Winter Weekend Away in Sydney – A Mini Travel Guide

When it comes to weekend winter escapes, Sydney should be on your radar. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking to spend some fun family time with the kids, or enjoy it with a group of friends and leave the kids at home.

“Thanks to Destination NSW, Qantas and Rydges”
I was lucky to be invited up for the weekend, along with my fellow Nuffnang Bloggerati bloggers by Destination NSW to celebrate the opening of the new Nuffnang Office in Sydney, and get a taste for what Sydney has to offer for visitors in Winter.

I don’t get to Sydney often enough, which is something I need to rectify as it’s only a short 1.5 hour flight from Melbourne, but it’s always a treat for me to visit and explore a different city.

With a record drop in temperatures dumping snow over central NSW I was amazed at the view from my window seat of snow blanketing the ground. I’ve never seen anything like it in Australia and I took it as a sign that it was going to be a fun (and cold) weekend. I’d packed my warmest Winter woolies so a little bit of cold weather wasn’t going to dampen my spirits.

Getting together with blogging buddies is always an occasion to celebrate and we had a great time at the ECQ Bar Nuffnang Launch Party on Friday night catching up and enjoying the harbour views.

Saturday was a fantastic day spent sailing on Sydney Harbour. I was a little concerned that it would be too cold for us out on the water, but we were supplied with super warm and waterproof coats by the team at East Sail which kept us warm.

The rain was chasing us across the harbour and finally caught up with us as we approached ‘The Bridge’, but it didn’t dampen out spirits. You don’t really experience Sydney unless you get out on the water, those views out on the harbour are just killer.

Sunday was dedicated to work and it was finally a chance to spend some time learning from some of my fellow bloggers, but it was over all too quickly and sadly we had to head home.

Until next time Sydney!

Here is a mini travel guide gleaned from my recent weekend and past experiences in Sydney.
Sydney is a fun short break destination, anytime of year, and there is so much to see, do and experience in winter, I’ve only just scratched the surface.

Winter Weekend in Sydney
A Mini Travel Guide

EAT:

Burger Project
When Neil Perry of Rockpool Bar & Grill fame makes a burger, it sure does taste good! Everything is ‘house made’ and with most off the offerings under $10 it won’t break the budget.
Kids will love the huge range of Ice-Cream deserts.
Grown-Ups will enjoy the great tasting burgers.
You can read my full review here – Burger Project by Neil Perry, Sydney CBD

Spice Temple

Descend into a mysterious red lantern lit world reminiscent of a Shanghai club in the 1930’s but with a modern twist. The entrance is elegant, understated and hints at the sensory treat in store.
Hint: look for the billowing red silk curtains.

Serving some of Sydney’s best regional Chinese food this place is not to be missed. Try the Kung Pao Chicken if you need to warm up on a chilly Winter’s evening.

Bookings recommended but leave the kids at home, the food demands your full attention.
Reaad my full review here – Spice Temple Sydney

BEST VIEWS:

ECQ Bar

You can’t go past the ECQ Bar at the Pullman Quay Grand for spectacular views of the harbour. Close to the bustle of Circular Quay ferry terminal, it’s a primo location to watch the world go by. Listed as one of the world’s best bars, it’s got all the glitz and glamour that you expect from Sydney. Don’t miss the views of the Harbour Bridge lit up at night.

From a Sailboat
The Harbour is Sydney. If you want an unforgettable experience on the water, set sail on a skippered yacht with East Sail. We spent an hour out on the harbour and whilst I chose to enjoy the view with a glass of champagne in hand, other members of our group took a hands-on approach and helped the skipper pull ropes and steer the ship. Even though the weather wasn’t perfect, it was lots of fun and was the highlight of our weekend.

Charters start from $809 for 3-4 hours, but if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, take a ferry ride instead.

GET CULTURED:

MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Located on one of the world’s most spectacular sites on the edge of Sydney Harbour between the bridge and The Rocks, this museum houses a stunning collection of contemporary art pieces from across Australia and around the world.

I love visiting whenever I am in Sydney and it’s very family friendly offering a range of hands on art activities for both kids and playful adults.

Open 7 days & entry is free

STAY:

Rydges Sydney Central
Rydges Sydney Central is a short walk to many Sydney attractions including Darling Harbour, Cockle Wharf, China Town, as well as shopping and dining on Oxford and Crown Street.

Located close to Central Railway Station, it’s ideal for travellers arriving from the airport via train.

Kids will love the Koi Pond floor in the lobby.
Grown-ups will love the Super comfortable King Size bed and Free WI-FI.
Tip: Don’t forget to pack your togs so you can enjoy the pool and sauna.

GETTING AROUND:

By Foot – Most of Sydney’s major attractions are fairly close to each other and can be explored leisurely by foot, but take note, this city is deceptively hilly so wear comfortable shoes. If you are feeling adventurous walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s free!

Public transport – Get on a ferry for the best budget friendly views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. It’s also a fun way to get to North Sydney destinations like Luna Park, Taronga Zoo and Manly.

Uber Sydney – the Uber app connects you with a reliable ride in minutes. Choose your budget, Uber X is the cheapest option, Uber Black lets to travel in style. Payment is automatic through the app and fares during off peak periods are usually cheaper than a taxi.

Just a note for parents: Uber X are not licensed to carry children without proper car restraints, if you don’t have a car seat with you it’s best to choose an Uber Black or Uber Taxi option. Both Uber Black and Uber Taxi are commercially registered transport vehicles that are exempt from rules about child restraints. Be aware that drivers may still use their own discretion and refuse the fare.

My Poppet and the Nuffnang Bloggerati were invited to Sydney as guests of Destination NSW
Flights, lunch at Burger Project and dinner at Spice Temple thanks to Qantas

Accomodation thanks to Rydges Sydney Central

This post contains affiliate links

Have you been to Sydney recently? I’d love you to share some of your favourite places to Eat, Stay and Play.

Booking.com