Must-dos for your next Sydney Winter Escape

When the mercury dips and the cool weather sets in, Sydney doesn't hibernate. It transforms into a winter wonderland ripe with unique experiences, whether you’re exploring hidden bars, indulging in wellness escapes to recharge your senses, viewing art galleries bursting with inspiration, or soaking in the culture, nature, and wildlife. Here’s your next coolcation guide to the best things to do in Sydney in the winter.

Attend Sydney's unmissable winter events

Vivid Sydney

When winter rolls in, Sydney lights up—literally. Vivid Sydney transforms the city into an electric playground of creativity, colour and culture, making it a must-see this winter. From larger-than-life light installations and 3D projections on the sails of iconic Sydney landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to thought-provoking talks, live music and immersive art experiences, the festival brings a vibrant energy to the cooler months. Staying in Surry Hills puts you right in the heart of it all, with easy access to the glowing action while still having hidden bars and boutique stays to retreat to when you’re ready to unwind. It’s Sydney like you’ve never seen it before—brilliant, bold, and buzzing with life.

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Bastille Winter Festival Sydney

Embrace the magic of winter at Sydney’s vibrant Bastille Festival, transforming Circular Quay and The Rocks into a lively Parisian wonderland. Over four festive days from 17th to 20th July, indulge in warming French cuisine & delights like gooey raclette, crispy crêpes, and freshly baked baguettes, paired perfectly with rich mulled wine and fine champagnes. Dive into immersive experiences such as the Bastille Wine Walk, a cozy tasting trail exploring France’s celebrated wine regions, or settle in beneath the stars at the Le Mulled Wine Cinema for a classic French film paired with your favourite winter drink. Entry to the festival is free, but special experiences require tickets—making it an unmissable highlight for anyone looking to spice up Sydney’s winter with European flair and festive cheer. This event is open to the public for free and for $39, tickets can be purchased for more guided and exclusive experiences from exclusive wine tastings to gourmet French dinners.

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Sydney Film Festival

This winter, Sydney comes alive with cinematic magic at the 72nd annual Sydney Film Festival! From June 4 to 15, film lovers and families alike can explore over 250 incredible films screened across 15 iconic venues, from the grandeur of the historic State Theatre to the vibrant open-air SFFTV in Martin Place. Kick off the excitement with the highly anticipated Australian premiere of Together, a quirky horror-romcom featuring Alison Brie and Dave Franco. Adding to the excitement, the festival joins forces with Vivid Sydney for two extraordinary events that blend film with live performances and awe-inspiring creativity—bringing cinema to life in bold, unexpected ways. With thrilling premieres, engaging filmmaker Q&As, and endless winter charm, Sydney Film Festival is a can't-miss highlight of the season!

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Cozy up with culture at Sydney's museums and art galleries

Australian Museum

Don't let the chill keep you indoors—instead, use it as an excuse to explore Sydney's rich history and eclectic art scene. Start at the newly revamped Australian Museum, where history leaps from the exhibits, offering everything from ancient fossils and Indigenous artefacts to wildlife photography exhibitions and special workshops.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

Venture next to the Museum of Contemporary Art near Circular Quay, with its ever-evolving collection of over 4,500 artworks created by living artists. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the museum showcases a dynamic mix of exhibitions, from bold installations to thought-provoking photography and cutting-edge digital art. With regularly changing displays, interactive experiences, and a rooftop café offering panoramic views, the MCA invites visitors to engage with the creativity and ideas shaping today's art world.

Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW is another must-visit, with its extensive collections of Australian, European, and Asian art and exciting exhibitions, including the Archibald Prize. These cultural hubs are perfect for chilly winter days, offering a cosy retreat where you can lose track of time among breathtaking masterpieces and historic artefacts.

Get in touch with nature and wildlife

Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens

Yes, even in winter, Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens are a delight. The crisp air makes for a refreshing walk through the garden's towering trees and themed gardens filled with exotic plants and native species. The ponds and secluded paths provide a peaceful refuge from the bustling city nearby, offering stunning views of the harbour and the iconic Sydney Opera House in the distance.

