Top ten: winter in Sydney

Hyde Park by night

Here are my top ten ways to take advantage of winter in Sydney this year:

1. VIVID Festival

Beginning on May 24th, and lasting through to June 10th, Sydney will be taken over by some of the world’s most creative artists and transformed into a spectacular brightly-lit canvas.

This year, Australia’s very own innovative duo, The Spinifex Group, will be illuminating the sails of the Sydney Opera House and taking audiences on a journey that will celebrate Vivid Sydney’s themes of light, music and ideas. Customs House at Circular Quay and the Museum of Contemporary Art will be lit up plus in a world first Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge will also come alive during Vivid with a spectacular display of light.

Vivid Light will extend to Darling Harbour and transform the precinct into a spectacle of dancing water fountains, water screen projection performances and dazzling light and water shows, never seen before in Australia, masterminded by France’s legendary Aquatique Show International.

The festival will also host a number of foreign and local artists like Bobby Womack and Cloud Control, as well as creative thinkers and live performers, who will take the stage of the iconic Opera House to blow your socks off.

Image courtesy of Vivid Festival Sydney

2. Whale watching
Winter is the perfect time to get out on the harbour and finesse your sea legs. Yep, you heard me correctly. Each year, the majestic Humpback Whales make their migratory route through Sydney waters, and the best time to see them is in the cooler months.

Book a cruise, grab your camera (take a waterproof one, just in case) and your favourite mammal-loving buddy and get out on the high seas for an experience that will blow you away

3. Check out the bar scene
Just as you race for the best rooftop bar position in summer, you’ll have to race for the cosiest indoor table in winter. But not to worry, Sydney has plenty of sheltered bars and pubs with a list of cocktails that will warm the shackles of even the coldest hearts.

We Sydneysiders are pretty spoilt when it comes to places to catch up with friends for a drink or two. Here are my favourites:

Santa Barbara in Kings Cross is the latest offering by the Drink & Dine group (think the Norfolk, Forresters and the Abercrombie) and has already won my heart with its kitschy decor and delicious beverages.

Eau De Vie, under the Kirketon Hotel in Darlinghurst is a tried and tested fave. With a well-deserved collection of awards under its belt, including ‘Bar of the Year 2011’, it’s pretty clear why this cocktail bar made the list.
Freda’s Bar & Canteen is a favourite for a couple of reasons. Firstly because it’s tucked into a cosy little side alley in Chippendale, making it seem like your own little secret, but also because of the well thought out cocktail list (try a Negrura, like a Negroni but with Herradura tequila instead of gin – yum!).

4. See a live show
Our pick? The Addams Family Musical. Currently playing at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, the show brings the crazy world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Wednesday and Pugsley to life. Watch as the dysfunctional family is turned upside down when they’re faced with a seemingly everyday challenge.

Image courtesy of eventfinder.com.au

5. Warm up your appetite
Nothing warms you up more than food (and alcohol). Believe the lady who puts on at least two kilos every winter. I’d love to say it’s on purpose, but either way, the extra layer works wonders!

Whether you want to spend a few hours indulging in a degustation, or you’re catching up with the girls for dinner and a drink, check out a few of my faves:

Almond Bar in Darlinghurst is run by a Syrian family who know what they’re doing. Combining Syrian cuisine with tapas-style eating, they only offer the freshest ingredients and at very reasonable prices.

Toko on Crown Street is a Japanese restaurant that is always buzzing. The food is fantastic, and the drinks are equally as good – try the edamame beans with chilli salt and the Glenmorangie espresso martini. Mmm…

Hidden in the leafy suburb of Balmain is Efendy, a fantastic Turkish restaurant. Housed in a restored Victorian mansion, the location is rivalled only by the food.

Efendy in Balmain

6. OMG shoes! (and other items of clothing)
Shopping in Sydney is where it’s at (sorry Melbs!).

If you haven’t been yet (or even if you have), make your way to Westfield in Pitt St Mall for some mid-range and high-end shopping. Think Zara, TopShop, Georg Jensen and Zimmerman.

If you’re after a more boutique experience, Paddington’s William and Oxford Streets are a great option.

And if it’s a nice day, head to the markets. Sydney hosts loads of great ones, including Kirribilli and Bondi flea markets, and Eveleigh Farmers Market for the freshest produce.

Paddington’s William St, image courtesy of stylingyou.com.au

7. Indulge your cultural side.
Each year, Sydney plays host to a load of arts events. Go see Verdi’s The Force of Destiny at the Sydney Opera House, appreciate some art at the Museum of Contemporary Art, watch a play at the Belvoir Theatre, or marvel at the 2013 Archibald Prize at The Art Gallery of NSW.

Another option; the Sydney Writer’s Festival will return from the 20 – 26 of May to the Walsh Bay piers. The festival brings together some of the best literary minds to celebrate all forms of writing. And if your legs (and brain) get tired, head to the Bar at the End of the Wharf for a sneaky drink or two.

The Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW

8. Take a hike! No seriously, take a hike. Sydney is home to some beautiful national parks, rainforests, wetlands and bushlands so get out there and breathe in some fresh air. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is spectacular any time of the year, as well as the Manly to Spit Bridge walk. Or jump in your car, head to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and make a day of exploring the lush surroundings.

9. Pull on your skates The ice rink at Bondi Beach will return this year as part of the Bondi Winter Magic Festival for some all-ages winter fun. From the 29th of June until the 15th of July, you’ll be able to pull on a pair of ice skates and gracefully (or not so gracefully) glide until your heart’s delight, whilst overlooking the famous Bondi Beach. Feeling weary? Not to worry. The Alpine Ski Hut has all your winter needs – hot chocolate, gluwein and hearty homemade meals, as well as a fully licensed bar (hip hip!).

10. Get your tourist on Local or not, there’s no denying that Taronga Zoo, the Aquarium and Madame Tussauds are fun day activities. Act the tourist and see Sydney from a new perspective. Why not buy yourself a combo pass (combos equal discounts) and hit Madame Tussauds, the Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Tower Eye? Who doesn’t love a deal!?

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo

Now you’re set, so settle in and get excited about winter in Sydney.