Australia has been on my travel bucket list for longer than I can remember (and my teenage obsession with the TV show H2O: Just Add Water didn't help either). The koalas, outstandingly beautiful nature and warm climate I'd read about always tempted me to hop on a 20-hour flight to finally get to experience the Aussie way of living first-hand.
Not to mention that as a beauty journalist, I always find myself gravitating towards Australian brands, particularly when it comes to skincare (Ultra Violette and Bondi Sands, anyone?). Long story short, my seemingly never-ending list of reasons to visit Australia was getting borderline unreasonable, until this year, when I finally got to go on the press trip of a lifetime: a 10-day stay in Sydney, Australia.
Full disclosure: upon receiving the invitation to attend said press trip, I didn't think too much about the weather and completely forgot that Australia is part of the Southern Hemisphere, meaning that if you're based in a country located in the Northern Hemisphere, the seasons will be polar opposite to what you're normally used to (meaning June in the UK = winter in the land of Oz).
As soon as I started packing, I wasn't too thrilled about the idea of having to wear my jumpers and winter jackets in the middle of June. After all, when most of us think of visiting Australia, we imagine packing bathing suits and an obscene amount of body SPF instead. Still, given that it was such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a destination that's been on my list since I was 12, I didn't let my doubts about the weather set the tone for the trip. And I'm glad I didn't, because as it turns out, travelling to Sydney during winter is every bit as exciting as I imagined what it would've been like in the summer (one of the few times I was glad to be proven wrong). Seriously, having returned from the trip a month ago, I still can't stop re-living the memories in my head.
Frankly, I'd gladly return during the same season time and time again. Why, you ask? Well, I've broken down more than a few reasons as to why you should absolutely look into visiting Sydney during the UK summer months (plus, three top-tier hotel recommendations that I have personally stayed in)…
Hear me out: heat is overrated
Unpopular opinion: summer heat and a city break vacay is far from a perfect match. And personally, I'm definitely not someone who thrives in hot weather. I could blame it on the fact that I've lived in the UK for nearly a decade now, but more often than not, I find any weather above 30°C unbearable (the constant sweating, makeup melting off my face, plus the lobster-level burns all over my shoulders is definitely not something that I would voluntarily choose to experience).
Having done a pre-trip Google search, I quickly found out that during the summer months, Sydney gets as hot as over 40°C – which, without exaggerating , sounds like my personal idea of hell. Needless to say, I was more than relieved when we landed in the perfectly acceptable 20°C weather mid-June.
In fact, I'd say that it was ideal weather for a city break, resembling that “beginning of fall/mid-spring” feeling that I prefer far more than the scorching heat. Not to mention, this kind of weather calls for the most chic outfits – think trench coats, trousers and a pair of chunky loafers. Having said that, do keep in mind that the early mornings and late evenings can get quite chilly, so be sure to layer up just in case.
Minimal crowds (yes, even at the most touristy spots)
If you (like me) aren't into the idea of visiting a popular destination during peak-tourist season, you should definitely take note that visiting Sydney anytime between November and January comes with big crowds. So, if you wanted to avoid endless queues and increase your chances of snapping a crowd-free photo outside the Sydney Opera House, you might want to consider booking your tickets for a far less touristy season – AKA winter (between June and August).
Case in point: when I visited the iconic Bondi Beach – which is known as one of the most popular spots in Sydney – I was pleasantly surprised to see that it wasn't packed with crowds. So much so that I could easily snap a selfie without accidental photobombs. And it's safe to say that I had no trouble finding the perfect spot to lay down a towel and relax while listening to my favourite podcast. P.S. if you're someone who loves a refreshing swim, don't be discouraged to take a dip, because at the time of my visit, the water temperature was around 19°C – refreshing but not too freezing.
The activities are unmatched – your Sydney winter itinerary will be full to the brim
As far as activities go, trust me when I tell you that there will be no shortage of excitement when you visit Sydney during their winter months. From the annual Vivid Sydney festival of light, music and creativity to hiking in the Blue Mountains and treating yourself to a luxurious SPA treatment – the list goes on and on. And having experienced said activities first-hand, I'm more than happy to recommend a few that stood out most during my trip earlier this year. The only worry you'll probably have is figuring out how to fit everything in your itinerary.
The “non-negotiable” tourist checklist:
- Vivid Sydney - definitely not one to skip. In case you're unfamiliar, Vivid Sydney is a yearly festival that aims to celebrate creativity through immersive neon light installations, performances and unique experiences all throughout Sydney. Personally, I'd recommend doing the “Vivid Light walk” that covers everything between Circular Quay and Barangaroo to truly immerse yourself in the surrounding lights. My advice? Aim to check it out on closing night (trust me, you don't want to miss the spectacular closing ceremony). Another highlight for me was the Dark Spectrum event, which was held for the very first time earlier this year. Without spoiling it too much, expect a futuristic Tron-like feel and brace yourself for a ton of neon lights. Serious Euphoria vibes through and through.
