No matter the season, Australia’s premier events city is always brimming with signature temptations on the calendar. If you’re planning a fling with Sydney over the autumn months, here’s a glance through some of the headliners, spanning art and entertainment, studding her busy diary.

200 Treasures of the Australian Museum, launched from March 6. From an Egyptian mummy to Ned Kelly, uncover the hidden stories of 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum in the Westpac Long Gallery.This magnificently restored gallery showcases 100 objects and 100 people that have influenced the museum, nation and region and reveals the unexpected stories that make them treasures. This is a new permanent exhibition, and entry is included in the Australian Museum's General Admission. 

The Lady and the Unicorn. On display until June 24, this is rare opportunity to experience the beauty, scale and intricacy of a masterpiece of medieval French art that has captivated viewers across the centuries. Revered as a national treasure in France, and known as the 15th-century ‘Mona Lisa of the Middle Ages’ The lady and the unicorn tapestry cycle is making its exclusive appearance in Australia at the Art Gallery of NSW. 

Biennale of Sydney. From 16 March to 11 June. Australia’s leading contemporary art event presents its 21st edition. Expect extraordinary art in unexpected locations. And it’s free! 70 artists from 35 countries will present their works across Sydney at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artspace, Carriageworks, Cockatoo Island, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney Opera House and 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art.  

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour- La Bohème. From 23 March to 22 April. Experience the romance of the original Bohemian love story at the magnificent Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. You’ll taste the best of Sydney in a single night out: food, fireworks, singing and spectacle under the stars.They open the site at 5pm.  Meet for dinner at one of the pop-up bars and restaurants, then sit back in a grandstand at the water’s edge and immerse yourself in Puccini’s passionate music. 

Sydney Royal Easter Show. 23 March 2018 to 03 April. First held in 1823, the Show is now Australia's largest annual event, attracting over 800,000 people every year. The Sydney Royal Easter Show is a celebration of Australian culture, from our rural traditions to our modern day lifestyles, providing unique experiences for everyone. Every Easter, the country and city join together at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, for fourteen days of agricultural competitions, animal experiences, live entertainment, carnival fun, shopping and more. 

Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear 1715–2015. 02 May 2018 to 14 October 2018. Explore the history of men's fashionable dress from the 18th century to the present, and re-examine the all-too-frequent association of fashion with femininity. Featuring over 130 garments by renowned designers including Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent, Reigning Men makes illuminating connections between history and high fashion

Vivid Sydney - Light, Music and Ideas.  25 May 2018 to 16 June. Vivid Sydney is a unique annual event of light, music and ideas, featuring an outdoor 'gallery' of extraordinary lighting sculptures, a cutting-edge contemporary music program, some of the world's most important creative industry forums and, of course, the spectacular illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails. The multi-award-winning winter festival of light, music and ideas returns to illuminate Sydney with exciting new precincts to explore, mesmerising new light art to inspire and plenty of entertainment for everyone. This spectacular festival has grown into the largest of its kind in the world. 

Where to stay? Step into a world of French finesse and harbourside sophistication at the brand-new, five-star Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Opened in October, this gleaming property is Sydney’s first new-build luxury hotel to have opened since the 2000 Olympics. The eye-catching glass exterior features triangular accents representing sails, and a striking red ochre and blue exterior colour palette which honours the indigenous clans of the Eora nation who lived around Tumbalong – the name given to Darling Harbour.

As you’d expect from the swish Sofitel brand, the hotel is well-staffed and whip-smart, with unfailingly obliging and helpful service. Boasting over 600 rooms and suites, this new 35-storey area landmark sports heart-stealing views across the city skyline. They’re all plush, chic and light-filled oases of indulgence, featuring the Sofitel MyBed, and floor-to-ceiling windows with dreamy views of Darling Harbour and the city. My gorgeous bathroom feature an in-built television, double shower heads and luxurious soaking tubs for the blissful pampering. Ooh la la!

Signature restaurant Atelier is on-site, as are three bars, including the glamourous and oh-so-effervescent affair at the Champagne Bar, where you’ll be toasting your bubbles to the sparkling harbour views. Another star-turn is the exquisitely designed outdoor 20-metre infinity pool, seemingly slipping into Darling Harbour’s big blue yonder.

If you’re not into lazing away the day poolside, you’d be struggling to find a gym with a more inspirational outlook. A work out in the magnificently equipped SoFit gym, offers up a sweeping perspective on Sydney’s serrated skyline. Would I rate a stay at this luxurious new entrant to Sydney’s hotel scene as magnifque? You bet. 

For more insights and making the most of a Sydney mini-break, head to Sydney Destinations NSW

Mike Yardley is our Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.