Latest

Sydney Set to Sparkle This Winter with New Experiences and Events

Vivid Sydney installation

Photo: Jen Lewin Studio

While some cities go into hibernation over Winter, Sydney continues to sparkle as a great short breaks destination, with a range of new experiences, attractions and Sydney-only events in store.

Visitors will love every second of Sydney in winter, with world-class events on the calendar. Set to dazzle crowds is the Vivid Sydney festival of light, music and ideas which will feature a raft of new experiences between 23 May and 9 June. Highlights will include ferries and other vessels decked out in changing colours for Harbour Lights, a new CBD precinct in Martin Place, and a new Vivid Musicevent – Modulations at Carriageworks – headlined by electronic pop legends Pet Shop Boys, as well as a stellar line up of more music at Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House, and a host of international speakers during Vivid Ideas.

Ready to wow and delight audiences from 12 April is new Strictly Ballroom: The Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star featuring the original creative team behind the much-loved 1992 Australian film, directed by Baz Luhrmann. Fans can rediscover the glamour at the Powerhouse Museum with The Strictly Ballroom Story exhibition of design drawings, cast and set photographs, and original costumes from the movie.

Sporting highlights include the must-see football spectacle as Italian greats Juventus take onAustralia’s A-League All Stars on 10 August, and international Gay Rugby’s World Cup, the Bingham Cup Tournament, in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, 24-31 August.

When the sun goes down, Sydney continues to shine with its collection of small bars hidden away in laneways, like Potts Point’s new Rocafelas with its a friendly neighbourhood vibe, covered all-weather outdoor area and fireplaces, and The Angry Pirate, recently anchored in Redfern serving up craft beers, cocktails and pizzas.

Check out the voodoo-inspired small bar Papa Gede’s in the CBD which woos visitors with its comfy couches, church pews and classic and tiki cocktails, while Entwine Bay & Restaurant in Neutral Bay offers an ever-changing menu of share plates to snack on.

Eclectic entertainment awaits at quirky after-dark venues, such as Hayes Theatre in Potts Point – the new home for musical and cabaret stage productions, Bondi Junction’s new live music venue, gallery space, bar and eatery Jam Gallery, and Tokyo-inspired underground basement cabaret joint Tokyo Sing Song in Newtown.

Spicy Korean dining is trending in Sydney, with new standouts including Redfern’s Moon Park, serving tasty bibimbaps, bulgogi and fried chicken treats, and Potts Point’s Kims Restaurant, shaking up expectations about Korean cuisine and offering an interesting assortment of tasty delights.

Hearty meals are on the menu in Sydney restaurants this winter, with new Swine & Co warming up visitors with suckling pig and slow-roasted cuts in art deco surrounds of the former Bank of NSW building, and new gem in Bondi, Da Orazio Pizza and Porchetta featuring hearty rustic Italian treats from Bondi Icebergs maestro Maurice Terzini.

Comfort food is matched to rare ales and bitters at Spring Street Social, hidden down a backstreet in Bondi Junction, while Bishop Sessa in Surry Hills showcases local produce from regional NSW in its menu by nose-to-tail chef Paul Cooper.

For the daring, new indoor skydive centre iFLY Downunder in Penrith provides non-stop exhilaration for the daring no matter the weather, while SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s new Shark Reef Snorkel experience offering a thrilling underwater adventure in a safe and see-through enclosure that brings visitors face-to-fin with amazing creatures from the reef.

Another new offering is Beyond the Wharf, an online hub at www.beyondthewharf.com.au revealing local secrets in places beyond Sydney’s ferry wharves, accessible by the harbour city’s iconic ferry service. Choose from a range of self-guided maps and itineraries in destinations along the ferry route including Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Watsons Bay.

Wrap up at the end of each fun-filled day in one of Sydney’s many great hotels, B&Bs or serviced apartments, with many offering great new winter packages.

New Sydney experiences and events in winter are featured alongside the city’s variety of iconic attractions on www.sydney.com.

Visitors can share their Sydney experiences via: Twitter: @sydney_sider #ilovesydney; Facebook.com/seesydney; and Instagram: #ilovesydney, @sydney.

More News

To Top