From axe-throwing to picnicking at the most scenic garden in NSW, whether you’re thrill-seeking or chill-seeking, we’ve got you covered.
After almost a year in lockdown, we made a resolution to dedicate 2022 to trying as many cool new experiences as we could cram into our diaries. With Sydney’s event scene returning to a world without restrictions, we couldn’t be happier to see our inboxes bursting with event invitations! We’ve sifted through our jam-packed schedule and lined up our top picks of cool things to try this autumn that you’ve probably never done before.
Have A Picnic In This Luxe Garden
Located just a two hour drive from Sydney, Mayfield Garden is Australia’s largest privately-owned cool climate garden. This Autumn, Mayfield Garden will open up its entire 65 spectacular hectares of picturesque property to the public – including a 50-hectare private family estate – which will be open for guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Garden.
The Festival will run from Saturday April 2nd – 25th just in time to revel in the extraordinary kaleidoscope of Autumnal colours from the comfort of the picnic blanket. After devouring the contents of your picnic hamper, you can explore Australia’s largest English Box Hedge Maze, the Mayfield Amphitheatre, Cascade and Temple, Family Chapel, Water Garden, Stumpery and enjoy rowing on the glassy Mayfield Lake before spending a night glamping under the stars for a total weekend reset.
The Garden will be open during the Autumn Festival from 9.00am to 5.00pm, visit their website for more information.
Go Axe Throwing At A Viking-esque Themed Bar
Sydney is set to welcome an epic, 350-person axe throwing utopia as MANIAX Sydney Inner West opens the doors to its new battlegrounds in April 2022. Nestled behind a large roller door in Marrickville, sits a Viking’s paradise, littered with all the horns, shields, runes, axes, helmets, ropes, furs and hides you could possibly imagine and begging to be explored!
Unleash your inner Viking for the sake of some cutting-edge competition, in an immersive experience evoking old world thrills. Whether you’re letting off some steam or sharpening your skillset, MANIAX Sydney Inner West promises an out of this world experience. Those feeling a little axe-shy are welcome to try a 1 hour “Quick Chuck” session but beware, when you sink your first bullseye, you’ll be hooked!
For more information, or to book a session, click here.
Skate Into A Retro Roller Rink At Darling Harbour
Get your skates on – a pop up roller rink and Rollerama Festival is headed for Darling Harbour this autumn, catering to all skill levels from seasoned skaters to pandemic hobbyists. There’s even a beginner’s rink for young children, families and wobbly skaters plus coaches on site to teach you the basics and get you off the wall.
For those ready to roll, the main Roller Rink will transform into a roller disco between 4pm – 10pm! Light up under the disco ball with epic tunes from DJ Charlie Villas. Go all out disco with legwarmers to boot, and be in with a chance to skate away with best dressed prizes every Thursday as part of a retro themed dress-up competition. If you love to work up a sweat while you skate, drop into a Rollerfit™ class, hosted every Saturday at 9am, 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, roll up and grab a bite from Pumphouse Sydney Forecourt. They’ve created an enticing new Americana-themed menu just for the occasion. The menu includes a remake of their iconic Pumphouse Burger plus Sticky BBQ Wings, the Pump Dawg and a Waffle Stack for dessert. The team will also be serving up delicious thick shakes with all-American flavours including Peanut Butter and Jelly. Guests can order these tasty delights and have them delivered to their forecourt table with waiters and waitresses from the Malt Shop Rollers who will be on skates themselves serving during the peak hours throughout the week.
Located at the Pier Street Underpass near Darling Square and running from 25 March to 24 April, grab your tickets here and let the good times roll.
Play 80s’ Arcade Games All Night at Sydney Tower Eye
For one month only, the venue boasting the best view in Sydney will be transformed into an 80s themed Arcade. Head 268 metres above the city to the 80s’ drenched Observation Deck for sky-high fun with a range of iconic 80s arcade games like pinball, Dance Dance Revolution, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, twin car racer, PacMan, air hockey table and more.
Your ticket unlocks two hours of unlimited free play on the arcades, one loaded hotdog, plus an 80s’ themed cocktail, exclusive access to the indoor Observation Deck, and unlimited selfies at the 80s’ themed insta-worthy walls
Limited spots are available and tickets are selling fast, visit the Sydney Tower Eye website for full info and tickets.
Visit The Biggest And Longest-running Creativity & Design Festival In The Southern Hemisphere
Semi Permanent will return to Sydney this year, celebrating two decades since its launch. Running May 25-27, the 2022 edition of Semi Permanent will see the event present its largest, most dynamic program to date alongside an enhanced visitor experience consisting of workshops, panel discussions, performances and installations.
Each year, Semi Permanent explores a universal idea aligning with challenges and perspectives of the time, and in 2022 this idea is ‘perspective.’ Included in the lineup for the event are the likes of furniture designer Sabine Marcelis, filmmaker Grace Otto, typographic designers Jazlyn Fung and Tony Wong, and everybody’s favourite satirical newspaper publication, The Betoota Advocate.
Check out the full line up and buy tickets here.