Winter in Sydney

Despite being well known for our love of sunshine and beaches, Australia has more to offer than a warm climate and spending time playing in the sun, surf and sand. Winter in Sydney is not typically a season that people would plan to visit Sydney, when the days are shorter and darker. Australians’ behaviour changes in winter and the laid back lifestyle is left behind as irritability and moody, winter blues set in.

Image by ~ Waterbaby

Winter in Sydney sees many struggle with the bad habits the season brings, like sleeping in and overeating. The inactivity of going to the gym less and staying indoors watching Netflix re-runs results in many caring less about their appearance and gaining weight.

Image by ~ Binspired2

But that’s not how it has to be and some places come to life in the cooler months.

Sydney is one such city that lures you outdoors and if you prefer cold to heat the absolute best time to visit is June to August, the Australian winter. Sydney winter is generally not harsh, making it great for setting out on foot in the city or bushwalking in the nearby Blue Mountains. If you google “accommodation Sydney” you can find many hotels to suit your style and budget in the popular Darling Harbour, City Centre, The Rocks or Sydney Harbour areas or the gorgeous Blue Mountains are only 90 minutes.

Image by ~ Michelle Karaman-Jones

The city centre offers a chance to escape the winter rain with a spot of high end shopping in an arcade with grand old, graceful shopfronts that fills an entire city block. At The Queen Victoria Building you can take a tour of this historic, beautiful shopping complex. Shop from the underground Victoria’s Secret or pop up to the top floor that was previously the Grand Ballroom for the epitome of style and quality, high tea. If that is not your style, indulge in some window shopping along with those with discerning tastes, sit and people watch with a cuppa or grab a sweet treat from Adriano Zumbo’s patisserie.

Image by ~ Dan Himbrechts

You might prefer Yum Cha at Chinatown followed by a walk through the Chinese Garden of Friendship, or nearby Paddy’s Market. And if you are looking at getting out the winter rain, there is no better place to while away an afternoon at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum. We would also recommend you see a show at the Capitol Theatre and be sure to grab a late winter warming night snack from Harry’s Café de Wheel.

Adjacent to the city is Darling Harbour which in July hosts Cool Yule with ice skating, Ferris Wheel, snow pit frozen forest and fireworks. In Sydney you don’t have to wait for big occasions to see fireworks. They are held Saturday evenings in Darling Harbour running from July through to October. Sit back and have dinner at Cockle Bay Wharf while enjoying these free, spectacular fireworks.

When in Darling Harbour spend time at IMAX Theatre, Sealife Aquarium and Madam Tussauds to escape the winter weather. Nearby is the Lyric Theatre, Star Casino and National Maritime Museum. Afterwards take a ride on the beautiful, historical Carousel, with horses carved in 1885 and still going strong. Nearby is Sydney Fish Markets, the largest working fish markets in the southern hemisphere where you can take an early morning, 2 hour tour.

Image by ~ Meggan Turner

Another amazing winter spectacle is Vivid, an unique, annual, free event. Sydney comes alive and lights up the harbour with interactive light shows and breathtaking lighting projections on the Sydney Opera House sails. This dazzling light art mesmerises and this event is the largest of its kind in the world. There is a much smaller scale during winter Perth, which combines installations, projections and entertainment, called Brookfield Winter Lights Festival.

Image by ~ Peter Haroldson

The biggest bonus of winter in Sydney is the awe inspiring view of Sydney’s iconic harbour, walking across the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge and a tour or show at Sydney Opera House. Taking a ferry from Darling Harbour to Manly on the ferry is a treat. The ferry ride passes the city’s brightly lit skyscrapers, Circular Quay, Luna Park at Milson’s Point, Taronga Zoo, Watson’s Bay with an Opal Card or Fast Ferry Smart Card.

Another unique site on the water is whale watching. Throughout winter Humpback Whales migrate from Antarctica to the tropical waters to give birth. They are regularly seen around the Sydney coast, close to shore. Southern Right Whales are less sighted and Minke, Blue and Orca Whales are quite rare sightings.

Image by ~ kkday

Snow is not common in the majority of Australia but can be found in the Australian Alps and Snowy Mountains and the ski slopes Perisher and Thredbo are not too far away. With winter in Sydney picture perfect, sunny blue skies bursting with sunshine and light winds the Winter Full Moon Party at Thredbo is another top event.

Image by ~ Thredbo

Bondi hosts a pop-up outdoor ice rink to get you off your winter couch, or head to the Blue Mountains for Christmas in July with Yulefest. The festivities began in 1980 when an Irish visitor saw a little snow flurry and so created the feel of Christmas in the Northern hemisphere. Now a tradition with log fires, Christmas carols, snowmen, roast turkey, plum pudding and maybe a little snow. While in the Blue Mountains don’t miss seeing the famous Three Sisters.

Sydney is arguably one of the most pleasant cities you can experience anywhere in world, but winter in Sydney is a special treat. Winter in Melbourne, the food capital of Australia is also another place that is well worth a visit.

Have you been to Sydney? Which part of Sydney would you be most tempted to visit in winter?

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