Best Things to Do in Sydney and New South Wales in Winter
We mean it when we say that Australia is a year-round destination — with winter being no exception! The best part is that it doesn’t get too cold, with temperatures ranging between eight to 17 degrees celsius. There are frequent sunny days too, which means you can still enjoy outdoor activities without breaking much of a sweat.
When you visit Sydney, you can explore iconic locations like Bondi Icebergs, try surfing at Bondi and Maroubra beaches, and visit attractions such as Sydney Tower, Sydney Opera House, and the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Winter stretches over June to August, and is also the off-peak season. This means lower prices, fewer crowds, and an overall better bang for your buck. What’s not to like? If you’re heading to Sydney and the New South Wales region, here are some of the best winter things to do there! Visiting Sydney during winter offers a chance to explore attractions like coastal walks, swimming pools, and museums.
1. Have some snowy fun
Photo credit: Thredbo Resort on Facebook
What’s a winter holiday without some snow? Head up into the Snowy Mountains — affectionately known as ‘The Snowies’ — to try skiing, snowboarding, or just go all out playing in the winter wonderland Take a trip to the Thredbo ski resort (five and a half hour’s drive from Sydney), which has the longest ski runs in Australia! Hit the slopes (which are suitable for all skill levels), and go on a guided backcountry tour. You won’t even have to bring anything with you, as everything you need can be easily rented at the resort.
#KlookTip: For the little ones, Thredbo Leisure Centre has a pool, water slide, bouldering wall, trampoline park, and more.
Alternatively, take a tour to Perisher ski resort (also around five and a half hour’s drive from Sydney), which is known for its top-notch snow quality. Challenge yourself with a line-up of slopes that have different terrains; for beginners, there are lessons available for both adults and kids.
#KlookTip: For the best snow conditions, plan your visit between late July to August.
2. Dine at Australia’s highest restaurant
Photo credit: Thredbo
Whilst you’re at Thredbo ski resort, don’t miss out on dining at Eagles Nest Restaurant. Perched at a height of 1,937 metres, it’s Australia’s highest restaurant! Dig into some hearty Italian fare with a view — 270-degree views of the surrounding area, to be exact. Getting there is easy too: simply hop onto the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift.
3. Marvel at Vivid Sydney
Photo credit: Vivid Sydney on Facebook
If you’re visiting during the Vivid Sydney festival, make sure to experience the breathtaking light show that illuminates the iconic Sydney Opera House at night. This festival is renowned as one of the world's most creative industry forums and brings new life to the surrounding precincts, including the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Watch as iconic buildings — such as the Sydney Opera House — become a canvas for mesmerising light shows, accompanied by magnificent artworks and installations. Catch a live performance, or participate in a workshop — finished off with the most exquisite food curated by the best chefs.
#KlookTip: Simply walking around on foot won’t cut it; see it all from the water onboard a cruise. For something different, sign up for a secret bar crawl hidden amidst the spectacular artworks.
4. Try your luck at whale watching
Did you know it’s prime whale watching season along the New South Wales coast between May and November each year,? Picture this: more than a whopping 40,000 whales are often spotted migrating from Antarctica to warmer waters!
There are lots of places where you spot these majestic giants: try to spot them from vantage points at Bondi Beach and Manly or Bangaroo; take a whale-watching cruise from Sydney Harbour, Port Stephens (two hour’s drive from Sydney), or Jervis Bay (three hour’s drive from Sydney). In Byron Bay (eight hour’s drive from Sydney), there are even whale-watching kayak tours for the more adventurous.
#KlookTip: Settle your car rental with Klook, where you can seamlessly choose the type of vehicle you want, add on insurance or car seats, and more.
5. Go stargazing
Photo credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Winter heralds the arrival of clearer skies, presenting optimum conditions for stargazing. Head to Warrumbungle National Park, which is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park — and also the first such park in the Southern Hemisphere! Dark Sky Parks are so named for their magnificent starry conditions and nocturnal environment, which are perfect for admiring a sky full of stars.
#KlookTip: Warrumbungle is around a six-hour drive from Sydney — seamlessly settle your car rental with Klook, where you can even choose to pick-up and drop-off your car at different places. Some packages even come with free cancellation should your travel plans change.
For a different kind of scenic view, visit Luna Park in Sydney, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Harbour Bridge.
6. Hit up an outdoor skating rink
Photo credit: Darling Harbour
Channel all those holiday vibes at one of the outdoor skating rinks, which pop up all around the city in winter. Make a beeline for the ice rinks at Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach, or Cathedral Square.
