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Don't retreat back under the doona this Boxing Day. We've crowdsourced 16 hangover-bashing ideas to make this the absolute best Boxing Day yet.
Now that the big day is over, we have a few ideas on how you can say goodbye to that Christmas food coma come 26 December.
Things to Do on Boxing day
1. Get the adrenaline pumping
If you've been waiting for the perfect time to get that adventure in, why not on Boxing Day?
From getting out onto the water to heading to the skies, it's the perfect way to kick off the last week of the year.
Hankering to escape the city and breathe some fresh (blue-tinged) air? Hop in the car and escape to the Blue Mountains this Boxing Day. Super close to Sydney and almost otherworldly in appearance (the blue mist that hovers overhead is bordering on fairytale-like), the Blue Mountains is prime "mini break" territory for Sydneysiders.
Burn off excess Christmas calories with a hike in Wentworth Falls, meander Mount Wilson's gardens or relax in a kooky Katoomba cafe.
Boxing Day is a very big deal for film buffs. That's because it's when you can catch some of the biggest summer releases.
Whether you're off to watch a romantic comedy or want to take the family to the next big kids flick, not much beats settling into a comfy armchair, munching on popcorn and fixing your eyes on that super-sized screen.
With Christmas in Sydney being a summer affair and all, outdoor movie experiences are all the rage on Boxing Day.
We may not have a white Christmas Down Under but we do get to make the most of those warm December temperatures. Boxing Day provides the perfect opportunity to get out onto the water. Escape the crowds on Sydney's main beaches and hire your own kayak, paddleboard or even a boat for the day.
Not a picnic and park kind of person? No worries. Why not take to the water with a Boxing Day cruise. Sit back and relax as you watch the waves pass you by with your choice of day cruises.
We were surprised to find out that you can do this on Boxing Day, but we were mighty happy that you can.
Picture this: You're looking down on speck-like city buildings from a 52,000-ton steel frame while sparkling slate-tinged water simmers below and morning sunbeams warm your shoulders. Goodbye post-Christmas blues!
9. Take a leap of faith with a tandem skydive
The ultimate bucket list item – but how often does it actually get ticked off?
We think there's no better time than Boxing Day. Stay with us here, we're very serious. Here's why:
You're not at work.
It's the height of summer.
You probably need a rude awakening from a post-Christmas slump.
You don't have to go far to tick this one off as you can skydive in Wollongong, Newcastle and Hunter Valley.
From Insta-perfect local creeks to sprawling, wave-battered ocean pools, Sydney has no shortage of sweet swim spots. Get a head start on those healthy New Year's resolutions and start Boxing Day with a cooling dip.
Our personal favourites include these great spots:
Queenscliff ocean pool (followed by an ice-cream cone on Manly Beach, naturally)
Isolated Gledhill Falls for adventure and rugged bush surrounds
Maccallum Pool for harbour and bridge views
Need somewhere good for small children? Quaint and quiet Little Manly Beach has a child-friendly swimming net, relatively calm waters and a cute kiosk serving snacks.
11. Visit a museum or art gallery
Culture vultures and art addicts can get their fix on Boxing Day, too. A lot of the city's art galleries and museums stay open for most of the day. Here's where you can go:
Australian Museum - 10am - 5pm
Australian Maritime Museum - 10.30am-4pm
Museum of Sydney - 10am-5pm
Powerhouse Museum - 10am-5pm
Art Gallery of NSW - 10am-5pm
MCA - 10am-5pm
State Library of NSW - 10am-5pm
12. Volunteer
Volunteering around Christmas is a great way to embrace the festive spirit – and Boxing Day isn't too late. Give the gift of your time and help out a worthy cause.
There are loads of causes around Sydney, such as children's charities, St Vinnie's and soup kitchens, that would love your help.
Here's a great guide to figuring out what you can do if you don't know where to start.
13. Go to the theatre
Treat yourself to an arts or cultural experience and get tickets to the latest opera/theatre/musical production (strike out whichever isn't relevant).
Playing in Sydney on Boxing Day are Frozen at the Capitol Theatre and Pippin at Sydney Lyric. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
14.Watch the cricket
Join an Aussie Boxing Day tradition and watch the 26 December cricket test match.
Either watch from home or find a fun sports bar and meet some friends.
Options include the Pyrmont Bridge Hotel and Churchills Sports Bar in Kingsford.
