Trying to find somewhere to go over the Easter long weekend (19-22 April 2019) in Sydney? We've got you covered.
There's a special kind of anticipation with a four-day weekend. To be honest, it's better than Christmas – lots more chocolate and a lot less present buying for distant family members you don’t like very much, anyway.
Sure, most people are going away over the Easter long weekend, but if you're staying in Sydney, it's a special, special place. Why? Less people = less time waiting at the bar. Winning!
And hey, if your favourite place does happen to be closed this weekend, quit grumbling about it and discover somewhere new. Everyone deserves a holiday.
Note: closing times for restaurants, cafes and bars mentioned may reflect last-orders rather than the venue's actual closing time.
Feature image: Grounds of Alexandria
What would you like to do this Easter long weekend in Sydney?
What shops are open over Easter?
Most major supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths and Aldi are open over the Easter weekend, except on Good Friday where most shops are shut.
Here are the major shopping centres that open over the long weekend and their trading hours:
Which restaurants are open over Easter?
We've pulled up our 10 favourite restaurants in Sydney that keep their doors open over the Easter long weekend week. Because it's Easter so you should treat yo'self.
- The Grounds of Alexandria: A hot favourite of ours, The Grounds comes to life over the Easter long weekend with Easter lunches, brunches and high teas. There's even a good ol' egg cracking on Easter Sunday for anyone looking to nom on one of the biggest eggs in town (see feature image). All The Grounds venues are open from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
- The Argyle: The famous Argyle bar in The Rocks closes for no occasion. Staying open all Easter weekend, you can chow down on the good stuff from 11am daily, or stick around for the R&B takeover that's been organised for Sunday night. Open from 11am until late, daily.
- The Bavarian Beerhaus: Three cheers to the Germans who do us proud and stay open even when there are public holidays to take off. York Street's outfit is celebrating with a few themed dishes, including cinnamon doughnut pretzels, chocolate Easter egg schnapps and an Easter egg hunt for the kiddies on Sunday. Proust. Open 11am, daily.
- Icebergs Bondi: Its motto is "everyone is welcome" and when Easter rolls around, everyone should make their way to Icebergs to drink up the view and its delicious bistro meals. Throughout April you'll even nab a free bottle of wine when you purchase two main meals. Bonza. Open from midday, daily.
- Kobe Jones: Feeling fancy? Teppanyaki mogul Kobe Jones swings its doors open across its many Sydney venues over most of Easter. Tuck in. Open for dinner from 5pm, daily. Closed Easter Monday.
- Manly Wine: What could be better than views on your day off? A dedicated "Death By Chocolate Easter Brunch" that's what. Manly Wine has won us over with this decadent brunch which runs all weekend long. Bless. 12-5pm from Good Friday to Easter Monday .
- Fratelli Fresh: For a dependable chain that remains open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, even on public holidays, Fratelli Fresh is the one to beat. Its Darling Harbour and Entertainment Quarter venues will also have child-friendly events and activities over Easter. Open daily from as early as 7am (select venues).
- Meat District Co.: Big eaters with families can dine their way around the city at Meat District Co. Its Darling Harbour waterfront venues are open all long weekend and feature Easter egg hunts for the little ones. Open daily from 11.30am.
- Establishment: Along with other Merivale restaurants like The Newport, Coogee Pavilion, The Beresford and Palmer & Co., you can expect these bars to fulfill all your eating out needs over Easter. Open daily, times vary depending on venue.
- McDonalds and KFC: Yup, if you're seeking fast food, your favourites like McDonalds and KFC will be open as well. Times vary and smaller stores may be closed on select days. Check with your specific store before heading out.
What to do over the Easter long weekend in Sydney?
There's stacks going on over Easter in Sydney but for some inspiration, here are our top picks:
Captain Pineapples Easter egg hunt from Viator
Highlights:
- 1.5-hour cruise in Sydney Harbour
- With Easter egg hunt and a pirate show
- Price: $64
Easter weekend cruise from Viator
Highlights:
- 3-hour cruise in Sydney Harbour with live music
- Includes seafood and carvery buffet lunch
- Price: $85
Indoor skydiving from Adrenaline
Highlights:
- Two 14,000 feet flights for one person
- Includes pre-flight training session, flight suit, helmet and safety goggles
- Price: $74
Jet boat at Circular Quay from Adrenaline
Highlights:
- 30-minute jet boat ride at Circular Quay Sydney
- Minimum height for jet boat ride is 120cm
- Price: $49
Taronga Zoo entry from Adrenaline
Highlights:
- Entry to Taronga Zoo and Sky Safari cable car
- Includes 2-day Hop on Hop Off cruise pass
- Price: $75
Sydney attractions entry from Adrenaline
Highlights:
- Combination 2 Pass which gives you entry to 2 of Sydney’s must-see attractions including: Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye and Madame Tussauds
- Child price: $35
- Adult price: $50
39% off Event Cinemas movie ticket from Groupon
- Catch the latest movie with this general entry movie ticket.
- Price: $13.50
Top deals in Sydney Easter break:
RedBalloon
RedBalloon
$10 off site-wide
Valid for use on any activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flight, abseiling, scuba diving, ghost tours and more. Minimum spend of $80. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
RedBalloon
RedBalloon
Up to 50% off experiences + extra 10% off with code
Valid on all dates, including over Christmas on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, ghost tours and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Adrenaline
Adrenaline
$30 off activities and experiences
Valid on select dates and activities like hot air ballooning, skydiving, horse riding, ghost tours, surf lessons, scuba diving, theme parks and more. Destinations are Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Melbourne. Minimum spend of $179. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Adrenaline
Adrenaline
Up to 67% off + extra $15 off with code
Valid sitewide on experiences $79 or more across Australia including skydiving, ghost tours, driving, go karting, sailing, hot air ballooning, diving, bridge climbing, scuba diving and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Adrenaline
Adrenaline
Extra 15% off with code
Valid on your first purchase with Adrenaline. Experiences include skydiving, scenic flights, hot air ballooning, V8 experiences, rally driving, scuba diving and more. Minimum spend of $179. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
One Ford Street restaurant in Balmain is open over Easter.
Operating hours are: Good Friday: 12pm-9.30pm, Saturday: 12pm-10.30pm, Easter Sunday: 12pm-3.30pm, Monday: Closed.
Grazie!