Winter is a great time to explore the wonderful city of Sydney, thanks to cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
Whether you’re looking to escape the cold in an art gallery, or embrace the breeze on a coastal walk, the choice is yours. This list of the best winter activities in Sydney has something for everyone.
Festivals
Running from 23 May – 14 June, Vivid Sydney is one of the biggest events on the Australian calendar. Each year, a colourful lights display takes over the CBD, even transforming Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. Expect moving projections, live performances and outdoor artworks as you wander through The Rocks and Circular Quay. With the sun setting earlier in winter, there’s even more time to enjoy the show with loved ones. Plus, check out the unbeatable program of talks, performances and dining experiences taking place all over the city.
From 4 to 20 July, Bondi’s famous winter and arts festival returns for another jam-packed year. Expect an all-star lineup of music and theatre performances from the best Australian talent, as well as heaps of winter-themed events. Last year, standouts included the winter pavilion with its pop-up ice rink and ferris wheel, as well as street parties serving up live music and delicious food.
Also in July, the Bastille Festival is a celebration of French culture and food in Circular Quay. Think authentic French dishes, mulled wine, and live performances set against an iconic Sydney backdrop. There’s no better way to end the winter blues than by tucking into a bowl of handmade gnocchi or melted cheese fries, while taking in one of 70 performances from well-known Australian artists.
Whale Watching
The best time to spot whales in Sydney is during the migration season from May to November, as more than 40,000 whales make their way along the coastline.
There are so many fantastic spots to glimpse these incredible animals, but our favourite has to be The Gap in Sydney Harbour National Park. Gazing out across Sydney Harbour, you’re likely to see humpback and southern right whales making their long journey north. As one of Sydney’s most iconic lookout points, it’s also a great place to take in the city as it glistens in the winter sun.
If you are happy to embark on an adventure, drive 50 minutes to Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park. A whale watching platform has recently been installed with a large viewing area and seating for those looking to stay a little longer. The ocean views here are unbeatable, and you’ll definitely want to snap a photo or two on your visit.
Of course, there are also several tour companies operating out of Sydney, which take guests into the harbour on daily whale watching cruises.
Art Galleries
Sydney is home to several incredible art galleries, perfect for escaping the cold on really chilly winter days.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales has been displaying local and international art for more than 150 years. General entry is free every day of the week, allowing visitors to wander the historic halls of the main gallery while taking in art from Asia and the Pacific, British Victoria, and Indigenous Australia. There are always workshops and exhibitions for kids, and the on-site cafe serves up delicious coffee and treats after a long day of exploring.
The White Rabbit Gallery is another popular spot, and has become one of the world’s most impressive collections of Chinese contemporary art. The gallery is owned by Judith Neilson, who was inspired by her first trip to Beijing in the 1990s. She regularly makes trips to China and Taiwan to add to the impressive collection of almost 3000 works owned by the gallery, with the aim of sharing these incredible pieces with audiences outside of China.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is located on the banks of the harbour, with amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Inside, you will find a dynamic collection of works from internationally recognised artists. In fact, the MCA is Australia’s only public gallery dedicated to contemporary works, and it regularly changes exhibitions to showcase emerging and established voices. One third of the pieces in the MCA collection are by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Outdoor fun
Winter is a great time to explore Sydney’s wide range of hikes and coastal walks, as the weather helps to cool you down as you tackle new challenges.
The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a 6km walk past white sand beaches, rocky cliffs and wonderful local cafes. Start at the iconic Bondi Beach and grab yourself a coffee from one of the cute and cosy cafes dotted all along the foreshore. As you set off, you can expect to encounter ocean pools, parks and pavilions, where friendly locals will wave hello. Dogs are also allowed on this walk, so make sure to bring your furry friend along for an afternoon in the sun. Once you make it to Coogee, there are heaps of great eateries to refuel hungry bellies, including the Coogee Bay Hotel and Coogee Wine Room.
At Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, you will discover several walking trails to suit all skill levels. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk is a 4.4km loop which winds past caves and through the luscious rainforest. All along the trail, you will discover rock paintings and carvings from the traditional owners of the land, as well as a historic shelter where Indigenous families would come to warm themselves by a fire. The Indigenous art along this trail is culturally and historically significant, so make sure you don’t touch or interfere with the work along your way.
The Manly to Spit walk is a 10km scenic trail which takes you through the bush, along the coast and all the way to the bustling centre of Manly. Starting on the Spit Bridge, you will be guided to descend into a coastal reserve, known for its flowing streams and birdlife. As you continue along, expect to walk across beaches, bridges and bushpaths. There are some incredible lookouts along the way, with panoramic views of the horizon, as well as the Grotto Point Aboriginal Engraving Site, which features sandstone carvings from more than 1000 years ago.
To check out the most iconic landmarks in Sydney, click here.