15. Stay at home on the sofa and hit the (online) sales
We have one question: Do you really want to spend the day after Christmas trying to tackle the Boxing Day crowd? Nope, neither do we.
Boxing Day is a very important event in any shopaholic's calendar, but it also turns shopping into a migraine-inducing, elbow-bashing, bargain hunter’s jungle.
Trust us when we say this: be a truly savvy shopper and stay at home. You can bag brilliant bargains on fashion, furniture, electronics, toys and travel all from the comfort of your sofa.
You’ll even find online-only promo codes for extra savings that you wouldn’t get in-store. To navigate the online sales like a pro, check out our full guide of all the Boxing Day sales you need to know about.
Available on experiences across Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Hobart and more. Minimum spend of $250 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, hop-on hop-off bus tours, whale watching cruises, skydives, high teas, quad biking experiences and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on experiences across Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and more. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, hop-on hop-off bus tours, whale watching cruises, skydives, high teas, quad biking experiences and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $100. Activities include hot air balloon flights, tandem skydives and attraction passes. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and more. Exclusive for new members. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities including hot air balloon flights, helicopter scenic flights and luxury car hire. Must purchase two or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Whitsundays, Cairns, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $300. Activities include winery tours, getaways, high teas, spas, sightseeing cruises, helicopter flights and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates on activities including day tours, skydiving, hot air balloon flights, transfers, quad biking, attraction passes and cruise. Destinations include in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Canberra, Brisbane, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates when you use your Dine & Discover NSW voucher. Activities include Sydney Harbour cruises, hop-on, hop-off bus tours and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 28% off things to do in Sydney + Extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of 250. Activities include hot air balloon flights, tandem skydives, whale watching cruises, dining, classes, high teas, spa treatments and attraction passes. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates for activities including skydiving, hot air balloon flights, quad biking, scuba diving, whale watching, bridge climbing, high tea and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 25% off driving experiences + an extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include rally driving, go-karting, quad-biking and more. Destinations include Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates and activities like classes, spas, getaways, dining experiences and more. Destinations include Sydney, Perth, Melbourne Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 60% off activities, experiences and things to do
Valid on select dates including holidays like Christmas, New Year's and more depending on the destination. Destinations include Hong Kong, Singapore, Osaka, Taipei, Dubai, Sydney, Melbourne, London, Paris, New York and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 31% off flying experiences + Extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include hot air ballooning, skydiving, helicopter scenic flights. Destinations include Whitsundays, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hunter Valley, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $300. Activities include winery tours in Adelaide Hills, tandem skydives, kayak tours and more. Sample price is for River Torrens sightseeing cruise. T&Cs apply.
Extra $10 off Northern Territory activities with code
Available on select dates and activities include sightseeing tours, zoo and wildlife experience, spas, sailings, hot air balloon flights and scenic flights. Minimum spend of $300 required. T&Cs apply.
Activities for kids from $17 + an extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include day tour cruises, zoo experiences, hop-on hop-off bus tours, attraction passes, zoo and animal interactions and more. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 11% off Perth activities + an extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include driving experience, bike tours, kayaking, art workshops, spa treatments, skydiving and much more.
Up to 50% off things to do in Gold Coast + Extra $5 off w/ code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include indoor skydiving, sightseeing cruises, hot air ballooning, getaways, jet boat rides, spa treatments and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on weekday jumps from 15 February - 30 April 2021. Destinations include Byron Bay, Hunter Valley, Cairns, Noosa, Melbourne, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates for activities like sightseeing tours, attraction passes, river cruises, hop-on hop-off tours and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Launceston, Melbourne, Cairns, Hunter Valley, Perth, Canberra and more.
Get fast-tracked entry to select attractions like Tower of London, Tower Bridge Exhibition, London Zoo and London Bridge Experience with your pass. T&Cs apply.
Passes are valid for 12 months. Includes skip the lines at popular attractions including Taronga Zoo, Jenolan Caves, SEA LIFE Aquarium, whale watching cruises and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates. Activities include hop-on hop-off tours, wine tours, sightseeing cruises, zoo and animal interactions, hot air balloon flights and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates. Activities include zoo and animal interactions, hot air balloon flights, sightseeing cruises, tandem skydives, sky walks and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates when you buy two or more vouchers. Attractions include Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and Madame Tussauds. Pass is for 2 attractions. T&Cs apply.