Discover Sydney's coastal walks

The iconic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a must-do any time of year, but there's something extra special about it in winter. The ocean feels wilder, the waves crash louder, and the sea air is brisk and invigorating—it's nature with the drama turned up. Pull on a beanie and let the stunning views over the cliffs take your breath away. 

If you're after a quieter trek, the Manly to Spit Bridge walk is a perfect alternative. It winds through lush bushland and offers expansive ocean views that are just as captivating. Both Sydney walks are fantastic ways to experience Sydney's beautiful but rugged coastline, giving you a chance to clear your head and stretch your legs.

Experience whale watching season

Winter is the prime time for whale watching as humpback whales migrate along the Sydney coast between May and November. This natural spectacle can be viewed from various coastal points, or for a closer encounter, hop on a whale-watching cruise leaving from Circular Quay. It's an unforgettable way to spend a Sydney winter day, bringing you face-to-face with nature's giants in a truly spectacular setting.

Warm Up in Sydney's bars and pubs

Cheers to Sydney: discover the city’s best pubs

No winter in Sydney is complete without experiencing its world-class pubs and bars. Begin your night at The Rover in Surry Hills— a neighbourhood favourite that serves seasonal cocktails, freshly shucked oysters, and bistro classics. At the historic Glebe Hotel, indulge in a comforting pub meal and craft beer in one of Sydney's oldest suburbs.

For a quintessentially British pub experience, visit the Lord Dudley Hotel, a charming gastropub in Woollahra with a cosy fireplace perfect for chilly winter nights. For something more contemporary, Charlie Parkers presents innovative cocktails in an elegant underground setting. And at the lively Dove & Olive in Surry Hills, sample some local craft beers that will warm you from the inside out.

Just a stone's throw from Crystalbrook Albion, Crown Street awaits with an array of vibrant pubs and bars, including The Dolphin Hotel with its innovative menu, The Clock with its welcoming atmosphere and famous balcony overlooking Surry Hills, and The Winery, which turns a casual drink into an enchanting experience right in the heart of the city.

Secret sips & speakeasy vibes: Sydney’s coolest hidden bars

Old Loves

Hidden beneath Sydney’s bustling CBD at 199 Clarence Street, Old Love’s is a stylish Caribbean-inspired rum bar and a secret paradise for adventurous spirits. This moody, tropical hideaway offers an impressive collection of over 320 rums and standout cocktails like the signature Banana Hammock, spiced with jerk seasoning, banana, and coconut, alongside seasonal daiquiris crafted from fresh market fruits. Complementing its inventive drinks, Old Love’s serves tasty Caribbean bites including mini Cubanos and jerk chicken rolls. To discover this intimate retreat, look for the unmarked entrance leading down to a cozy basement filled with vibrant flavors and tropical charm, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking a unique and memorable nightlife experience in Sydney.

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The Cumberland

Slip through a quirky 1920s fridge door inside Manly’s cozy Cove Deli and you'll find yourself stepping back in time at The Cumberland, Sydney's coolest subterranean speakeasy. Descend the spiral sandstone staircase into an atmospheric hideaway glowing with candlelight, filled with vintage charm, and adorned with reclaimed timber and hand-carved sandstone. Here, it's all about indulgent cocktails inspired by Prohibition classics—think luscious concoctions like the Dandelion Espresso Martini or the tangy Lilly Pilly Sour—alongside an epic whiskey lineup featuring over 250 global labels. And if you’re hungry? Delicious tapas like sizzling melted raclette, hearty Spanish meatballs, and rich duck terrine appear via an old-school dumbwaiter from above. Whether you’re looking to impress a date or simply craving a night of hidden adventure, The Cumberland is a spirited escape you’ll talk about long after you resurface.