- Bondi Beach - This spot certainly needs no introduction, and if you've been following the Barbie Movie Press Tour as closely as we have, you'll know that this was the exact spot where Margot Robbie posed in front of the Bondi Icebergs dressed as the OG 1959 Barbie. Whether you want to embark on the coastal walk, enjoy a lovely picnic on the sand or simply chill nearby the Bondi Pavilion, there's lots of fun to be had at Bondi.
- Sydney Opera House - let's face it: it wouldn't really be a Sydney activities checklist without the Sydney Opera House, would it? Built all the way back in 1973, this worldwide-known building is an iconic landmark for a reason. Having hosted practically every type of performances imaginable (ballet, contemporary art, opera – you name it), the Sydney Opera House is one of the most unique architectural creations to date. And let's be real, would it even count as a trip to Sydney if you don't have 50+ photos of you outside the Sydney Opera House? Don't think so.
- Blue Mountains - if you're visiting Sydney for a longer period of time, be sure to set aside a few days to enjoy the beauty of Blue Mountains – a must-visit spot for active holiday lovers, Kangaroo fans and everyone in between. Located roughly two hours away (by car) outside of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are known for their breath-taking scenery and a wide range of activities, including everything from chocolate-making at the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company (still can't get the chocolatey smell out of my head) to hopping on a ride with Blue Mountains Eco Tours (which is a private tour run by a married couple who will show you all the hidden gems in the National Park). And of course, Blue Mountains Scenic World is another non-negotiable activity that you simply must tick off your bucket list.
Where to stay for a luxury stay? Capella Sydney
Having opened just earlier in 2023, Capella Sydney is truly one of the most chic hotels in the city. Located fairly close to the most popular landmarks – such as the Royal Botanical Garden – and within walking distance of Pitt Street Mall (one of the best shopping destinations in Sydney), Capella is a great option to book if you're looking to treat yourself to a luxurious getaway. I was really blown away with the spectacular decor, especially the mesmerising moving flower installation that sits above the Aperture Lounge by the lobby.
Recommended SPA nearby – Auriga SPA within the Capella Sydney: If you're someone who loves a luxe SPA treatment (who doesn't?), you have to pop Auriga SPA in your itinerary, because this venue screams opulence and Bali-level relaxation. Trust me, having had my fair share of SPA treatments, I was genuinely impressed with the variety of treatments as well as the individually tailored approach. I highly recommend the Sensitive Repair Energy Balancing Facial, which is a gentle treatment that involves a number of organic oils and bio actives as well as a firming Gua Sha massage. A must for sensitive skin types.
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains? KYAH Hotel
As soon as I walked into my room at the KYAH Hotel, I was in awe with the Palm Springs-inspired motel aesthetics: everything from the dusty pink walls to a pastel green headboard captured my exact taste in interiors – chic yet minimalist, with a hint of retro. Although the rooms don't really offer much storage space, it felt like the hotel is designed for short-term stays for those of looking to escape to the Blue Mountains for a long weekend. The hotel also features a hot tub and a sauna (but be sure to pre-book to secure your slot) as well as a stunning on-site restaurant with a “garden-to-plate” concept, letting you taste the best local ingredients and produce sourced by chef Mate Herceg.
Recommended SPA nearby – SPA Sublime: Looking to relax after a long and tiring day of hiking at the Blue Mountains? Say no more. Although SPA Sublime is a considerably smaller SPA destination compared to those that I visited in Sydney, it definitely is a hidden gem. I was particularly impressed by the personalised approach and the very attentive team, who took the time to listen to my concerns and preferences in order to best advise me and tailor a full-body massage that would tick all the boxes. I opted for a combination of the Swedish and deep-tissue massage with aromatherapy and it ended up being one of the best body treatments I had to date.
Where to stay for a contemporary feel? ACE Hotel Sydney
I stayed at the ACE Hotel towards the very end of my trip, and personally, I left thinking that it's definitely one of the most unique hotels I've ever been to. Everything from its contemporary and stylish design to the neat location right against the edge of the CBD (Central Business District) in Surry Hills makes it a great option for both short-term and a long-term stays. I had the pleasure of staying in one of the hotel's Medium Plus rooms, which offers a spacious king-size bed as well as a a daybed and – my favourite – a substantially large bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bathtub. The best part is that every room is a little different, meaning that every time you'll return to the hotel, you'll be treated to a slightly new experience.
Recommended SPA nearby – Sofitel Darling Harbour: Located just under 15 minutes away from the ACE Hotel by car, the Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour is the ultimate destination for the most indulgent SPA treatments. Overlooking Darling Harbour, this luxe SPA features minimalist interior all throughout to let your mind unwind and switch off from the outside world. Definitely worth considering for a girls day out, an anniversary gift or simply a way to pamper your dear old self after a long day in the city. I highly recommend the Lime Caviar Brightening Facial, which includes a combination of high-grade skincare ingredients such as ferulic acid, vitamin C and E, as well as lime caviar and kakadu plum – all aimed to sooth, brighten and even out your skin tone.
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