Everything happening along The Thirsty Mile this summer
Tickling the southern toes of the Harbour Bridge in one of the most knockout harbourside locations in the world lies The Thirsty Mile.
A Sydney Festival takeover amongst the heritage-listed wharves of Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, the Mile stretches across multiple theatres, dance studios, an exhibition space and a lively summer bar – all by the water, all within a few minutes' walk.
Get stuck into more than 40 events here – from world-class theatre to explosive dance; larger-than-life opera to intimate gigs. Come for a show, stay for the sunset, accidentally find yourself kicking on with free live music ‘til late. The Thirsty Mile is a place to squeeze every last drop of summer out of the day and drink it with ice in the evening.
Here's what you'll find in January...
Telly Tuita’s takeover
Pop over to the Mile for healthy doses of kaleidoscopic chaos from this year’s Visual Artist in Residence, Telly Tuita. You’ll encounter the historic SS John Oxley – rebirthed in Tuita’s signature textiles and patterns – as well as extravagant totems inside the Moonshine Bar and flags featuring Tēvolo Divas across Walsh Bay. Known for his rich Tongpop aesthetic, Tuita’s work speaks to his memories of his ancestral home of Tonga and experiences in Australia and New Zealand.
Dive into the Tā and Vā of Tongpop below – free for all ages
Colour Maze for families
The burst of colours and creativity continues at Pier 2/3 with Colour Maze, a wonderland of art and play for kids. Children can wind their way through ten rooms – with building blocks, swings, knitted playgrounds and hands-on art activities. School holiday plans sorted.
Unravel more about the Colour Maze via the button below
Moonshine Bar AM and PM
The social centrepiece of the Mile is Moonshine Bar. This is where you can get a drink, get fed, pull up a deck chair or dance the night away. By day, explore Tuita’s iconic Totems and digital screens with dancing Tēvolo (ghosts). After sunset, unwind (or unleash) with free live music from some of Sydney’s favourite bands and DJs across 12 nights. Expect queer pop kick-ons, Oceanic sounds, a First Nations takeover and an epic weekend of soul, funk, Afro-beats and old-school jams.
Check out the full Moonshine Bar music lineup via the button below
Where to eat?
MOONSHINE BAR
Moonshine Bar has you covered day and night with drinks and plenty of nibbles. Keep the little ones happy with family-friendly offerings too.
FESTIVAL FEASTS
If you’re in a white tablecloth kind of mood, or simply after something more substantial, grab a meal at one of Walsh Bay Arts Precinct's fantastic restaurants participating in our Festival Feasts program. Here are the spots where you can grab a bespoke menu this January:
Jounieh
Jounieh’s menu pays homage to the great culinary tradition of Modern Middle Eastern cuisine.
Pier Bar
A cracking destination for casual drinks and social spreads by the water.
The Living Room at Park Hyatt Sydney
The relaxed harbourside all-day dining is infused with warmth and hospitality.
What to see...
Theatre
Legendary Chinese-Australian artist William Yang invites you to a moving and ‘very Sydney’ night of photographs and music with William Yang: Milestone – accompanied on stage by composer and pianist Elena Kats-Chernin and a chamber ensemble. Also at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, award-winning Swiss director Milo Rau delivers the urgent political allegory Antigone in the Amazon, bringing together Indigenous people, activists and actors from Brazil and Europe.
Use the category filter on The Thirsty Mile Explore Events webpage for more eye-opening theatre
Dance
The collection of dance events at the Mile is wonderfully varied, from soulful street styles to cutting-edge contemporary. Festival fave choreographer Stephanie Lake returns with The Chronicles, a sublime reflection on the cycles of life. A work in four parts, Plant a Promise includes a moving dance performance conceived by Kuku Yalanji choreographer and playwright Henrietta Baird. Or get amongst it with KATMA, a totally immersive experience with breaking, hip-hop, krump, waacking, locking, house and Afro dances.
