How to Do Winter Right in Sydney
Think Sydney’s all about summer? Think again. Winter in Sydney (June to August) might bring cooler temps, but the vibes? Still unbeatable.
While the rest of the world hides indoors, Sydneysiders are still out there surfing, hiking, and enjoying the good life — just with a jacket on.
Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of Sydney’s winter. Spoiler: it’s way better than you think.
1. Go Whale Watching 🐋
From May to November, thousands of humpback whales cruise past Sydney’s coastline — and winter is the peak season to catch them.
We’ve picked three epic whale-watching spots with super easy access from Stoke Beach House:
North Head
McKillop Park Reserve
Long Reef Headland
👉 Want to get even closer? Book a whale-watching boat tour with Ocean Extreme — they’ll take you out on a fast, small boat for an unforgettable, up-close experience.
2. Take a Coastal Walk with Fewer Crowds 🚶♀️
Sydney’s coastal hikes have a fresh vibe in winter. The air is crisp, the views are clear, and you won’t be dodging sweaty tourists every two seconds.
Try these:
Spit to Manly Walk: Epic harbour views, secret beaches, and wildflowers in bloom.
Bondi to Coogee: Iconic, but so much more chill in winter.
Manly to North Head: Perfect for sunset, with panoramic views over the city.
Hot tip: Layer up, but you’ll probably be peeling those layers off halfway through — winter sun can still be strong!
3. Winter Festivals Hit Different 🎉
Sydney keeps the party going year-round, with some of its best festivals happening in winter:
❄️ Bondi Festival (4–20 July): Bondi Beach turns into a winter playground with ice skating by the sea, a Ferris wheel, live shows, and good vibes.
🎄 The Rocks Christmas in July (11–20 July): A European-style winter village with mulled wine, wooden market stalls, fairy lights, and serious festive feels.
🇫🇷 Bastille Festival (17–20 July): A French winter village in Circular Quay with mulled wine, cheese, and crepes. Bon appétit!
🏃♀️ Sydney Marathon (31 August): Run, walk, or cheer your heart out as thousands take over Sydney’s streets and Harbour Bridge for one of the city's biggest annual events.
4. Chase Cozy Pubs & Rooftop Fireplaces 🍷
When the sun goes down, the cozy pub crawl begins. Some of our fave winter hangouts:
The Glenmore (The Rocks): Rooftop with heaters and city views.
Donny’s Bar (Manly): Perfect winter cocktails and a snug vibe.
The Lord Nelson Brewery (The Rocks): Historic pub with craft beers and hearty pub meals.
5. Catch Winter Sunsets 🌅
Winter sunsets in Sydney? They absolutely hit different. The skies explode in soft pinks, oranges, and purples — and the best part? They happen earlier, so you can soak it all in without staying out late.
Here are some of the best sunset spots near Manly:
Shelly Beach (Manly): Perfect for a relaxed beach stroll while you watch the sun dip over the headlands.
Fellons Brewery (Manly Wharf): Grab a drink on the terrace and enjoy stunning sunset views over the ocean.
North Head Lookout: Pack a picnic and soak up panoramic sunset views across the Sydney skyline.
6. Surf’s Still Up 🏄♂️
Yep, you can surf in winter. The waves are often better, the beaches are less crowded, and all you need is a wetsuit.
Hot spots:
Manly Beach: Known for its consistent, beginner-friendly waves and buzzing surf scene. Plus, Manly Surf School runs all year, and you can score discounted lessons when you book through Stoke.
Freshwater Beach: Known as the birthplace of surfing in Australia, it offers mellow waves ideal for all levels and a relaxed vibe.
Curl Curl Beach: Offers more powerful, challenging waves favored by experienced surfers — great for adrenaline seekers.
7. Road Trip to the Blue Mountains 🚗
Less than two hours from Manly, the Blue Mountains are magical in winter. Think misty mornings, cozy cafes, and maybe even snow if you’re lucky.
Don’t miss:
The Three Sisters lookout
Wentworth Falls hike
Leura village for hot chocolate and pies
8. Hit the Winter Markets 🛍️
Sydney’s markets get a winter makeover with mulled wine, hot food stalls, and live music.
Check out:
🔥 Don’t Miss Our Winter Specials
Winter is hands down the best time to snag epic deals at Stoke Beach House.
We’re talking:
Cheaper rates
Social vibes
All the same fun (minus the summer crowds)
👉 Click here to book your winter stay now.
Trust us — you’ll want to lock it in before these deals melt away.
Travelling Sydney in winter is all about cozy adventures, chill vibes, and local experiences without the summer chaos. The surf’s still good. The sunsets are even better. And the city knows how to keep things lively, even when the temperature drops.
So pack a jacket, bring your sense of adventure, and come see Sydney’s winter side — it will surprise you.
See you at Stoke! 🌊
