{"id":5131,"date":"2024-05-05T22:28:37","date_gmt":"2024-05-05T22:28:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/?p=5131"},"modified":"2024-09-25T00:35:27","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T00:35:27","slug":"5-incredible-winter-activities-in-and-around-sydney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/travel\/5-incredible-winter-activities-in-and-around-sydney\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Incredible Winter Activities in and Around Sydney"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sydney<\/a> might be best known for its surf, sand and sunshine. But there\u2019s a lot more to the city \u2013 all year round. In fact, it\u2019s just as stunning in winter as it is in summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are five activities in and around the harbour city to enjoy in the colder months \u2013 from whale watching to wandering through cherry blossoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LIGHT UP AT VIVID FESTIVAL SYDNEY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Winter in Sydney officially starts with Vivid, a festival of light, music, ideas and food. It begins in late May and runs for around three weeks, finishing up in mid-June. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every year, the city is transformed into a magical wonderland of light installations, which take over buildings, parks, public spaces and even ferries \u2013 and most are free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, there\u2019s a colourful program of talks, concerts and dining experiences. Many of these are ticketed, so it\u2019s important to get in early. It\u2019s also a good idea to book your hotel in advance, especially if you\u2019re planning to visit on a weekend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My NRMA members get discounts on Vivid light show cruises along with Taronga Zoo, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquarium & IMAX Sydney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vivid
Image credit: Robyn Jay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

WARM UP AT YULEFEST IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If one Christmas a year isn\u2019t enough for you, then head to the Blue Mountains in winter for Yuletide. Hotels are decorated with fairy lights, restaurants host classic Christmas feasts and there\u2019s even a chance of meeting Santa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of all that, every year, the Winter Magical Festival takes over Katoomba for several days around the Winter Solstice (the 20th or 21st of June). You can count on live music, fireworks and a Winter Solstice Ball at the Carrington Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WANDER THROUGH CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN AUBURN<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of Sydney\u2019s most beautiful sights in winter is the cherry blossom forest in Auburn Botanic Gardens, inspired by the traditional gardens of Japan. The bright pink flowers appear for just two weeks in August, and thousands of people flock to see them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week-long festival, with a focus on Japanese traditions, culture and food, also takes place. Previous events included sumo wrestling displays, ikebana (flower arranging) demonstrations and origami workshops. There\u2019s usually a Japanese food village and cocktail bar, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Whale
Image credit: Hector Estrada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

GO WHALE WATCHING IN SYDNEY HARBOUR<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From May till November, tens of thousands of whales swim north from the Antarctic, where they feed in summer, to northern Australia, where they breed in winter \u2013 then back again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sydney, with its beautiful beaches and spectacular headlines, is an excellent place to go whale watching. Among the best spots are North Head, South Head and Barranjoey Lighthouse (at the north end of Palm Beach). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option is to climb aboard a whale watching tour and head out to sea. That way, you\u2019ll get to see the gentle giants up close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEE SNOW (AND GO SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sydney doesn\u2019t get cold enough for snow, so, if you want to see it, then you\u2019ll need to hit the road. Keen to keep your emissions to a minimum? Book one of SIXT\u2019s electric vehicles<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some years, snow falls in the Blue Mountains or slightly further west in Oberon, Lithgow<\/a> or Orange. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, for guaranteed snow, your best bet is the Snowy Mountains, which re five hours\u2019 drive southwest of Sydney. There\u2019s a variety of ski resorts to choose from, including Thredbo, Perisher Blue, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GETTING TO SYDNEY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sydney is nine hours\u2019 drive north of Melbourne and 10 hours\u2019 drive south of Brisbane. Save time and fly into Sydney Airport<\/a>, then pick up a SIXT car rental.

You\u2019ll also find SIXT at loads of other locations around NSW<\/a> and Australia. Whether you hire a roomy SUV or a minibus, so you can travel with all your friends, you can rely on our well-maintained vehicles and great customer service. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sydney might be best known for its surf, sand and sunshine. But there\u2019s a lot more to the city \u2013 all year round. In fact, it\u2019s just as stunning in winter as it is in summer.  Here are five activities in and around the harbour city to enjoy in the colder months \u2013 from whale…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":108,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[122,65],"class_list":{"0":"post-5131","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-travel","7":"tag-roadtrips-nsw","8":"tag-sydney","9":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n5 Winter Activities in and Around Sydney | Sixt Car Rental<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Five activities in and around the harbour city to enjoy in the colder 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