Looking for birthday ideas Sydney has to offer that you won’t find anywhere else? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re sick of getting the same ideas popping up again and again or you just want some inspiration for what’s out there, we’ve compiled a list of birthday ideas in Sydney to help you out.
Ready to find out what you’re doing for your next birthday in Sydney? Read on!
And just so you know - nobody paid us to be featured on this list. They’re just our recommendations to you so you can find the best places and things to do in Sydney.
The Best Birthday Ideas Sydney Has to Offer
Take on a Sydney Scavenger Hunt Together
If you’re looking for birthday party ideas in Sydney that can involve a big group of friends and/or family, this is the activity for you.
Scavenger hunts like these give you and your mates, family, partner or whoever the opportunity to explore Sydney in a totally unique way. How? It’s easy-peasy.
All you need to get started is a phone - I reckon you’ve already got one of them - WhatsApp, comfy walking shoes and a good bunch of people around you.
You get clues, puzzles, riddles and challenges sent to you that you have to decode to take you around Sydney’s scenic spots and hidden gems (and believe me, there are loads of them–you’ve just never noticed them!).
Tickets also come with handy recommended spots to take a break - and you can stop and start the game whenever you want, so if you fancy taking a detour or dipping into the pub for some lunch along the way, no worries!
Visit The Medieval and Fantasy-Themed Games Arcade Fortress
Looking for birthday ideas Sydney has to offer that fire up the stakes a bit? This is for you.
For those who haven’t heard of it, Fortress is a medieval, sci-fi and fantasy-themed bar that has heaps of arcade, card and board games to keep you entertained between sips.
You’ll find it tucked away in Central Park Mall - just down the road from Central - so even if you just stay and play for a few games, you’ve got a bunch of options around you when you’re ready to move on.
I will say that this place gets pretty busy on Friday nights and the weekend, but you can book VIP booths to secure a spot if you want. In short, it’s a great and casual place to hang out – and they also do food so you can tuck into some pizza, schooners and cocktails while you battle it out!
Play An Urban Exploration Game Through Sydney
If you’re more of an adventurous type, I recommend playing an Urban Exploration Game.
No, you don’t need to be Indiana Jones to take on one of these these - although, feel free to dress up like him. If you’ve never played one before, Urban Exploration Games are kind of like escape rooms but outdoors.
Basically, you and your team are provided with riddles, clues, puzzles and challenges to solve that take you on a winding tour of Sydney, right on the city streets.
I can’t promise you jungle ropes, sliding trap doors or John Williams theme song – but I can assure you that you’ll stumble across loads of cool stuff you’ll never have noticed before.
Race against the clock, put your heads together and have a blast!
Go Back in Time at The Rose Seidler House
Sydney is home to so many hidden gems that it’s almost impossible to name them all here. But this one in particular offers a unique insight into the past (and it’s pretty incredible looking too).
The Rose Seidler House is just a stone’s throw away from Wahroonga, and it's the ideal location for a birthday steeped in architectural and design history. This well-preserved house offers a glimpse into 1950s modernist design (very cool, if like me you're a sucker for mid-century exterior and interior design).
Spoiler: I wasn't around in the '50s, but if you know someone who was, this will almost certainly be a bit of a blast from the past for them.
But if you're like me and you can barely wrap your head around the fact that the '90s were over 30 years ago, this is still an awesome and unique venue to spend your birthday - and you can even hire it out if you want.
Solve a Murder Mystery in The CBD
Wanna know how I spent my last birthday in Sydney? Go on then, you’ve twisted my arm. I solved a murder mystery game in the CBD.
Obsessed as I am with Agatha Christie books, true crime podcasts, Glass Onion, and watching documentaries that scare me so much I can’t go to sleep, I’d never actually solved a case of my own. Until I played this, that is.
Death on The Rocks is a kind of outdoor escape room game where you and your team of detectives (in my case, my partner and friends) interact with Sherlock Holmes himself to solve a murder mystery.
To keep spoilers to a minimum, I’ll tell you that a “body” (there is no body, obviously, this is fictional!) has washed up on The Rocks and you’ve got to figure out whodunnit. To do that, you’ve got to join the killer’s game.
You follow clues that take you around the CBD, interacting with Sherlock via text and paying close attention to anything that might give you a hint as to the perpetrator’s identity…and along the way we stopped and had a beer, because, why not?
We had a blast and I can honestly say that I’ve never done anything like it!
Do a Sunset or Sunrise Paddle around Sydney Harbour
Not all Sydney birthday ideas have to be all about the nightlife (although, night owls, this doesn’t exclude you!).
I might be biassed but there’s nowhere on Earth quite like our iconic Sydney Harbour, and there are two key times you wanna see it in all its glory: sunrise and sunset.
If you haven’t seen it (or you’ve only seen it from land), you’ve gotta try this. Rent a light-up kayak, choose between a serene sunrise or a breathtaking sunset to glide through the iconic waters around Lavender Bay, and see the Opera House, Harbour Bridge like never before.
Perfect for outdoorsy types and nature lovers - but also photographers!
