Why You Should Visit Sydney in Winter

When people think of Sydney, Australia, they normally visualise hot weather and stunning beaches. Of course, the summertime is a nice season of the year for visiting this beautiful country. But have you ever considered a visit in the cooler months of winter? Although you won’t see snow like in many other countries in the Northern Hemisphere during their colder seasons, winter is a magical time to visit Sydney. There’s lots on offer in Sydney in winter, from snows and festivals to outdoor skiing adventures and whale watching, making it a must to visit Sydney in Winter.

Here’s 5 great reasons to strongly consider a visit to Sydney in winter. We have you covered for both indoor and outdoor activities to suit different interests.

1. Whale-watching season

From May to November, humpback whales make their annual migration from Antarctica to the Pacific and then back. This means that you can see these marvellous creatures from the coastline, with many of the best vantage points right in Sydney. Barrenjoey Headland is a popular location for whale watching on Sydney’s northern beaches.

A short walk up to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse will guarantee not only stunning water views but also a high chance of spotting the migrating whales. North Head at Manly provides gorgeous views across Sydney Harbour National Park and is one of the best locations for Sydney whale watching. Whales in this area are known to swim as close as 200 metres from the coast, so have your camera ready!

2. Winter walks

Sydney really has it all when it comes to walks. Relaxing harbourside hikes, off-the-grid trails, bushwalks and dog-friendly trails are all on offer. There are many great walks through spectacular national parks and across white sandy beaches. You are spoiled for choice in Sydney when it comes to the outdoors. Winter is a great time to really enjoy a range of walks, as it can get close to 45 degrees celsius in summer. This takes a lot of the enjoyment out of the experience and also means you need to set off really early or quite late to beat the heat.

The best part about taking winter walks in Sydney is that it’s much cooler so you can go any time of day. Bondi to Manly is a must-try walk but being an 80km trek is not for the faint of heart. You will wind past the harbour and check out the city’s most famous beaches. For lovely views across Sydney Harbour and its famous bridge, definitely try the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. This easier walk is 1.8km one way with a boardwalk past for most of the journey. A great choice for a sunny winter’s day and a picnic to finish.

3. Vivid Sydney

Visiting Sydney in the winter means you get to experience the impressive lights show which is Vivid. It runs from the end of May until the middle of June most years and is a program-packed festival for all ages. Vivid Sydney does an excellent job of fusing engaging art displays with 3D light projections to create an unforgettable show. There’s also live music on offer as well as discussions from many of the world’s brightest minds.

Be blown away by the clever pairing of innovation and technology across the stunning Sydney Harbour. This is a full family event and can be enjoyed by all ages. It is something to definitely consider checking out when in Sydney during the winter. The explosion of colours in the evening really illuminates the city and makes it come alive like it never has before.

4. Enjoy a Sunday lunch at a pub

Do what the Brits love to do in the winter and have the ultimate pub experience. There are many cosy pubs to choose from and enjoy a roast lunch on a chilly Sunday. For a quintessential English pub experience, you have to check out the Duke of Clarence. This delightful pub in the inner-city has a roaring fireplace, comfy armchairs and a really impressive bookshelf. On Sundays their menu has many different roast options and yes they come with Yorkshire puddings.

Paired with their excellent range of beers on tap, this is a great way to spend a cold Sunday afternoon. For dog-lovers it’s hard to go past the Nag’s Head in Glebe. This relaxing and dog-friendly establishment has a delicious all day Sunday roast on offer. After lunch you can check out the quirky area of Glebe and wander through different shops. The much-loved Taphouse in Darlinghurst has lots of tasty craft beers on offer and has a relaxing walled Roof Garden, open all year round. Their popular Sunday roast goes well with their spiced mulled wine in the wintertime.

5. Check out a show

Sydney is a city full of wonderful theatre shows, musicals and productions all year round. Staying rugged up inside enjoying a show is the perfect way to spend a winter’s day in Sydney. Big-name musicals like Mary Poppins and Moulin Rouge are hard to go past for the ultimate theatre experience. Each year, many new and exciting shows are on offer in different locations across Sydney. Checking out a performance in the iconic Opera House is a truly unforgettable experience. A drink before or after the show at the popular Opera Bar is highly recommended.

The views across the harbour toward the Harbour Bridge are really like no other, especially at night. After the show you can go for dinner at many of the spectacular restaurants by the water. Another breathtaking venue is Sydney’s historically beautiful Capitol Theatre. It is home to world class musicals, theatre shows, ballet and concerts during the winter months. Depending on how many performances you want to see, we also recommend a visit to the most magnificent State Theatre. It is truly grandiose inside and will really take your breath away.