The Iglu Guide | Blog
Top 5 student activities for Sydney winter’s day
Students flock to Sydney for the laidback lifestyle, endless sunshine and beachy vibes. But the fun doesn’t have to stop when winter arrives, because the city has even more to give. Think outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, festivals, events and intrepid exploration. It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside your comfort zone and discover everything that Sydney has to offer. So don’t hang around waiting for spring, live in the present and enjoy every new experience that comes your way. Here’s five of the best ways for students to spend a Sydney winter’s day.
1. Enjoy the great outdoors
There’s nothing quite like being outside in Sydney’s fresh winter air. And with so much to see and do, you won’t even notice the change in temperature.
Whale spotting
From mid-May right through to November, over 20,000 magnificent humpback whales travel along the New South Wales coastline towards warmer waters before travelling back with their calves in tow. Watch them breach, roll and frolic in the waves and witness one of the most impressive nature displays on show. And you really don’t have to get on an expensive boat trip to share in this experience. Head to popular whale-watching spots such as Manly’s North Head or Barrenjoey Lighthouse up at Palm Beach where you have a good chance of getting lucky. Or simply take a stroll along the coastline in the midday sun for better visibility, and keep your eyes on the ocean. These are the memories that will stay with you for a lifetime – and won’t cost a cent.
Explore the city
Once the study schedule is up and running, many students find it difficult to create time to really explore their new surrounds. It’s hard to break out of the daily routine, and when the sun’s beating down it’s more comfortable to stay in the shade. However, Sydney’s winter sun is a much kinder seasonal alternative, providing perfect conditions for students to get out and discover the best of the city. Use the efficient public transport network to visit iconic landmarks such as the Rocks, Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, or jump on a bike and take advantage of the many cycle ways that will get you around the city. Alternatively, stay on foot and try out some of Sydney’s most spectacular walks. With stunning views and incredible scenery, the great Aussie outdoors will never disappoint.
Watch some live sport
Unless you’ve been hiding under some kind of university-shaped rock, most students will be familiar with the Aussie sporting obsession. And if you’re still not really sure what it’s all about, the best way is to get involved and check it out for yourself. Head to one of the major stadiums and take in a match or two, there’s plenty to choose from. AFL and NRL seasons both run from March through to September, ending with a nail-biting finals series that is celebrated across the entire country. Pick a team and get involved, you’ll never feel more like a local! And if you can’t get tickets to a live game, head to the pub and enjoy the community spirit of sport with friends.
Get into the surf
If you’ve ever been tempted by the ocean, but felt a little intimidated by the summer crowds, winter is the ideal time to dip your toe in the water. Whether it’s to surf, swim, snorkel or paddleboard, the beaches will be way less crowded in the off-season, with plenty of room for beginners to have a try. And if the cooler water temps are putting you off, just grab a wetsuit and you’ll be good to go.
Enjoy the Royal Botanical Gardens
Don’t spend the winter days staring out your window when you could be strolling around Sydney’s colourful botanical gardens. Beautifully set on the water, and framed against Sydney Harbour’s iconic background, this is the ideal location for relaxation and meditation amongst some of nature’s finest. As well as all the evergreen varietals on display, it is also home to many plants that actually bloom in winter – and the cooler weather makes for a much pleasanter experience.
2. Find fun inside
Catch a movie
It always feels a little bit naughty watching a daytime movie – but when it’s Sunday morning, the rain’s beating down and Hoyts is offering a $10 ticket, you simply can’t refuse. Students can even sign up to Student Edge and enjoy $12.50 tickets Monday-Thursday. What’s not to love?
Find a cosy pub
Stay rugged up and warm on winter days in the arms of a nice welcoming pub, complete with a fireplace, good food and good times. Try The Lord Nelson in the Rocks, or get snug as a bug in the Duke of Clarence, right in the heart of the CBD. Settle in with friends and treat yourself to some proper British pub grub while the roaring fire warms your feet. If you’re feeling more energetic, find a local pub trivia to keep you entertained.
Feed your culture vulture
Sydney’s mild winter weather is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in culture. Head to the impressive Art Gallery of New South Wales which has a large collection of Australian and International art all accessible with free admission. Investigate the new modern wing and experience a cultural collision of art, landscape and architecture all in one place. And if contemporary art is more your thing, don’t miss out on the MCA situated right on the water at Circular Quay, or head to Chippendale’s White Rabbit. Here you can discover the latest in Chinese contemporary artworks with a twice-yearly exhibition that never fails to disappoint – and it’s completely free of charge.
3. Enjoy festivals and events
Sydney city doesn’t shy away from embracing the traditions associated with the winter season, and ‘Christmas in July’ remains a popular event that is widely celebrated, no matter the weather. Commonly set as July 25th, this is when Sydneysiders around the city get fully festive. Grab your friends, bring some food, put on your Santa hat and raise a toast. It’s all the feels of Christmas, with just the right weather. The darker days also herald the return of Vivid Sydney, the annual light festival that celebrates creativity and innovation. With many free events on offer, this festival takes over the city with immersive installations and amazing projections that transform familiar buildings. And don’t forget the annual Bondi Winter Festival for theatre, comedy, art and entertainment – as well as the iconic Bondi outdoor ice rink.
4. Have fun for free!
There’s plenty to enjoy in Sydney that won’t cost a thing. Sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination! Catch a city sunrise, go stargazing in the park, or simply browse around the community markets that intersperse the city suburbs. If you’re feeling active, pack a picnic and head out on one of Sydney’s famous walks such as Coogee to Bondi, or the Manly to Spit walkway.
5. Take a day trip
Embrace the winter weather and head out of the city to take in some fresh country air. Jump on a direct train from Central Station and a short 2-hour journey will have you in Bowral, the heart of the Southern Highlands. Here you can enjoy rolling hills, lush woodlands and stunning National Parks. Truly at its best in the winter light, this is one destination you’ll never regret. Another 2-hour journey west of the city will transport you directly to Katoomba where you can sample the world-famous vistas from the legendary Blue Mountains. This world heritage region is renowned for its dramatic scenery, eucalyptus forests and steep cliffs. Mysterious and evocative in the winter season, it’s a must-tick for every student.
