What To Do In Sydney According to the Pollen Count – Activities That Are Hay Fever Friendly

Everyone loves Sydney; it’s one of the most scenic and welcoming cities in the world. Like everywhere else with beautiful bush and flora, Sydney plays host to hay fever season, which can prove difficult for those with pollen allergies. It’s typically at its worst from August to November but can sometimes extend into January. (1) About 1 in 5 Aussies suffer from the nasty effects of hay fever – itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, an endlessly runny nose and fatigue. (2) Fortunately, planning ahead by checking the pollen forecast (link to PP) can help you manage symptoms and design your day while enjoying the best of Sydney. Here are some of our favourite things to do based on the pollen count rating.

Extreme pollen levels

Yikes! When the pollen count is extreme, consider taking an antihistamine, keep your Kleenex Aloe Vera Pocket Pack tissues in your bag and minimise your time outside. If you must partake in some outdoor time for things like walking the dog or getting to public transport, protect your eyes with wraparound sunnies to keep pollen out of your eyes and put on your favourite mask to prevent allergens from getting into your throat and lungs. When you get home, wash your hair and clothing and perhaps your pooch’s fur to stop pollen from getting into your happy place.

Discover Sydney’s diverse art scene

Situated over the bustling ferry hub at Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art is always one for oooh’s and ahhh’s. The Art Gallery of NSW houses one of the world’s largest permanent exhibitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and provides an immersive experience.

Head to an indoor shopping centre

Shoppers in Sydney are spoilt for choice! The QVB is right smack in the middle of the action downtown and a favourite with locals. Other popular choices are the Tramsheds, Broadway and Westfield Sydney.

Call out for takeaway

Order in your favourite cuisine or try something new. With a range of choices from Steersons signature beef wellington to LaCoppola’s Mt Etna pizza, prepare to eat in style right from your sofa.

High pollen levels

Hay fever sufferers will likely experience some symptoms on high pollen count days. Avoid high-intensity exercise outdoors, and when you do venture outside, take precautions – as well as your Kleenex Hand & Face Wipes.

Get some vitamin sea

The ocean breeze works wonders for keeping allergens away, so head to the coast. Bondi Beach is a surfer’s mecca and always fantastic for people-watching. At Balmoral, families reign supreme and at the Manly Lagoon, doggos are most welcome to roam off-leash 24-7.

Fun and games inside

Test your hand-eye coordination with ten-pin bowling and if you’re keen to stay for laser skirmish – try Strike Bowling or Kingpin. Pretend you’re outdoors and climb the walls, literally, at one of Sydney’s many boulder gyms. 9 Degrees suits all levels and makes sure you all have a blast away from the pollen.

Spa away the day

Sydney offers some extraordinary options, from the very top of the line, to accessible for anyone. Try the Day Spa at the Langham if you’re keen to splash out, or Grand Royal Thai Massage for something a bit less exxy.

Moderate pollen levels

You may experience no symptoms today or just very mild ones. Pack some Kleenex tissues and an antihistamine or two.

Stretch your legs

Explore the glory of the Royal Botanic Gardens, walk across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge or climb the steps to the Opera House.

Celebrate a festival

In September, pop into the Sydney Fringe Festival, the largest independent arts fest in Sydney. January hosts the Sydney Festival, Australia’s premier arts and cultural festival.

Enjoy outdoor drinks and dining

Grab a coffee or an Aperol Spritz and enjoy the harbour views at The Glenmore in the Rocks or on The Governor’s Rooftop in Macquarie Park.

Low pollen levels

Sydney is yours to discover! Enjoy doing whatever you’d like today!

Explore the bush

Get out into nature and discover the Aboriginal Heritage Walk or take the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk and reward yourself at the end with a cool brew from 4 Pines.

Do the Zoo

Say hello to native and exotic animals at Taronga Zoo, or head about an hour out of the CBD to Walkabout Wildlife Park for a sanctuary where you can get up close and personal with friendly fauna.

Bring your picnic blanket

Make the most of a beautiful day and bring your own food to share with friends. Spread out under a tree in one of the city’s many green spaces like Centennial Park, Sydney Park or Paddington Reservoir.

Sydney awaits and is ready to welcome you no matter the pollen count. If you’re unsure of the pollen level,  check the pollen forecast on Pollen Pal (LINK) before going out.  

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Pollen Pal - Accurate pollen levels in my area (46 characters, 2 keywords)

Allergies have you down? Hayfever calling the shots? Learn how to prevent and manage those nasty symptoms with Kleenex and Pollen Pal.  (134 characters, 2 keywords)

Sources:

(1)https://www.sydneypollen.com.au/faqs/how-long-pollen-season-sydney-region/#:~:text=Small%20amounts%20of%20pollen%20may,summer%20peak%20around%20January%2FFebruary.

(2) https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever/contents/allergic-rhinitis