Nielsen Park, VaucluseCredit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Sydney Harbour from Nielsen Park, Vaucluse.
#feelnewsydney
Sydney doesn’t hibernate in winter: the cooler months herald some of the city’s most unique experiences. Rug up, step out and enjoy everything from festivals to whale watching — including plenty of crisp, sunny days.
Be captivated by Vivid Sydney
Watch Sydney come alive as the city lights up during Vivid Sydney for three weeks across May and June. The largest festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, this annual celebration offers full sensory immersion, with wonder-inducing light displays, thought-provoking discussions and experiences, music from the soul, and the best of the world's cuisines. Wander the 8km Light Walk along the harbour (which is completely free!), dance the night away at Tumbalong Park, see a performance art piece at The Goods Line while feasting on flame-licked snacks at The Fire Kitchen and much, much more.
Embrace the chill at more winter festivals
Roll up to a range of other magical festivals held throughout Sydney during winter. Watch Bondi transform into a winter playground during the Bondi Festival, held over 17 days in July, and embrace the world’s best filmmaking in June at the Sydney Film Festival. Enjoy weekends of frosty fun at the Darling Harbour Winter Festival in July, with food stalls, ice-skating and epic entertainment; or hit the outdoor ice rink at Campbelltown’s ChillFest in July.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Views of Harbour Lights installations over Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2023, as seen from Quay West , Sydney.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Views of Harbour Lights installations over Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2023, as seen from Quay West , Sydney.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple explores the Vivid Fire Kitchen, Vivid Sydney 2023. Vivid Fire Kitchen brings together Sydney's hottest dining concepts with local and internationally-acclaimed pitmasters and a collection of the finest NSW producers, curated drinks and fire-inspired cocktails for three weeks of flame-fuelled festivities
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple explores the Vivid Fire Kitchen, Vivid Sydney 2023. Vivid Fire Kitchen brings together Sydney's hottest dining concepts with local and internationally-acclaimed pitmasters and a collection of the finest NSW producers, curated drinks and fire-inspired cocktails for three weeks of flame-fuelled festivities
Stay up late in a cosy bar
Warm up for a big night out at one of Sydney’s moodiest bars. Recline on a leather banquette in front of the fireplace with a gin cocktail in hand at Frank Mac’s in The Rocks, or descend into a late-night lounge bar for expertly shaken cocktails and a live music roster of jazz, new-wave and soul at Caterpillar Club. Head underground for a clandestine cocktail at Palmer & Co, also centrally located, and sample a taste of Sicily at subterranean Apollonia, hidden in the moodily lit basement of Hinchcliff House, just behind Circular Quay.
Settle in for a decadent meal
Retreat from the elements to experience Sydney’s renowned culinary creativity at some of the city’s finest restaurants. Take a quick trip to NYC via Clam Bar, a bistro inspired by the steakhouses of the great city, with classic cocktails and bone-in steak cooked over charcoal with all the sides you could want. Descend the spiral staircase behind a mysterious wooden door on Bligh Street in the city centre to the basement dining room at Hubert, where classic French fine-dining is de rigueur. Imagine you’ve stepped into a friend’s rustic country home as you linger over a long paddock-to-plate lunch at Fred’s in Paddington. Or tuck into one of Sydney’s best Sunday roasts by a crackling fire at the charming Glebe Hotel.
Lana, Hinchcliff House in Sydney Credit: Steve Woodburn
The Bar at Lana, Hinchcliff House in Sydney
#feelnsw #feelsydney
Lana, Hinchcliff House in Sydney Credit: Steve Woodburn
The Bar at Lana, Hinchcliff House in Sydney
Restaurant Hubert, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drink at French restaurant Restaurant Hubert, Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Restaurant Hubert, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drink at French restaurant Restaurant Hubert, Sydney.
Be mesmerised by migrating whales
Marvel at the majesty of nature as whales put on a spectacular show in Sydney during the cooler months. Each year from May to November, more than 40,000 humpback and southern right whales make their way along Sydney’s coastline during their annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Pacific and back again. Watch in wonder from coastal vantage points such as North Head at Manly and the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which traces the clifftops of the city’s inner eastern beaches. Or get up close to these giants of the deep on an action-packed whale-watching cruise from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour or Manly with the likes of Whale Watching Sydney, Oz Whale Watching, Ocean Extreme and Manly Ocean Adventures.
Seek warmth through wellness
Get a taste of Sydney’s renowned wellness scene via an array of restorative experiences ideal for the winter months. Warm up from the inside out during a calming infrared sauna session at Nimbus & Co or Slow House, both located at Bondi. Hop between the sauna, mineral spa, ice bath and steam room at Surry Hills’ slick new space Capybara. Try something different and bathe nude at Arisoo, women-only Korean-style bathhouses in Paddington and Chatswood. Float in the 20-metre indoor pool under a canopy of twinkling ‘stars’ following a decadent treatment at the subterranean The Day Spa by Chuan at The Langham. Or treat yourself to a decadent day of bespoke facials and body therapies at the two-storey Spa at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
Whale watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
A whale breaches out of the water off Sydney waters.
#feelnewsydney
Whale watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
A whale breaches out of the water off Sydney waters.
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa Credit: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa
null
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa Credit: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
#feelnewsydney
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
#feelnewsydney
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
#feelnewsydney
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.