Sydney fires up for Winter
It’s not all about the Summer in Sydney…
Sydney’s reputation as a Summer hot-spot is rightly deserved, but Winter gives you the chance to experience another side of the city. From the magic of Vivid Sydney, to spotting humpback whales on their annual migration and checking out some of its secret underground bars, Sydney, Australia, has many unique events and activities that make it a top destination for travellers during the cooler months.
“Sydney has so much to offer year round courtesy of an extensive events calendar, well-known driving routes into region and all-weather activities for all ages. The Harbour City really comes to life in Winter when Vivid Sydney – the largest festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – kicks off from May 24 to June 15.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres
Turn up the lights
Have you even ‘done’ Sydney if you haven’t visited the city during Vivid Sydney? Now in its 11th year, this 23-day intersection of art, technology and commerce has become an unmissable event on the city’s cultural calendar. So much more than the famous Light Walk, which curates more than 50 radiant works into the largest gallery of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the festival’s program also includes three weeks of game changing ideas and seminars along with amazing music throughout the city and surrounds.
Highlights this year include everything from an audience with US director Spike Lee to The Cure at the Sydney Opera House, as well as Qweens Ball, Sydney’s biggest queer op shop dress up spectacular.
Watch out for whales
Sydney’s coastline offers a unique vantage point to spot whales making their annual migration from the cold Southern ocean to the warmer Pacific for breeding season. You can go on a whale watching tour, or grab a take-away fish and chips and perch on a headland along the coastline (such as the Bondi-to-Bronte walk) and look out for them as they pass.
Warm up at a whisky den
Sydney is home to some seriously good bars that know their whisky, so what better way to warm up than with a dram or three. Underground whisky lairs include The Baxter Inn, The Doss House, Mjolner and Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern, you’ll find Irish whisky galore at The Wild Rover and for Japanese whisky try Tokyo Bird.
Cheer on the Swannies
AFL is a uniquely Australian sport and seeing the Sydney Swans in full flight at the SCG is something to behold. Even if you’re not big on sport, the electric atmosphere at the stadium will ensure you get into the spirit of the game.
Support the Blues
It’s one of Australian sport’s biggest rivalries and it’s a chance to show your true colours. The State of Origin is a three-game grudge match that pits the best NSW players against the brightest that Queensland has to offer. We know it’s not really a question of who will triumph, but getting behind the Blues is a question of state pride. The third, and usually most thrilling, match is at ANZ Stadium, Sydney on July 10.
“Sydney is an amazing Winter destination with a vast array of cultural, nature-based and sporting offerings. Now is the perfect time for visitors to begin planning their itineraries, securing flights and accommodation and mapping out their Sydney Winter activities”
Sandra Chipchase, Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer
