Looking for birthday ideas in Sydney 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 Edition: Our Favourites
Do a Scavenger or Treasure Hunt Through Sydney
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.
A treasure or scavenger hunt across Sydney offers a fun and interactive way to celebrate your birthday and opens up new parts of the city for you to enjoy later on. You'll be solving clues and challenges while exploring the city’s landmarks and lesser-known spots (with some handy cafe, pub and bar recommendations included!).
It's a great way to engage with friends and family, fostering teamwork and creating memorable experiences.
Visit The Medieval and Fantasy-Themed Games Arcade Fortress
Step back in time or enter a whole new world entirely with a visit to a medieval-themed games arcade!
This unique birthday idea in Sydney is great for those who love gaming and history. Tucked away in Central Park Mall lies Fortress, a Medieval, Sci-Fi and Fantasy themed arcade offering fun arcade games and experiences for guests of all ages. Play board and card games, consoles, and classic arcade games (and tuck into some pizza, schooners and cocktails while you’re at it).
Play A Sydney Exploration Game
An Exploration Game across Sydney CBD is the perfect Sydney birthday idea for those seeking an adventurous birthday activity.
Games like these involve solving puzzles and riddles while navigating through the city's streets, making for an exhilarating and mentally stimulating experience that combines fun with the discovery of Sydney's hidden treasures.
Visit 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 the ideal location for a birthday steeped in architectural and design history. This well-preserved house offers a glimpse into 1950s modernist design.
If you or someone you know was around in the 1950s, a peek into this house can offer a rush of nostalgia. If you’re much too young to remember even the 80s or 90s, 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
Add a twist of intrigue to your Sydney birthday party celebrations by participating in a murder mystery game in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD).
This thrilling experience will have you and your guests playing along as detectives, unravelling clues, and interacting with characters to solve a fictional crime, all set against the backdrop of Sydney's incredible CBD.
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.
Bowls , a simple yet engaging game, is ideal for a group of friends or family looking to enjoy the outdoors while engaging in some friendly competition. 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.
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.
Visit Lisgar Gardens
If you’re looking to connect with nature on your birthday, look no further.
Lisgar Gardens is a hidden gem in Sydney, ideal for nature lovers. Celebrate your birthday among beautifully landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and a variety of 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.
This serene setting is ideal for a peaceful day out, perhaps coupled with a picnic amidst the lush greenery.
Watch a Movie at Moonlight Cinema at Centennial Park
While a trip to a cinema 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).
Bringing movie night outdoors for your birthday celebrations not only makes this experience a little more grown up, 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
The Calyx in the Royal Botanical Gardens hosts fascinating exhibitions, making it a unique birthday destination for a flora lover.
Enjoy the blend of art and nature as you explore the various displays. 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.
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 (again, 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!