If you want to experience local life, troop the family over to Campbelltown’s Koshigaya Park (one hour drive from Sydney), which has an outdoor skating rink, amusement rides, food trucks, and light shows. Otherwise, have a great day out at Luna Park, which offers an ice skating and unlimited ride package.
#KlookTip: If you have little kids in tow, head for the Pittwater Ice Skating Spectacular (one hour drive from Sydney), which has cute little penguins for them to hold onto as they skate around.
6. Attend a festival
Photo credit: Winterland Sydney
Be spoiled for choice with a wide line-up of winter festivals! Expect a beachside ice rink, a ferris wheel, and lots of entertainment at the Bondi Winterland Festival; or settle in for a cosy movie at the Sydney Film Festival and Children’s International Film Festival. Be transported to France at the Bastille Festival (which even has a Christmas Village!); or to Japan at Auburn’s Cherry Blossom Festival (40 minutes drive from Sydney), complete with sakura trees in full bloom, sumo wrestling matches, and more.
Foodies will love the Carriageworks Night Market, which gathers many of Sydney’s best eats in one place. Learn more about aboriginal culture at the NAIDOC Week event, dress up as your favourite cosplay character during the SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show convention, and check out the splendid installations during the Biennale of Sydney (which is held every two years).
That’s not all: have a whirl at Darling Harbour Winter Festival, where you can even book an igloo. The Bathurst Winter Festival (three hour’s drive from Sydney) promises nothing but a good time with lots of market stalls and events, whilst Katoomba’s Winter Magic Festival (one and a half hour’s drive from Sydney) encourages everyone to join in the fun by dressing in costume.
7. Cheer your heart out at a sports game
Photo credit: State of Origin on Facebook
Are you a big sports fan? Join the locals in cheering on their favourite teams at various rugby and football matches during this season. Catch a dynamic State of Origin game (an annual three-game battle), or watch exciting ‘Australian Rules’ football matches — perhaps played by the popular Sydney Swans. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a legendary rugby battle between the Australian Wallabies and New Zealand All Blacks!
8. Soak in a thermal pool
Photo credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
On a more chill day, relax at one of Sydney’s thermal spas, such as Nature’s Energy bathhouses, or Gillian Adams Salon and Spa. If you have the time, make the trip to Yarrangobilly (five and a half hour’s drive from Sydney). Explore the Yarrangobilly caves, then embark on the three-kilometre river trail loop to reach a natural thermal pool — which remains at a comfortable 27 degrees celsius all year round.
9. Join a marathon
Photo credit: City2Surf - Let’s Run Sydney
Every August, Sydney plays host to City2Surf, which is both a marathon and fun run. Run 14 kilometres from Sydney CBD to Bondi, which ends with Sydney’s biggest dance party. The whole thing is a party indeed, with runners often turning up in colourful fitness outfits. Even better: the event is also a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to charity.
10. Try surfing
Surfing and winter often don’t go hand in hand; but in New South Wales, winter brings larger and stable ocean swells, making for great surfing conditions. Sign up for a surfing lesson at Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, or Manly Beach, where you can take your time to master the sport without the crowds.
11. Join a ghost tour
What better time to join a ghost tour than during the darker and colder months of winter? Sign up for this Haunted Sydney Ghost Tour, or even a Haunted Sydney Pub Tour.
12. Embark on a truffle hunt
Truffle hunts are ongoing all year round, but did you know that winter is the ideal season for the Périgords black truffle? Go on a truffle hunt led by a guide and a skilled dog who will help to unearth the truffles. The dog’s ability to sniff out truffles is simply remarkable — learn more about its training regime with this Truffle Tails and Trails experience.
Alternatively, sit down for an indulgent meal at The Truffle Table, and pamper your tastebuds with all things truffle.
13. Go glamping
Photo credit: Bubbletent Australia on Facebook
Jazz up the usual stays by going glamping! We’ve got our eyes on Sierra Escape in Mudgee (three and a half hour’s drive from Sydney), an adults-only glamping soirée where the safari tents are well-insulated in winter. A firepit and free-standing outdoor bathtub complete the experience, on top of gorgeous views to boot.
If you’re making a trip to the Blue Mountains (one hour drive from Sydney), definitely book a night at Bubbletent Australia — where you’ll spend the night in a cute little bubble. Each bubble has a climate control function too, on top of a wood-fired bathtub.
14. Discover the Outback
Photo credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
If you’ve always wanted to explore the Outback, you’re in luck! Winter is the best time to do so — when it’s not too hot, and not too cold. Mungo National Park might be a long 11-hour drive from Sydney, but boy is it worth it.
