Sydney is definitely a great summer destination, with its glistening waters, fine beaches, and sun-soaked cruises. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun during winter in Sydney when only the brave will swim at Bondi's famous ocean pool, Icebergs, and the coastal paths are less traversed but equally as picturesque as the summer months.
There’s a slew of fun and memorable things to do in Sydney in Winter, both indoors and outdoors! You can take the chance to see the whales during their annual migration season or go on a relaxing cruise.
If you’re more into indoor city attractions, you can try out the hottest experiences from watching shows at the Sydney Opera House or trying indoor skydiving.
Here are the best Sydney winter activities you can try:
- Tour the Sydney Opera House
- Go on a Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise
- Try indoor skydiving with iFly
- Catch the latest production at the Sydney Opera House
- Experience Sydney's Inner West on a Craft Beer Tour
- Discover Sydney’s best hidden bars
- Cruise, lunch and watch the whales
- Join Captain Cook’s crew to watch some whales
- Watch the whales in style on this luxury watching experience
- Experience the Gentleman Magician’s Magical Soirée with canapés
- Go on a tour of Barrenjoey Lighthouse
- Explore cafes & restaurants in Surry Hills
- Explore restaurants & bars in Newtown & Enmore
- Experience nightlife in Redfern
Tour the Sydney Opera House
Get up close and personal with the iconic Sydney Opera House
Whilst you can't lounge around in a picturesque, calm, harbourside beach on a giant inflatable flamingo, that doesn't mean you can’t go around and acquaint yourself with the important landmarks. Whether you’re visiting or a commuting Sydneysider who only sees the exterior when you pass by Circular Quay, then the Sydney Opera House Guided Walking Tour is a great way for you to get familiar with this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a guided commentary, available in various languages, and learn more about the historical architectural marvel as you get the best views and photo ops. The guides will take you on a journey to uncover untold stories about Sydney, and discover its magic beneath the sail.
2. Go on the Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise
Sip your choice of drink as you cruise through the waters of Sydney. Image credits @captaincookcruises on Instagram
All aboard the signature Sydney 2000 for a cruise filled with mesmerising city and nature sights, good food and fine wine!
The Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise is a year-round experience and definitely something you can do during winter in Sydney.
Enjoy picturesque views from the deck, enjoying the refreshing cool of the breeze and a drink. Enjoy the views of the city as live music fills the air and you’re served a delicious tapas-style menu.
Grab a friend and your coats, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this cruise!
3. Try indoor skydiving with iFly
Get your adrenaline pumping and try indoor skydiving
Perhaps you’re not ready to board a plane thousands of miles in the air only to jump off of it just yet - iFLY Downunder Indoor Skydiving is a great experience for you!
Fly in the safety of a state-of-the-art indoor facility where they’ll provide you with the necessary safety equipment. A pro instructor will also guide you throughout the experience, so all you’ll have to do is enjoy the ride and feel the wind pick you up as you fly.
It’s definitely fun kids aged 3 and above and kids at heart!
4. Catch the latest production at the Sydney Opera House
Catch productions of Aida, Attila, Otello, and Tales of Hoffman at the Sydney Opera House
Aside from a tour of its exquisite architecture, why not catch a production at the famed Sydney Opera House?
This architectural marvel has been staging world-class performances through the years, and there’s always a show running for you to enjoy. Choose among 4 of the 2021 opera lineup: Adia, a story of star-crossed lovers from rival nations; Attila, a tale of the King of the Huns; Otello, Verdi’s operatic interpretation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece; and Tales of Hoffman, Offenbach’s last and greatest work about the life and love of Hoffman.
Immerse yourself with the finest of performing arts with these stunning productions!
5. Experience Sydney's Inner West Craft Beer Tour
Find out how the famous Inner West craft beers are brewed with the Inner West Craft Beer Tour
The craft beer scene is thriving in Sydney’s Inner West. Go on a tour with the gurus of Sydney's Inner West craft beer scene, Dave's Brewery Tours.
Indulge all your senses with this half-day tour, where you can hear, see, touch, taste and learn everything there is to crafting a good beer. During the beer tasting session, you’ll have your fill of beer brews you won’t get in your ordinary store! Plus, snacks are complimentary, too!
Bring your friends and join fellow beer lovers on this beer-full tour!
6. Discover Sydney’s best hidden bars
Let a pro pub crawl expert show you Sydney’s best hidden bars
Think you know Sydney’s pubs like the back of your hand? Well, think again! Whether you’re a Sydneysider or a tourist, there’s plenty to discover on the Secret Bar Crawl Experience.
The nightlife doesn’t stop during winter in Sydney, so grab a friend, join the tour and let a professional pub crawl expert show you around and tell you about the history of each bar you’ll be visiting. Make new friends, munch on some snacks, and enjoy an epic night of drinking!
