosaur Designs
Iconic Australian design studio creating bold resin jewelry and homewares since 1985.
- Resin jewelry
- Australian design
- Unique homewares
Address: 339 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Local Experiences
Give the gift of unforgettable experiences
Sydney Half Day Tour with a Local
100% personalized private walking tour showcasing Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and hidden gems with a local guide.
Included: Private tour customized to your interests with local guide
Price: $127 per person
Address: Flexible pickup from hotel or central Sydney
Taronga Zoo with Return Ferry
Visit iconic Sydney zoo with over 5,000 animals plus scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Included: Zoo entry and return ferry ticket
Price: $49-$60 per person
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Blue Mountains Day Trip
Small-group tour featuring bushwalks, waterfalls, wildlife encounters, and scenic lookouts with lunch included.
Included: Transportation, guided walks, wildlife encounters, and meals
Price: $135-$175 per person
Address: Departs from central Sydney (pickup provided)
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking 360-degree city and harbor views.
Included: Guided climb experience with safety equipment
Price: $200-$400 per person
Address: 3 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Sydney Opera House Tour
Guided tour exploring the architectural masterpiece and its fascinating history.
Included: Guided tour of Opera House interiors
Price: $40-$50 per person
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Restaurant Gift Cards
Budget-Friendly ($15-$50)
Great restaurants that won't break the bank
Din Tai Fung
World-renowned Taiwanese restaurant famous for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and authentic noodles.
Address: Shop 11.04, Level 1, World Square, 644 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Chat Thai
Beloved Thai street food restaurant serving authentic dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
Address: 20 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Guzman y Gomez
Australian-born Mexican chain offering fresh burritos, tacos, and nachos made daily.
Address: 1/600 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Mid-Range ($50-$150)
Popular spots with excellent food and atmosphere
Barons Restaurant
Contemporary British dining from the acclaimed Swillhouse Group in a sophisticated CBD setting.
Address: 4-6 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000
Madam Ji
Modern Indian restaurant in Surry Hills offering creative takes on traditional cuisine.
Address: 1/76 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
The Sanderson
Refined steakhouse and seafood restaurant in the heart of Sydney's CBD.
Address: 285-287 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Fine Dining ($150+)
Upscale dining experiences
Quay
Three chef hat restaurant by Peter Gilmore offering innovative degustation with spectacular Sydney Harbour views.
Address: Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000
Saint Peter
Chef Josh Niland's acclaimed sustainable seafood restaurant with innovative 9-course tasting menu.
Address: 161 Underwood St, Paddington NSW 2021
Catalina
Waterfront fine dining institution in Rose Bay offering contemporary Australian cuisine with harbor views.
Address: Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Sydney.