Welcome, listeners, to “Things to Do in Sydney” with your endlessly curious host, Oly Bennet! It’s Sunday, October 12, 2025, and Sydney’s morning sky is wide open and promising, the harbour glimmering with spring energy. The famous ‘Carnival Splendor’ cruise ship is in town, the sea breezes are doing their best hair-tousle impersonations, and the city is positively buzzing—because, let’s be honest, Sydney never met a lazy Sunday it couldn’t wrestle into action.

Today’s city vibe is a wild mix of peace, sparkle, and the occasional high-octane spectacle. On the streets, a major pro-Palestinian rally is underway in the business district, drawing tens of thousands of passionate voices peaceful in their message and colorfully transforming city thoroughfares, according to AL-Monitor. Meanwhile, the International Convention Centre is a wellness wonderland until 6 PM with the final day of the MindBodySpirit Festival—think free yoga samples, holistic therapies, and enough herbal tea to float a platypus, as Kiwi Artisan reports.

If you’re up for discovery, the Sydney Home Show is running today at the convention centre too, where you can ogle hundreds of design ideas, chat with renovation ninjas, and possibly marvel at the world’s fanciest compost bin. Over in the Inner West, the Marrickville Music Festival is celebrating local sound with street gigs, creative market stalls, and tasty eats that’ll have your tastebuds backflipping—perfect for families, music nuts, and lovers of curious hats, according to Inner West Council.

And for the night owls? Cockatoo Island is transforming into a neon-lit dance utopia with Mode Festival’s grand finale. Only accessible by private ferry, this bold celebration is part pilgrimage, part party—picture wild rhythms echoing off historic boat sheds, marathon dance sessions, and a guest list that spans the city’s most eclectic, joyful party-goers, as Mode Festival themselves describe.

Let’s pivot to some quick city updates: Sydney is already gearing up for SXSW next week, so expect electrifying energy and international crowds soon—Sydney Times says the city’s creative heart will be supercharged! Around Darling Harbour, W Sydney is offering exclusive festival packages for those who like luxury with their late checkouts. On the transit front, ferries are extra busy today, so double-check those timetables if heading out to Cockatoo Island (or just go for the full “missed the boat” adventure).

For the absolute must-do list today, I’d recommend strolling along Circular Quay for people-watching and ice cream, popping into the Royal Botanic Garden for some springtime serenity, hunting for street art in Newtown, or getting adventurous with a Bondi-to-Bronte coastal walk—with the sea shimmering, locals say, “Go early for the best light and empty paths.” Don’t forget to swing through Marrickville for the music festival before dusk!

Oly’s tip of the day: Learning to say “ta” instead of “thanks” will have every Sydneysider grinning at you like you just turned up with a sausage sizzle in your backpack. And if you ever lose your bearings, just head towards the Opera House and follow the tourists taking selfies—classic, but it never fails.

Coming up tomorrow: a sneak peek at Sculpture by the Sea’s splashy debut and a preview of this week’s can’t-miss SXSW events. Stay tuned, fellow adventurers, for more glorious mischief straight from the beating heart of Sydney!

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