January is here, and with it comes a line-up of spectacular events and mouth-watering dining experiences that’ll have you soaking up the summer vibes in style.
From cricket festivities and film premieres to Champagne-soaked afternoons and French-inspired feasts, there’s a little something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the hottest happenings this month.
1. Pink Test Cricket at Forrester’s and Taphouse (3–7 January)
Get ready for cricket mania as Forrester’s in Surry Hills and Taphouse in Darlinghurst transform into the ultimate viewing hubs for the Pink Test Series 2025. From 3–7 January, these venues will celebrate the iconic event, with promotions, live screenings, and plenty of pink.
Highlights include:
- Breakfast Burger at Forrester’s for just $15—served up daily until sold out.
- Limited Edition Bucket Hats featuring bold pink designs with proceeds supporting the McGrath Foundation.
- The chance to spin the Pink Wheel at Forrester’s for prizes and merch giveaways.
- Bottomless Lunches featuring a stunning 2-hour feast and frozen margs in the Forrester’s garden oasis (£109 pp).
- Live acoustic music and DJs to keep the good vibes going after the game.
Be sure to grab a Fellr drink—£1 from every Watermelon or Ginger Beer sold will go to the McGrath Foundation to support their incredible work.
Details and bookings:
Forrester’s | Taphouse
2. Flickerfest 2025 at Bondi Beach (17–26 January)
Lights, camera, action! Flickerfest, Australia’s largest short film festival, returns to the iconic shores of Bondi Beach for its 34th year. From 17–26 January, you can catch some of the world’s best short films screened under the stars at Bondi Pavilion.
Don’t miss highlights like:
- Vlog, a deeply personal drama marking Yvonne Strahovski’s directorial debut.
- Candy Bar, a hilarious dark comedy by acclaimed Aussie director Nash Edgerton.
- International entries such as Hearts of Stone, starring Noomi Rapace, and the animated gem The Brown Dog, with a voice cast including Steve Buscemi.
After the festival, Flickerfest hits the road, touring 40+ venues across the country—proof that great things really do come in small packages.
Details and tickets:
Flickerfest Programme | Book now
3. Game, Set, Champagne! Piper-Heidsieck Pop-Up (3–31 January)
Serving French Riviera vibes with a hefty dose of tennis culture, Woollahra Hotel is hosting an exclusive AO25 Champagne pop-up in partnership with Piper-Heidsieck this month.
From 3–31 January, sip Champagne and catch all the Australian Open action on multiple screens, including the al fresco upstairs terrace, transformed into a chic, tennis-inspired clubhouse. Highlights include £99 bottles of Piper-Heidsieck and complimentary magnums for group banquet bookings of 8 or more. It’s the perfect place to toast this year’s Grand Slam.
Details and bookings:
Woollahra Hotel
4. Summer at Kingsleys Woolloomooloo (1 January – 18 May)
For luxurious waterfront dining, look no further than Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, which is rolling out two exciting new concepts this summer.
- Aperitivo Hour (daily, 3–5pm): Treat yourself to refreshing spritzers like a Limoncello Spritz while indulging in delectable bar snacks. The picturesque Finger Wharf provides the ideal backdrop.
- Champagne Dinner (from 1 January): Perfect for date nights, this indulgent 3-course menu comes paired with Champagne (£149 pp). Bonus points for the romantic al fresco dining option under the stars.
Details and bookings:
Kingsleys Sydney
5. Sunday Marché at Bistro Moncur – Market Dining, French Style
Bistro Moncur’s Sunday Marché brings the je ne sais quoi of French markets right to Sydney, blending the best of Aussie flavours and fresh local produce. Every Sunday, the rotating Market Specials Menu offers limited-edition, market-priced dishes inspired by the day’s freshest ingredients. Think seafood, premium cuts of meat, and smoky chargrilled goodness with a Gallic twist.
Pro tip: come early, because once it’s gone, it’s gone!
Details and bookings:
Bistro Moncur
6. Bistro à la Maison – Fine Dining at Home
Dreaming of a French feast without stepping foot out the door? Enter Bistro Moncur’s at-home dining service, Bistro à la Maison. This new offering lets you experience the renowned Bistro Moncur menu, complete with customisable canapés, dedicated chefs, and an event team for special occasions at home. With top-tier wines from Moncur Cellars, your next gathering will be as chic as it is delicious.
Details and bookings:
Bistro Moncur
From cricket and Champagne to French dining and flicks, this January 2025 is packed with unmissable events. Grab your friends, plan your outings, and soak up Sydney’s scorching summer whilst the fun lasts!