You’ll even get one free alcoholic drink, food for sharing, drink discounts, and a group photo op!
7. Cruise, lunch and watch the whales
You might catch a whale breaching during your whale watching tour! Image credits @whalewatchingsydney on Instagram
From May to November every year, over 30,000 humpback and southern right whales make their way along the coastline to migrate to the warmer waters of the Pacific!
Get ready for this awe-inspiring experience that doesn’t require you to stray too far from the bustling metropolis.
With the Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Lunch, you can do it all! Learn all about the whales’ migration aboard a comfortable vessel, witness a few whales in their natural habitat, and munch on your choice of breakfast or lunch.
Bring your friends and family, and get your cameras ready!
8. Join Captain Cook’s crew to watch some whales
Bring your cameras to capture some whales! Image credits @whalewatchingsydney on Instagram
Hop aboard one of Captain Cook’s vessels for this whale-guaranteed cruise!
Spot the whales during their annual migration, and let their expert crew guide you throughout the experience. Choose between an indoor and outdoor viewing deck for your maximum comfort during the Sydney winter.
Catch majestic humpback whales, southern right whales and even dolphins, play, swim, maybe even jump, all in their natural habitat. So charge your cameras and get ready for this whale-watching experience!
9. Watch the whales in style on this luxury watching experience
Go for the luxurious route with this whale watching experience
If you want a more intimate whale watching experience, then join this 12-people max, 4-hour cruise through Sydney Harbour and Sydney Heads where you’ll have spectacular views of the magnificent whales. Catch them swim and splash around the blue Sydney waters, a true sight to behold.
Hop aboard a small luxury vessel and enjoy a buffet BBQ lunch with an open bar of beer, wine and sparkling wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for the young ones.
10. Experience the Gentleman Magician’s Magical Soirée with canapés
Witness magic before your very eyes!
Do you believe in magic? If not, then let Bruce Glen, The Gentleman Magician, convince you otherwise!
Enter the Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, where Bruce Glen will give an extraordinary magic show that will keep you at the edge of your seat. You won’t want to blink and miss anything! You can also get your fill of canapés and champagne whilst enjoying the show.
So don your best smart casual or cocktail dress and experience this magical soirée!
11. Go on a tour of Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Stars shining over Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach. Image credit: Destination NSW
Head over to Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach and check out Barrenjoey Lighthouse, a heritage lighthouse built in 1881 and stands at 91 metres above sea level. The walk heading there is full of stunning seaside views and picturesque foliage.
And yes—a walk is mandatory, as the nearest parking area is at Governor Phillip, but the scenic walk is part of the experience! You can even go for the more challenging route and choose to take the Smugglers track.
12. Explore cafes & restaurants in Surry Hills
Have some drinks and nachos at Tio’s Cerveceria at Surry Hills! Image credits @tioscerveceria on Instagram
Surry Hills is a hotspot for shopping, restaurants, and cafes. When the outdoor temperatures drop during winter in Sydney, it’s a great opportunity to check out the best joints for a food crawl. You can warm yourself up with a fresh brew at Reuben Hills, a café and boutique micro-roastery that provides quality coffee from producers from all over the world.
If you want something on the boozy side, you can check out The Dolphin Hotel, a 3-story pub that offers outdoor and indoor dining and serves delicious burgers and steaks. If you want some Mexican food to go with your tequila, you can try Tio’s Cerveceria. You can also head to Porteño, where you can try classic cocktails, their Argentinian barbeque, and their Tapas wine bar.
13. Explore restaurants & bars in Newtown & Enmore
Check out the Rising Sun Workshop, a cool motorcycle shop AND restaurant! Image credits @rising_sun_workshop on Instagram
Newton and Enmore are the hippest and trendiest neighbourhoods in Sydney for food and pub crawls, with their diverse and creative establishments. One of the most distinct ones you can check out is Rising Sun Workshop, a restaurant that also doubles as a motorcycle workshop where motorheads and foodies alike gather.
If you’re a lover of cured meats, fresh cheeses. pickled goods and fine wines, you can check out Continental Deli Newtown, which offers the finest deli made of the best produce and hand-canned goods. If you want to experience a touch of the tropics even in Sydney winter, you can try Jacoby’s Tiki Bar—a Polynesian inspired bar reminiscent of the tiki scene.
14. Experience nightlife in Redfern
Try wining and dining at Ron’s Upstairs in Redfern. Image credits @ronsupstairs on Instagram
Redfern is another great area with bustling nightlife, as it’s laden with great bars that you definitely have to try. One of which is The Bearded Tit, a quirky bar and art space that’s great for those with a penchant for the unusual.
Meanwhile, Ron's Upstairs is a more unassuming Mediterranean inspired restaurant and bar with seafood and vegetarian menu you have to try with your friends and family.
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