Ten Things to do in Sydney to Brighten up Your Winter

Blah! That’s what I think of winter even though we have had it good here this year in Sydney with lots of sunshine and blue skies. There is one thing I do love about winter though; winter clothes and snuggling up near the heater. The inspiration for this post is to share ten things you can do in Sydney to brighten up your winter.

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WINTER AT HOME

HOME IS MY CASTLE

No matter wherever I’ve lived, how big or small my house has been, I’ve always kept it as my sacred little sanctuary. Even living where I do, near Kings Cross in Sydney, I still manage to bring a little tranquility into my home despite the noise and antics that go on in this area. To me, there is nothing nicer than cut flowers in the house. I’m especially keen on sweet fragrance flowers such as Jonquils. So that’s my first tip, order a bouquet of flowers during the winter months, it will add colour, fragrance and remind you that Spring is on the way! As well as flowers; candles and beautiful home fragrances can bring that sweet smell of of Spring into the house.

MAKE SOME MULLED WINE

Mulled wine: such a fabulous drink to have on a cold winter’s night. For those lucky enough to have an open fire, what could be better? Here’s Jamie Oliver’s recipe for Mulled Wine.

RE-ARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE

I do this all the time and most probably because I get easily bored. Rearranging the furniture can give a room a whole new look. There are apps you can use to get an idea of what a room might look like by repositioning the furniture.

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WINTER: THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY OR SURROUNDS

GO FLY IN A WIND TUNNEL True! You can take a trip out to Penrith at the foot of the Blue Mountains and fly in a massive wind tunnel. It’s not unlike skydiving – in fact iflydownunder is one of those experiences that you will never forget! Well I certainly haven’t. I still laugh about the shock I got when my instructor, without warning, took me up to the top of the tower and back. You can see the video below and read the story here – Sydney wind tunnel.

VISIT A WINTER WONDERLAND

Since it is so cold you might as well embrace it and head up to The Blue Mountains or down to the Southern Highlands where the temperature really drops. You may even go at a time when it’s snowing to really get into the winter swing of things. Having lived in the Blue Mountains for over a decade, I can certainly remember those days where we had our wood fire going during the day and night. There is something beautiful about the mists rising out of the valleys up in the Blue Mountains.

As well as numerous towns and places to explore, this Winter Wonderland is full of restaurants and cafes. For those brave enough, you can take the cable car across the valley in Katoomba, but I’ve never been brave enough to do that myself.

The Southern Highlands is a glorious winter paradise with beautiful B&B’s, restaurants and National Parks. For the foodies, then the Southern Highlands is a must visit full of markets, produce, orchards and more.

SPOT A WHALE

Having lived in Manly for a number of years, one of the highlights of winter was spotting Whales as they migrated. Whales migrate North from April – August and South from August to December. I often spotted them in July and August. Another great place to spot a Whale is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk.

GO ON A GHOST TOUR

I’m serious! The colder it is the better! I’ve done it and I have to say walking around Q Station with my lantern knowing that I was about to spend the night alone in my cabin was enough to really get the adrenalin going. People have asked me did I see anything? Well actually yes, a few weird things happened on that ghost tour.

GET FIT JUMPING

Do you have fond memories of jumping on a trampoline when you were a kid? I certainly do, and I still love them. Warm up during winter by heading over to Boing Central. They have over 80 indoor trampolines.

LOOK AT THE STARS FROM THE SYDNEY OBSERVATORY

With the days being much shorter in winter this is a good opportunity to get along to the Sydney Observatory on a clear night and do a little stargazing. The Observatory is located near The Rocks district and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Since you are in the Rocks area you could have a good old English Pub meal at one of the historical hotels in the area.

VISIT MADAME TUSSAUDS

Fancy having your photo with a celebrity? Then head down to Madame Tussauds in Darling Harbour and take snaps of yourself with celebrities and legends. It’s a great indoor activity and a lot of fun.

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