Defrost your spirit of adventure in NSW

From pulsing harbourside nights to full-throttle sporting showdowns and road trips to natural playgrounds, winter in New South Wales is a season of movement – across landscapes, world-class stages and game-changing ideas. And whether you’re feeling festive, creative or curious, now’s the time to become part of its momentum.

Step into the thick of the action in Sydney and you’ll quickly discover why it’s the culture and entertainment capital of the Asia Pacific. As you’ll see in this week’s feature, every winter’s day brings new ways to play, from whale-watching to wellness escapes, buzzing markets, wild walks and flavourful foodie adventures.

These cooler nights are action-packed too, with Vivid Sydney delivering a dreamy lineup of Light, Music, Food and Ideas to spark your imagination from 23 May to 14 June. Don’t miss our guide on how to enjoy the festivities with your family.

As you’ll read in the Event Spotlight, this fizzing energy flows outwards and onwards, with the Sydney Film Festival celebrating stories too big for the small screen (4-15 June) and Newcastle Surfest turning Merewether Beach into surfing’s ultimate battleground (2-8 June).

Keen to follow your curiosity further afield? Venture west for the star-sequinned skies of Outback NSW, where winter brings soul-stirring First Nations connections, character-filled pubs – and some of the most iconic desertscapes on Earth. Enjoy!

Your complete guide to exploring Vivid Sydney with kids

Vivid Sydney is for everyone – especially kids! Whether it’s dancing under the stars at Tumbalong Nights, exploring dreamy light installations or indulging in global flavours at Vivid Fire Kitchen, there’s something magical for the whole family.

Sydney is the hottest place to be this winter 

As cooler days arrive, Sydney shines in the global spotlight as the culture and entertainment capital of the Asia Pacific. From vibrant streets to outdoor adventures and winter wildlife wonders, the city is full of charm and energy from May to August.

Reconnect in the Ancient Plains 

There’s so much to discover in Broken Hill – from its thriving art scene and glamorous film-inspired stays to stargazing and wide-open desert adventures. In this outback city, the horizon – and the experience – is endless.