Contrary to popular belief, there are heaps of awesome things to do in Sydney during the colder months. In fact, the city really comes to life during winter with live gigs, enchanting light festivals, immersive art shows and magical winter-themed festivals. If you were planning on escaping the frosty air and hibernating for the foreseeable future, check out our definitive list of all the exciting winter activities happening around town and get into the mood for winter instead.
1. Plan a trip to the snow to experience winter in all its glory
2. Head to a coastal lookout for a spot of whale watching
3. Cosy up at one of these pubs with a fireplace
4. Experience the Cherry Blossom Festival
5. Experience an enchanting Candlelight concert
From classical to pop, jazz to rock and movie soundtracks as well, Candlelight is shining bright this winter in Sydney.
See all upcoming Candlelight concerts here.6. Discover this suave CDB neighbourhood
7. Are you up to the challenge(s) at the Hijinx Hotel?
8. Be amazed at a magical soirée
9. Check out this fireplace rooftop with a view
10. Escape the city on a day trip
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11. Warm up at this thermal pool
12. Get crafty at this Turkish Mosaic Lamp workshop
13. Forget your troubles and warm up with a book at one of these cosy cafes.
14. Indulge your inner child at Luna Park and take a walk along the harbour for views to die for
15. Prefer an indoor activity? The MCA has heaps of exhibitions and artworks on display.
16. Take a road trip to Canberra — it’s just 3 hours away and a lovely little escape from the bustle of Sydney
17. And while you’re there, explore the incredible National Gallery of Australia.
18. Eat all of the ramen
19. Or beat the chills the Aussie way with one of these stunning coastal walks
20. Head over to the Macquarie Ice Skating rink for all the fun and good vibes
21. Catch a show at the Metro Theatre
22. Check out one of these cozy and gorgeous brunch spots
23. Soak up the sun and take in the amazing 360-degree views of Palm Beach from Bible Garden
24. Gorge on delicious bubble waffles at Sydney’s first bubble waffle cafe
25. Get lost in the magical world of The Grounds of Alexandria (to be fair, this one is a year-round essential)
26. Take a dip in the Figure 8 pools — but take extra caution as they’ve been deemed hazardous
27. Recalibrate at one of these breath-taking beaches
28. Chocolate connoisseurs — head over to these amazing chocolate shops for some hot chocolate and amazing treats
29. Plan a trip just outside of Sydney to explore this magical disused tunnel that glows in the dark
30. Catch a magical winter sunrise at one of these spots
31. Explore this incredible national park — NSW’s largest — that truly comes alive during the colder months
32. Take a toasty dip in a dreamy hot spring
33. Or stay indoors and warm up at one of these blissful bathhouses
34. Check out some street art — Sydney is home to some of the best in the world
35. Unleash your inner creative at a neon-lit paint-and-sip session
36. Explore Australia’s oldest wine region
37. And while you’re on the road, why not take a detour to one of these postcard-perfect winter towns
38. Or you can try and forget all about winter altogether and take a drive to this NSW coastal town — it’s got the best climate in Australia, according to the CSIRO
39. Get full-body chills at one of these spooky haunted spots in Sydney
40. All rained in? There are heaps of exciting things you can still do
