Is it just us or is there a certain sadness that sets in after Australia Day? The festive season is well and truly finished, summer is entering its final days and – depending on which state you’re in – there are no more public holidays until Easter. Lucky you have us, dear Sydney and Melbourne friends, because we’re about to pull you out of your end-of-summer-slump with an enticing list of after-work ideas to help you squeeze every last drop out of these glorious long days.

Sydneysiders

Swimming Adventures

Thanks to our location on the coastline, we Sydneysiders have a plethora of options when it comes to summer swims. In addition to our beautiful beaches – which stretch all the way from Palm Beach in the north to Cronulla in the south – we have some pretty spectacular pools. There’s picture-perfect Icebergs in Bondi, Andrew Boy Charlton on the edge of the Botanic Gardens, and North Sydney Pool, which has prime real estate under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For a more natural experience, swim out to the floating platforms at Murray Rose Pool in Double Bay or plunge into the perfect circle that is Ivor Rowe Pool in South Coogee. For quiet and secluded beaches, try Milk Beach in Vaucluse or Gordon’s Bay in Coogee, packing a picnic to munch on as the sun goes down.

Sporty Pursuits

If you’re feeling active, why not make use of one of Sydney’s many outdoor gyms, thoughtfully placed in picturesque locations across the city. Rushcutters Bay Park and Burrows Park in Clovelly are our top picks for views, smaller crowds, and a great range of equipment. For something more structured, head to Yoga by the Sea in Bondi or Tamarama after work and discover the wonderful feeling of zen that comes with ending the day in tree pose under the setting sun.

Sunset Sessions

To make the most of the twilight hours, send yourself to Busby’s Pop-up Bar in the Botanic Gardens for wine and iconic harbour vistas, Sunday Sundown sessions on the rooftop at Coogee Pavilion and in the sprawling courtyard at The Newport, and all the Aperol Spritz Sunset Sessions happening around the city, where you not only get to drink your favourite cocktail but also sample the delicious invention that is Aperol gelato. Another option is Lights on Later every Wednesday at the Museum of Contemporary Art. There’s something different each week (think talks, live music and various workshops) and the rooftop is always open for drinks, a bite to eat, and front row seats to watch the sun sink over the harbour. Perfection.

Melbournians

Drinks

Head to the city’s best rooftop bars for sunset drinks in those long twilight hours or, for something out of the ordinary, try the crazy new fitness fad that is Bieryoga, coming to you in sunset sessions at the Village Melbourne’s outdoor Arbor Bar. If you’re wondering; yes, it is yoga with beer and no, sun salutations will never be the same again.

Eats

There’s no better time than the last, lazy days of summer to get fish and chips on the beach. Paper Fish opened its doors late last year has been serving up a delicious selection of fresh fish, sweet potato cakes and icy granitas to wash it all down. Head to St Kilda to check it out. If red meat is more your thing, take a spontaneous post-work trip to the Mornington Peninsular, about an hour out of the city, where you’ll find Burn City Smokers BBQ Beach Boutique – a one-off summer pop-up. Think delicious pulled pork buns, slow cooked brisket with sweet, smoky BBQ sauce and delicious sides like corn on the cob sprinkled with pecorino and tomato dust. You’d best go swimming before your meal. If you can’t decide what you feel like eating, send yourself to one of the city’s summer twilight markets. The Queen Victoria Night Market sets up shop every Wednesday from 5pm and the St Kilda Twilight Market opens its stalls every Thursday. Expect more food options than you can poke a stick at, full bellies and happy wallets.

Summer Runs

Get in touch with your sporty side and sign up for the Sunset Series, a collection of three iconic Melbourne runs, including tracks through Melbourne Zoo, Princes Park and The Tan. Each location has a 4km and 8km option and takes place in a fun, festival style atmosphere, complete with free yoga sessions, live music, sunset bar and food trucks. Sounds like a pretty perfect combo to us.