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The Baxter Inn

Tucked away down an unmarked alley off Clarence Street, The Baxter Inn is a hidden gem that transports you into a world of vintage charm and exceptional whisky. Descend into this basement bar to discover a cozy, candlelit space adorned with exposed brick walls and a mesmerizing backlit wall showcasing over 800 whiskies from around the globe. The knowledgeable bartenders are always ready to guide you through their extensive selection, whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer. While whisky is the star, their expertly crafted cocktails, like the spritz-style 'A History of Violets', are not to be missed. Complement your drink with complimentary pretzels as you soak in the lively atmosphere and bluesy tunes. With no signage to mark its entrance, finding The Baxter Inn is part of the adventure, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and memorable Sydney nightlife experience.

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Saga Bar

Step off Chippendale’s vibrant Goold Street through ornate, hand-carved wooden doors, ring the bell, and get ready for a tropical escape at Saga Bar—Sydney’s very own exotic cocktail paradise. Inside, you're instantly swept into an adventurous world reminiscent of Indiana Jones, where lanterns glow softly amid lush jungle vines and an enchanting Buddha water feature bubbles gently, setting the scene for mystery and indulgence. Quinton Seeto's innovative cocktail menu shines with standout creations like the dreamy "Peace Train," blending cognac, rose syrup, and fresh watermelon juice, or the decadent "Saga Fashioned" made with banana-infused Jack Daniel’s Honey and salted caramel. Pair these intriguing cocktails with inventive bites like vibrant kingfish sashimi in yuzu-chilli dressing or crispy soft-shell crab drizzled with Singapore chilli sauce. Saga Bar isn't just a hidden venue—it's an immersive experience designed for those ready to sip, savor, and explore Sydney’s coolest secret spots.

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Wellness escapes & activities

Take a relaxing plunge in a steamy bathhouse

While swimming at the beach wouldn't be one of the more popular things to do in Sydney during the winter, immerse yourself in total relaxation with a hot dip at one of Surry Hills’ many bathhouses. Surry Hills is home to two of Sydney’s warmest (and coolest) bathhouse escapes. At Capybara Bathing, you'll step into a serene, timber-lined sanctuary where you can bliss out with a cedar-scented hot stone sauna, soak in a magnesium-infused thermal bath, brave a chilly plunge pool, and lounge hammam-style between sessions—all wrapped in calming, earthy tones. For something a little more dynamic, XtraClubs offers a European-style wellness playground, with unlimited access to Finnish and infrared saunas, steamy rooms, and ice baths as frosty as 3°C - 10°C. Whether you're seeking relaxation or a revitalising boost, these Surry Hills sanctuaries offer the perfect winter escape.

Find your inner glow with yoga and pilates

This winter, stretch, strengthen and reconnect at two of Surry Hills’ standout wellness spots. One Playground’s Urban Oasis delivers a luxury fitness experience with over 150 weekly classes, a world-class Reformer Pilates studio, and luxe amenities—all wrapped up in one affordable membership. Just a short stroll away, InYoga brings together timeless yoga traditions with a fresh, modern approach, offering classes like yin, hatha, vinyasa, and meditation. Tucked inside a bright, airy loft in Surry Hills, it’s a peaceful retreat for busy city souls craving a moment to slow down and recharge. Whether you're looking to move, unwind, or simply find a little breathing space to nurture your wellbeing. Explore more wellness activities going on at Surry Hills to add to your coolcation itinerary.

Enjoy the best things to do in Sydney this winter with Crystalbrook Albion

Your Sydney winter trip is set to be one filled with excitement, rejuvenation, and adventure with these enriching activities and sights. Wrap up warm and embrace the chill as an opportunity to uncover new experiences and hidden gems in one of the world's most vibrant cities.

After a day of exploring Sydney, Crystalbrook Albion in Surry Hills offers the perfect retreat. As a luxury boutique hotel, no two rooms are the same, each boasting its unique charm. Unwind on the rooftop with breathtaking city views, or step out to explore the eclectic neighbourhood. At Crystalbrook Albion, every detail enhances your Sydney winter escape, blending luxury with the unique personality of Surry Hills.