Day 1 Morning: Art Gallery of NSW, Where Colors Come Alive
Kick off your first morning at the Art Gallery of NSW, right near Circular Quay. This place is a painter’s paradise, with its grand halls and shiny new Sydney Modern wing. During the Biennale, expect exhibitions tied to the Rememory theme—maybe bold canvases by First Nations artists like Kaylene Whiskey, whose bright, playful works burst with life, or international pieces that mix paint with memory, like Ángel Poyón’s textured creations. The Yiribana Gallery’s a must, packed with Aboriginal art—think Ian Abdulla’s river scenes in vivid ochres.
Spend a couple hours soaking it up, sketching details that catch your eye, like the brushstrokes in a Brett Whiteley wave. Entry’s free, but some Biennale shows might cost a bit—check their website. Grab a sketchbook-friendly spot in the Grand Courts to doodle. I once spent way too long sketching a bark painting here and missed lunch, so set a timer! After, pop into the cafe for a flat white with harbor views—perfect for reflecting on all that color.
Day 1 Afternoon: Plein-Air Sketching in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Just a short walk from the gallery, the Royal Botanic Gardens is your next stop for some plein-air sketching. This lush, 30-hectare oasis is a painter’s dream, with emerald lawns, blooming waratahs, and views of the Sydney Opera House across the water. Set up your easel near Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for that iconic harbor skyline or find a quiet spot by the lotus pond for some zen vibes. The light in autumn—March to June—is golden, perfect for capturing shadows and textures.
Bring your own supplies (pencils, watercolors, whatever you fancy) and a portable stool, coz benches can be scarce. The gardens are free, open from 7am, and there’s heaps of inspiration—think spiky palms or the Calyx’s floral displays. If you’re feeling social, join a free guided walk at 10:30am to learn about native plants, which might spark ideas for your palette. Grab a snack from the Garden Shop kiosk to keep your energy up. It’s a cracking spot to lose yourself in your sketchbook.
Day 1 Evening: Dinner and Art Vibes in The Rocks
Wrap up day one with dinner in The Rocks, a short stroll from the gardens. This historic spot’s got cobblestone streets and a creative pulse that painters love. Head to The Push, a cozy pub with craft beers and hearty dishes like fish and chips. The walls sometimes feature local art, so keep your sketchbook handy for quick studies. If you’re lucky, you might catch a pop-up exhibition or live music—check What’s On Sydney for events.
After dinner, wander The Rocks Markets (Friday to Sunday) for stalls with hand-painted prints or ceramics. The fairy-lit laneways feel like a painting themselves, especially at dusk. I reckon it’s a perfect way to wind down, but don’t stay out too late—you’ve got a big day tomorrow! If you’re knackered, hop a ferry back to your hotel from Circular Quay; the harbor’s glow is pure inspo.
Day 2 Morning: Newtown’s Street Art Explosion
Day two starts in Newtown, Sydney’s bohemian heart, where street art turns walls into canvases. Catch a train to Newtown Station, then wander King Street and its laneways—think Enmore Road or Bailey Street—for murals that scream color. Artists like Fintan Magee and Juilee Pryor have left their mark here, with massive works tackling everything from climate to culture. During the Biennale, you might spot new pieces inspired by Rememory, maybe by locals like Caitlin Chan, whose nature-themed murals vibe with the theme.
Bring your sketchbook to capture bold lines or vibrant hues—pencil or watercolor pencils work great for quick sketches. Join a street art tour with Culture Scouts if you want stories behind the murals; they run weekends for about $50. Newtown’s gritty charm is a goldmine for painters, but watch for foot traffic—it get’s busy! Grab a coffee at Brewtown on O’Connell Street to fuel up; their beans are as bold as the art.
Day 2 Afternoon: Lunch and More Art at 107 Projects
Stay in Newtown for lunch at 107 Projects, a community art space on Redfern Street that’s pure creative chaos. Housed in an old garage, it’s got a cafe with killer smashed avo and rotating art displays—maybe a pop-up exhibit tied to the Biennale, like First Nations prints or mixed-media works. The vibe’s relaxed, with artists sketching at tables or chatting about their latest projects. Spend an hour here, eating and doodling in your sketchbook. It’s free to enter, and the staff are legends for art tips.
If you’ve got energy, pop into nearby Vandal Gallery on Vine Street for more emerging art. It’s a quick walk and often has works that echo Newtown’s street style. I once found a tiny zine at 107 that inspired a whole painting series—keep your eyes peeled for treasures like that!
Day 2 Evening: Sunset and Reflection at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park
End your painter’s adventure at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, a short walk from Newtown. This quiet green space, with its old trees and soft light, is perfect for a final plein-air session as the sun sets. Sketch the gnarly figs or the golden glow over the park’s lawns—autumn’s palette is unreal here. It’s a great spot to reflect on your 48 hours, maybe jotting down ideas inspired by the Biennale or Newtown’s murals.
For dinner, head to nearby Three Williams on Redfern Street for creative dishes like truffle mac ’n’ cheese. If you’re still buzzing, check out a live gig at The Vanguard in Newtown—music’s a great way to cap your artsy weekend. Catch a train back to your hotel from Newtown Station, and don’t forget to snap a pic of the sunset for your sketchbook’s mood board.