Delve deep into aboriginal history (take a look at the Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, some of the oldest human remains in the world), drive around in a 4WD, take on various scenic walking tracks, or take a tour of the sand dunes.
15. Go fruit picking
Photo credit: Ford’s Farm
Winter is citrus season! Have fun picking fruits at farms like Ford’s Farm (one and a half hour’s drive from Sydney), where you can pick as many mandarins, oranges, lemons, limes, and cumquats as you’d like.
16. Revel in the pub vibes
Photo credit: Macquarie Arms Hotel, Windsor NSW on Facebook
Spend a cool winter evening in one of Sydney’s pubs, which can be found all around the city. Some of the oldest pubs can be found in the Rocks, a historic neighbourhood — crowd favourites include The Argyle and The Lord Nelson. Numerous pubs date back to the colonial era as well, such as the Macquarie Arms Hotel (the oldest pub in Australia!).
The Beresford in Surry Hills regularly entertains with live sets and cabaret shows; or, enjoy a striking view of the skyline from Keg & Brew. Speaking of views, the Glenmore in the Rocks sports a splendid harbour view, and the Collaroy entices with beach vistas from every corner.
And, if you’re a romantic at heart, picture this: cuddling up in a warm bar, with the glow from a crackling fireplace reflected on your face. Many pubs in Sydney have their own roaring fireplaces, such as The Lord Dudley and The Old Fitzroy Hotel.
17. Immerse in culture
Visiting a museum is a great way to spend the afternoon. Check out the Australian National Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art (don’t miss the great view from the rooftop café!), and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Otherwise, explore the cultural side of Sydney on these culture trails.
Darlinghurst is also home to the Australian Museum, which is the oldest museum in the whole country. Other fantastic museums include Science Space in Wollongong (one and a half hour’s drive from Sydney) for the little ones, and the intriguing Australian Fossil Museum in Bathurst (three hour’s drive from Sydney).
18. Warm up at a bookstore
Photo credit: Ampersand Café and Bookstore, Paddington on Facebook
Be transported to another world at some of Sydney’s aesthetic bookstores. Get lost in time at Ampersand Café and Bookstore, where you can curl up for hours with a good book. Sappho Books Café and Bar offers the chance to read alongside a glass of wine; and, find any book you can think of at Better Read than Dead, a bookstore that has been open since 1996.
#KlookTip: For a unique experience, try Elizabeth’s Bookstore’s ‘blind date with a book’, where you’ll receive a mystery book.
19. Cosy up at a cinema
Photo credit: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace on Facebook
Sydney’s cinemas are in another league of their own, sparing no expense on the aesthetic front. Gaze at The Chauvel’s barrel-vaulted veiling, the opulent glamour of Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, or travel back in time at United Cinemas in Warriewood.
For a unique experience, travel out of Sydney to the Regal Cinema in Newcastle (around two hour’s drive from Sydney), where the owner opens each movie showing with an entertaining performance. Watch a movie in a chapel-turned-cinema at Glen Innes Chapel Theatre (seven hour’s drive from Sydney), or the retro Huskisson Pictures in Jervis Bay (three hour’s drive from Sydney).
20. Explore the Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House is an institution of Sydney — don’t just admire it from the outside, but explore the interior as well on a guided walking tour. Go backstage to learn all about its inner workings, and gain insight into the architectural marvel. For an iconic view of the Sydney Opera House, consider the thrilling Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, or bike ride which offers unbeatable views of the harbour.
21. Get back to nature
With many sunny days and comfortable temperatures, winter might just be one of the best times to discover Sydney’s many coastal walks. Go on the popular Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, the easy Hermitage Foreshore Walk, the lovely Manly to Spit Bridge Walk, or the South Head Heritage Walk from Watson’s Bay.
Winter is a great time for a bushwalk as well, such as the Wolli Creek or Lake Parramatta tracks.
22. Do an indoor activity
If you prefer to stay indoors, Sydney has got plenty to keep you busy. Go under the sea at the SEA LIFE Aquarium, challenge yourself with an escape hunt (there’s even a virtual reality version!), test your smarts at the Quiz Room, or work your muscles with a bout of axe throwing.
#KlookTip: Arm yourself with the Klook Pass Sydney or the Ultimate Sydney Attractions Pass for even greater savings!
What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel and experiences platform, with over half a million offerings in over 2,700 destinations! Browse our growing collection of travel activities and services in 15 languages, and complete bookings seamlessly with 40 currencies and over 40 payment methods.
We're here to bring the world closer together through experiences. Whether it's something new in your neighborhood or an adventure abroad, with Klook you're always connected to a world of things to do and places to see.
