Although temperatures are beginning to dip in sunny Sydney, the city still offers plenty for the coming chilly months. In fact, there will be no reason to envy the Northern Hemisphere’s summer. Winter down under this year is sure to keep you busy with these outdoor ventures, special spots and epicurean events.
Whale Watching in Sydney Harbour
Every year from May to November, humpback whales migrate north to breed and then head back south to their home feeding grounds in Antarctica, while southern right whales move along the coastline of Australia in search of places to mate and shelter their young. This annual migration creates the perfect opportunity to go whale watching, as whales en route often enter Sydney Harbour. Departing from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, there are many boat tours on offer that let you experience the great migration. Perhaps you’ll even spot a few dolphins as well, with 50 percent of the world’s whales, dolphins and porpoises present in the antipodean waters.
The Bar at the End of the Wharf
Sydney Theatre Company’s Bar at the End of the Wharf boasts a spectacular view of the Sydney Harbour, where you can forego cold weather (and tourist crowds). With one corner to relax, housing books and a pool table, and another for fun, with couches and ping-pong, this artsy bar invites everyone — theatergoers or not — to unwind and enjoy. Book tickets to STC’s critically acclaimed play, The Maids (until July 20) starring Cate Blanchett, and hit the bar for a pre-show dinner of shared plates, including Wagyu beef and gruyère sliders, and red pepper and roasted mushroom bruschetta, accompanied by local microbrewery Young Henry’s ales and cider.
Aroma Festival on The Rocks
Sydney’s historic quarter, The Rocks, says follow your nose and celebrate all things coffee with the 16th annual Aroma Festival on July 21. Wander the cobblestone streets and discover artisanal roasters from across Australia for a winter warm-up and explosion of aromatic decadence. This year, the city’s Campbell’s Cove goes Middle Eastern to present the world’s oldest brewing method, along with belly dancers, hookah pipes and musicians. Also on schedule is the return of the famous coffee mosaic. With past portraits of Marilyn Monroe or the Mona Lisa, find out who will be immortalized in coffee this year at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
10 Chefs, 10 Dinners at Icebergs
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Bondi commemorates its 10th anniversary with 10 black-tie dinners by 10 top chefs from Australia and beyond this winter. To celebrate, restaurateur Maurice Terzini invites chefs who are important to the iconic restaurant’s decade-long history — such as Karen Martini who was Iceberg’s first chef — to take over for a night. Reserve a table now and don’t miss out on upcoming dinners: July 8 with Cutler & Co’s Andrew McConnell, July 22 with Melbourne Pub Group’s Paul Wilson, August 5 with The Apollo’s Jonathan Barthelmess, and August 12 with Vue de Monde’s Shannon Bennett.
Photos Courtesy of Dave Cheng, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and iStock-Jan Kratochvila