Do a Self-Guided Sydney Walking Tour
The words “walking tour” might not instantly spark birthday vibes for you but bear with us - this is actually one of the best birthday ideas in Sydney for people young and old. Here’s why:
Giving the gift of exploration is something that suits everyone, young, old, or even that awkward in-between stage. Older generations can reminisce about the city as it once was while young people can also discover more about their city’s heritage, culture and enjoy tidbits of history that aren’t boring.
With something for everyone, whether that’s history, cool places to eat or drink, odd sculptures and much more, self-guided Sydney walking tours like these allow you to visit iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and hidden gems within the city at your own pace.
Fun Birthday Ideas in Sydney
Play a Game of Lawn Bowls at Manly Bowling Club
While bowling lawns are typically filled with enthusiastic men and women of a certain generation (there’s nothing wrong with that), you'd be foolish to assume it's a boring sport or limited to an older generation than yourself.
Bowls is actually a super fun (and, for people who suck at sports like me) a simple but engaging game, ideal for a group of friends or family.
A close friend chose to spend his birthday here and a bunch of us split into teams and went head-to-head, we had some drinks, enjoyed the sun and had many laughs (many at my expense) and honestly, I can't believe I didn't think of this myself.
It’s actually harder than it looks and - best of all - you’re perfectly placed to stroll down the beach when you’re done!
Visit The Japanese Bookshop Kinokuniya
One of the best birthday ideas in Sydney for book lovers, a visit to Kinokuniya Bookshop.
I know, I know, shopping might not be your thing. But if you're a bookworm and you haven't visited before, you've got to visit Kinokuniya.
This must-see Japanese bookshop offers a vast selection of books, including rare and unique finds such as Manga, Japanese literature, contemporary fiction, non-fiction and much, much more.
Plus, you deserve a gift from yourself!
Visit Lisgar Gardens
If you’re looking for birthday ideas in Sydney that get you out into the great outdoors, I've got just the thing for you.
Lisgar Gardens is a hidden gem in Sydney, ideal for nature lovers. Celebrate your birthday among beautifully landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and various exotic plants; keep an eye (and a nose) out for the over 200 species of camellias which fill the air with a sweet floral scent and indulge in Mother Nature’s most-prized gift: peace and quiet.
If you want to push the boat out, bring along a picnic and some people you love - it doesn't get any better than that.
Watch a Movie at Moonlight Cinema at Centennial Park
While a trip to the movies might bring you back to some of your primary school birthdays, you shouldn’t discount them for evoking some nostalgia (seriously, they were some of the best birthday parties imo).
There's nothing childish about wanting to see a good movie, especially not when you consider that at outdoor movie nights, you’re also welcome to have a drink or two (if that’s your thing).
Perfect for a laid-back birthday evening under the stars, Moonlight Cinema offers a selection of classic and contemporary films. Bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy a movie in one of Sydney’s most beautiful parks.
Find out more here.
Visit Fagan Park near Galston
This hidden gem is just north of Galston and a total gardener’s delight, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate their birthday.
Home to many themed gardens from all over the world - Mediterranean, Japanese, Chinese, North American and even A Garden of Many Nations to name just a few - Fagan Park is a tranquil escape from the CBD’s hustle and bustle.
It costs less than 10 bucks for all-day parking and there’s a playground, barbecue and picnic area so you can keep everyone happy, little ones and hangry grown ups alike!
Visit The Calyx - An Exhibition at Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens
Looking for Sydney birthday ideas you can do in the CBD? Check out the The Calyx in the Royal Botanical Gardens.
This place hosts fascinating and unique floral exhibitions, perfect for anybody who's interested in botany and even those just appreciate a nice-looking garden.
This experience is perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of flora and innovative garden design - and it doesn’t hurt to get a slice of nature in the heart of the city, either.
Play a Game of Putt Putt at Unreal Mini Golf near Penrith
Head to Unreal Mini Golf near Penrith for a fun and quirky birthday activity that never gets old (even if we humans do).
This indoor mini golf course features creative and whimsical themes, providing entertainment and laughter for players of all ages. It's also a great way to add a playful and competitive edge to your birthday celebrations and hey, who doesn't love putt putt?
Seek Out the Elvina Waterfalls
Looking for more serene birthday ideas in Sydney? Check this one out.
Located within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park lies Elvina Waterfalls, a picturesque and tranquil spot with unforgettable views and incredible sights.
The only way to get there is to go for a bushwalk (it’s not signposted, but fairly easy to follow). It takes about an hour to get there and unfortunately, anybody with pups won’t be able to bring their dog with them (it belongs to Ku-ring-gai National Park, after all) but you and your human friends are very welcome to take a birthday picnic with you and have a splash around Lovett pools.
Find out more here.
Summary
So there you have it! 15+ fun birthday ideas in Sydney that are unique to the Emerald City.
Remember that no matter what you decide to do on your morning, arvo or evening out for your birthday, there’s nothing like teamwork to make the dream work.
That’s why we at CityDays create fun, interesting and challenging trails around the world to help you immerse yourself in a city’s culture, history and curios.
Want to find out more?
Check out all our available activities in Sydney here and embark on an adventure in the city you’ll never forget: CityDays awaits!