Sydney is renowned for its iconic harbourside attractions, but there’s so much more to discover for incentive events. Beyond the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney offers new and exciting experiences for creating memorable events. Explore the state-of-the-art new fish markets, enjoy the thrill of Urban Surf, or take the VIP Curator’s Tour at the Sydney Cricket Ground for a behind-the-scenes look. Additionally, the Nura Diya tour at Taronga Zoo provides unique insights into Indigenous culture and wildlife. These attractions make Sydney a unique destination for incentive events, offering a blend of culture, adventure, and luxury.
1. Sydney Fish Market expansion
The iconic Sydney Fish Market is undergoing a A$750 million transformation of the current site and surrounding precinct. Set to open in 2025, the facility on Blackwattle Bay in Pyrmont will be a purpose-built, operational fish market as well as a major culinary attraction. The world-class site will be activated through an ongoing calendar of events, engaging and educational activations, and vibrant tourism experiences.
2. URBNSURF Sydney
Sydney’s first wave park, URBNSURF Sydney, is now open. With an array of wave lagoons, eateries, and events spaces spread across the 3.6-hectare (8.9-acre) site at Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney’s west. A large-scale event space capable of accommodating up to 2,000 guests overlooks the lagoon, alongside a range of other spaces including a Surf Academy and private cabanas.
3. VIP Curator’s Tour at Sydney Cricket Ground
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has a new exclusive behind-the-scenes tour for cricket lovers. The SCG’s VIP Curator’s Tour allows groups to walk in the shoes of their favourite cricketer as they make the journey from the players’ dressing room onto the field of play and to the centre wicket. Hear from an SCG curator to find out what’s involved in preparing world-class pitches used and made famous by the likes of Sir Donald Bradman, Ellyse Perry and Steve Waugh.
4. Nura Diya at Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo has a new native wildlife experience. Nura Diya, which means ‘This Country’ in Sydney First Language. Gain a deeper understanding into the connection between First Nations Cultures and Country by experiencing Australia’s iconic wildlife – including koalas, dingoes, wallabies, and kangaroos – up close. Nura Diya is home to 23 unique Australian species, approximately 270 individual animals, and a special Night Walk experience.
5. Astronomy at The Calyx
Situated within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, The Calyx is offering a new experience for groups: Astronomy at the Calyx. Over a glass of wine, discover the secrets of the night sky with resident First Nations astronomer Jake Ferguson and distinguished Astrophysicist Dr Ángel Lopez-Sanchez. Guests view the night sky through powerful telescopes, then venture outside to hear a First Nations perspective on the stars and the use of the night sky.
6. Watersedge Immersive Dining Studio
Housed in the historic Campbell’s Stores in The Rocks, event venue Watersedge is offering a new immersive dining experience. The Watersedge Immersive Dining Studio is a multi-sensory culinary experience harnessing sight, sound and taste. The concept combines high-quality projections, storytelling and premium dining to create an experiential dining experience that deepens connections with guests.
7. Sydney Oyster Farm Tours
Visit an operating oyster farm where you can take a boat tour of oyster leases on the Hawkesbury River, 45 minutes north of Sydney, and taste fresh Broken Bay Oysters, Sydney Rock, and Pacific Oysters. Sydney Oyster Tours provides an immersive culinary experience where guests put on waders to enjoy and shuck oysters at tables in the water.
8. See the Bright Lights of Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of light, music, and ideas held in Sydney, Australia. It is a spectacular event that transforms the city into a mesmerizing and vibrant outdoor gallery. The festival showcases stunning light installations, immersive projections, and interactive art displays that illuminate iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Royal Botanic Garden. From May to June each year, Vivid Sydney fuses art, innovation ,and technology in collaboration with some of the most boundary-pushing artists, thinkers, musicians, and culinary experts of our time.
9. Winter Sports World
A new indoor snow resort has been approved for western Sydney. The Winter Sports World will be Australia’s first snow park, set to be built in the heart of Penrith and to feature a 300-metre indoor ski slope, a dedicated space for ice hockey, speed skating, alpine skiing, and ice climbing. The precinct will also boast a 170-room hotel, conference and event facilities, and a restaurant with snow views. The project is well-timed, with the Western Sydney International Airport due to open in 2026.
10. NatureBoss
NatureBoss is a sustainability-focussed event planning service for companies and conference delegates seeking environmentally conscious events across Australia. The expert team specialises in curating captivating offsite experiences and programs that enrich company culture and wellbeing, and plants 10 trees for every booking. Experiences range from kayaking and coastal trekking to hosted walks with First Nations guides, guided yoga and meditation, forest bathing, and up-close experiences with native Australian wildlife.
Inspired to plan an unforgettable incentive event in Sydney? Contact Business Events Sydney here or email jmathieson@besydney.com.au
