We’ve found chilly pop-up rinks during winter and permanent icy fun in Sydney for the whole family to practice their ice skating twirls, double axles and graceful tumbles.
1. If you ask us, winter is the best time of year to go on a bush walk – you’re working up a sweat, but the air keeps you cool. Keen for a big stomp? Make the trip to Cowan Train Station and follow the six-hour route to Berowra, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular view at Naa Badu Lookout – find out more about the Great North Walk here. Or check out our guide to the best walks in Sydney over here.
2. Warm up by an open fire at one of the city’s historic pubs, like the British-accented Lord Dudley in Woollahra. Check out our list of the best pubs with fireplaces in Sydney and plan your cosy arvo accordingly.
3. Winter is the only time of year when you can walk under Sydney's romantic Japanese cherry blossom trees at full bloom. There's even a cherry blossom festival that takes over Auburn Botanic Gardens every August.
4. We certainly don’t get the snow fall of our European cousins, but New South Wales has some beautiful alpine resorts that makes going to the snow a lot cheaper. Head to Perisher, Thredbo or Charlotte Pass to hit the powder. Check their websites for sweet deals on ski and snowboarding during winter.
5. Go for a dip without the crowds. Prince Alfred Park Pool’s 50-metre, nine-lane pool is heated and open all year round. Want more winter swim suggestions? These are the best secret swimming spots in the city, and these are our favourite outdoor pools in the city.
6. Go to the movies for a wildly affordable $10 thanks to Hoyts Cinemas Sunday morning deal.
7. Warm your hands and belly with a delicious pie from Flour and Stone. Their chicken, tarragon and leek is a stunner, as is their beef rendang pie. Yum. Want more pie options? These are our favourites from around the city.
8. From May through August, humpback whales are heading north to warmer waters, which means you can go whale-watching on almost any stretch of Sydney’s coastline. Our pick is at Barrenjoey Lighthouse, 113 metres above sea level, and it’s free to enter on foot. Check out these other best whale-watching spots across Sydney, and this guide to the best hikes in NSW for whale-watching.
9. Have your dessert in liquid form with an Italian-style hot chocolate from Rivareno. They make theirs with Valrhona single origin Grand Cru ‘Manjari’. You can even get it in affogato form.
10. Cool climate hermits might find themselves clambering the walls of their own homes in winter. Swap sofa scaling for a pair of sweatpants and hit up one of these Sydney indoor climbing centres to climb with purpose. You’ll heat up in no time.
11. There are few better ways to spend a winter afternoon than wandering around an art gallery, and Sydney is home to some of the best art galleries in the Southern Hem. Our top pick this winter? This season's exhibitions at the Art Gallery of NSW are world-class.
12. Stacking it into the waves on your first surf lesson is embarrassing in the height of summer (so many witnesses!). Take advantage of fewer people in the water with a surf lesson at Bondi this winter. Worried out the shark risk? We hear you. Book a surfing lesson at UrbnSurf – Sydney's only in-land wave park. We'd suggest making a day of it and warming up afterwards with a fish burger at Sandy's or a three-course affair at Rafi (both on-site, both excellent in their own way).
13. It’s open all year round, but for the true Swedish experience take an icy plunge into the pool followed by the warming dry heat of Icebergs sauna (it's included in the price of your pool admission). It’ll soothe the shock.
14. Party like a Parisian at Bastille Festival Sydney in July, with French wine, food and firey entertainment by the harbour. Make the most of warming beverages and hearty European fare.
15. Hone your dart-tossing skills at La Di Darts. This humble pub pastime gets a 21st-century glow-up at this ritzy darts bar.
16. Put on your glad rags and head to the theatre. Sydney's winter 2026 theatre line-up is looking exceptional.
17. With shorter days and longer nights, it’s the best time of year to spook yourself silly with one of Q Station’s Ghostly Encounters. This one is scary enough that it's only available for people aged 15 and over, and people under age 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
18. Gather around a hot pot at Spice World. Be the master of your own flavour and textural journey, dunking noodles, vegetables, delicate herbs, and thin slices of marbled wagyu into boiling broth pots.
19. Warm your bones at a bathhouse. Check out our list of Sydney's best spas over here.
20. Catch a home game from the Newtown Jets at Henson Park. Entry is cheap, and you can buy a sausage sizzle and some beers and sit on the grass. A great Saturday out, even for those who don't care about the footy.
21. Warm up around one of the Forrester's famous Yorkshire puds, where there whole roast dinner is served inside the Yorkshire pudding. Or check out our other fave Sunday roasts over here.
22. Nothing whiles away a winter night like pitting your grey matter against others in a round of quiz questions. The Woolpack Hotel’s Tuesday night trivia (7pm) is a popular drawcard, so get in early for a table (you can check out our full list of Sydney's best pub trivia nights over here).
23. Spend all day at the movies – without breaking the bank. Dumaresq Street Cinema in Campbelltown is Sydney’s cheapest movie theatre. All tickets for all sessions are just $9.50.
24. Conquer a bowl of ramen at RaRa. Put your name down for a table at this tiny Redfern bar where they’re using free-range, locally sourced meat and eggs in their surprisingly sweet and clear-flavoured tonkotsu. There's also a Randwick outpost.
25. Get your culture fix courtesy of Bondi Festival (July 3-19) or Carriageworks' stacked winter program.
26. Stock up on seasonal produce at one of Sydney's best markets, then cook up a feast for the people you love – bbq season will be here before you know it.