Use the category filter on The Thirsty Mile Explore Events webpage for more epic dance
Vigil
Keep strolling to Barangaroo Reserve for Vigil: Gunyah, a gathering space that’s led, curated and designed by and for First Nations peoples, communities and allies. Over three weeks of the Festival, it will host conversations curated by radio broadcaster Rudi Bremer, as well as workshops and performances by local and national artists and thinkers. On the evening of 25 January, return for Vigil: Truths – a large-scale gathering that focuses on being heard, sharing knowledges and presenting First Nations visions for the future.
Learn more about Vigil: Gunyah here; for more information about Vigil: Truths, visit the webpage here
Opera and music theatre
Sink your teeth into a deliciously fun world premiere of Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera, which summons the rise and fall of Las Vegas’ most dazzling magicians. Another world premiere you won’t want to miss is the brand-new comedy disco musical Converted!, with a wildly talented young cast.
Use the category filters on The Thirsty Mile Explore Events webpage for more opera and music theatre
Live music
We've got music coming out of our earballs at The Thirsty Mile. Programmed at ACO On The Pier – one of the best spaces for sound in the city – there’s everything from Baroque to G-folk; synth-pop to post-punk rock.
On the first night of the Festival, catch Kamilaroi and Tongan artist Radical Son, who’s bringing his ‘stop-in-your-tracks’ vocal tone to launch his album Bilambiyal. Get clued in on Sydney’s best kept music secret, the Starfish Club, witness the celebrated bard Redfern Perry Keyes, or join Murrawarri-Filipino rapper DOBBY on the final night of the Fest with his call to care for Country.
Read about the four incredible classical ensembles and artists embarking on music odyssey Resonance here, and get to know the 13 Future Frequencies artists here (they’re set to be your next music obsessions). There’s miles of free live music from beloved bands and DJs at Moonshine Bar too.
Use the category filter on The Thirsty Mile Explore Events webpage for loads more music
Cabaret
This year’s cavalcade of cabaret is full of icons. Tina – A Tropical Love Story pays tribute to drag, Darwin and Tina Turner, while Rachael Beck: In Her Own Words weaves together songs and surprising anecdotes from some extraordinary Australian women. Christie Whelan Browne: Life in Plastic features a cameo from Barbie while Katie Noonan takes on Jeff Buckley’s masterpiece Grace.
Use the category filter on The Thirsty Mile Explore Events webpage for more fabulous cabaret
Sunrise yoga
Bask in the early-morning rays, soak in the ambient tunes and stretch out those nine–to–five aches and pains with an energising yoga session by the water with teacher Jazz Luna. Luna will take you through an energising practise of Vinyasa (flow), accompanied by the blissed-out beats and sounds of our in-house sunrise DJ.
Read more about Sunrise Yoga sessions via the button below
There’s plenty more to experience in Walsh Bay, from the waterfront Festival Welcome to ENIGMA’s season of immersive sound and video art, to workshops and masterclasses. Find it all in one place here.
We’ll see you at the wharves.
The Thirsty Mile FAQs
Do I need a ticket to go to the Thirsty Mile?
No. Whilst many events on the Mile do require a ticket, you can still come down for a drink, some food, to visit one of the free art installations or simply soak up the incredible views at any time.
Can I get food at The Thirsty Mile?
Yes, there is a menu available at Moonshine Bar, or you can visit one of the nearby restaurants participating in Festival Feasts.
Can I drink at The Thirsty Mile?
You bet. Head to Moonshine Bar for drinks, deck chairs and summer shenanigans.
Can I bring my kids?
Certainly – there’s the Colour Maze, an imaginative play experience recommended for ages 2–12. Plus, art installations for all ages and a place to eat and relax by the water with some kid-friendly options on the menu.
How will I know where to find my show?
There are clear wayfinding signs on site, plus you can download a handy map from The Thirsty Mile webpage.
Can I swim at The Thirsty Mile?
It is not possible to swim in the harbour around the wharves, however there is a dedicated natural swim spot just down the road at Barangaroo Headland.
How can I find out what events are at The Thirsty Mile?
Head to The Thirsty Mile webpage for a comprehensive list. And look out for the orange life ring icon when browsing the website. If you see the ring, it's on the Mile.