The best things to do in Sydney and beyond based on your favourite season
When the flowers begin to blossom, Sydney feels like it's waking up with a smile. The days are bright, the skies are clear, and the weather is just right – not too hot, not too cold – making it the perfect time to explore the city in bloom.
Start with a walk through the Royal Botanic Garden, where cherry blossoms and jacaranda trees put on a pastel-hued show. Or hop on a ferry to Taronga Zoo – it's not just the animals that shine, but the stunning harbour views and blooming landscapes all around. And if you're visiting between May and November, keep an eye on the horizon – you might just see whales from coastal trails or on board a scenic whale watching cruise.
For a dose of art in the open air, don't miss Sculpture by the Sea from October 17 to November 3, 2025, when the Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk is transformed by more than 100 dramatic installations perched along the clifftops – it's the largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world.
Over at Barangaroo Reserve, native flora bursts into colour and waterside paths lead to art installations, pop-up events, and buzzy new dining spots. It's also one of Sydney's best picnic locations – BYO cheese and bubbles, or grab gourmet takeaway nearby. Join an Aboriginal cultural tour, stroll the Wulugul Walk, or cool off at Marinawi Cove while you're there.
Want to make a weekend of it? Head to the Hunter Valley for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over vineyards, or time your trip with Tulip Time in the Southern Highlands from September 12 to October 6, 2025 – a colourful flower festival in Bowral that brings spring to life with over 75,000 tulips.
Summer: December to February
If you're the type to plan your holidays around how much vitamin D you can soak up, Sydney shines under the summer sun, with its famed beaches and coastline, alfresco dining culture, and splash-worthy getaways all playing lead roles.
Kick off your morning at Bondi Beach – one of the best spots in Sydney to catch your first wave or at least wipe out in style. Once you've towelled off, swap the board for walking shoes and hit the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. This scenic trail hugs the cliffs, with dramatic ocean views, salty breezes and locals sipping flat whites at cafés along the way. Don't forget to snap a pic at the iconic Bondi Icebergs Pool before following the winding path around the headland.
When the sun's at its highest, head north to Port Stephens, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Perfect for aquatic adventures, this coastal gem is where you can hop on a dolphin-watching cruise, try your luck at sandboarding on the massive dunes, or just laze on soft sands with the sounds of the sea for company.
And if the kids are tagging along, you're in for a wild ride. Visit Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters for hands-on marine fun, then swing by Oakvale Wildlife Park for kangaroo meet-and-greets, baby farm animal bottle-feedings, cow milkings, and the occasional crocodile cameo. Want to really up the adventure? Hop on a camel at Oakfield Ranch and trot along the dunes of Port Stephens.
Autumn: March to May
This is the perfect time to escape the city buzz and head west to the majestic Blue Mountains. Here, the air is cooler, the waterfalls are mistier, and the eucalyptus-cloaked cliffs seem to glow in the autumn light. Meander through charming towns like Katoomba and Leura, where you can warm up with hot scones in heritage tearooms, or take the Scenic Railway through the rainforest – it's the steepest of its kind in the world, but you'll be rewarded with incredible views.
For a proper hit of autumn foliage, head to the Southern Highlands or Orange – two of NSW's most charming regions come to life this time of year. Expect tree-lined streets awash in amber and gold, cosy cafés tucked into historic towns, and cool, crisp air perfect for fireside wines. Whether you're browsing weekend markets in Bowral, Southern Highlands or munching your way through a food festival in Orange, it's the kind of countryside escape that feels like a warm hug in your best knitwear.
Winter: June to August
While Sydney stays frost-free, the Snowy Mountains deliver the real white winter deal – and they're only a short trip away. Whether you're carving up the slopes in Thredbo or Perisher, or cosying up in lakeside Jindabyne, this is your chance to trade city life for snow-dusted peaks, après-ski sessions, and all the hot chocolate your hands can hold.
If you're not ready to hang up the beanie just yet, extend your stay in the Blue Mountains. Winter turns the region into a magical escape – think misty trails, crackling fireplaces, and charming lodges that feel like something out of a fairytale. Don't miss a stargazing tour while you're there – the skies are clearest in winter, making it the perfect time to spot constellations above the dramatic clifftops.
Back in the city, winter is prime time for culture. Roam through the Art Gallery of New South Wales, catch a play at the Sydney Opera House, or join the locals on the harbourside for Vivid Sydney, Australia's largest festival that turns the city into a glowing wonderland of art, music and creativity, with the next one planned for May 22 to June 13, 2026.
Time Out tip: EU Holidays' winter itinerary bundles up all these highlights – city icons, mountain moments, and a little luxury along the way – into a seasonally snug getaway.
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Time Out
29-07-2025
- Time Out
The best things to do in Sydney and beyond based on your favourite season
Spring: September to November When the flowers begin to blossom, Sydney feels like it's waking up with a smile. The days are bright, the skies are clear, and the weather is just right – not too hot, not too cold – making it the perfect time to explore the city in bloom. Start with a walk through the Royal Botanic Garden, where cherry blossoms and jacaranda trees put on a pastel-hued show. Or hop on a ferry to Taronga Zoo – it's not just the animals that shine, but the stunning harbour views and blooming landscapes all around. And if you're visiting between May and November, keep an eye on the horizon – you might just see whales from coastal trails or on board a scenic whale watching cruise. For a dose of art in the open air, don't miss Sculpture by the Sea from October 17 to November 3, 2025, when the Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk is transformed by more than 100 dramatic installations perched along the clifftops – it's the largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world. Over at Barangaroo Reserve, native flora bursts into colour and waterside paths lead to art installations, pop-up events, and buzzy new dining spots. It's also one of Sydney's best picnic locations – BYO cheese and bubbles, or grab gourmet takeaway nearby. Join an Aboriginal cultural tour, stroll the Wulugul Walk, or cool off at Marinawi Cove while you're there. Want to make a weekend of it? Head to the Hunter Valley for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over vineyards, or time your trip with Tulip Time in the Southern Highlands from September 12 to October 6, 2025 – a colourful flower festival in Bowral that brings spring to life with over 75,000 tulips. Summer: December to February If you're the type to plan your holidays around how much vitamin D you can soak up, Sydney shines under the summer sun, with its famed beaches and coastline, alfresco dining culture, and splash-worthy getaways all playing lead roles. Kick off your morning at Bondi Beach – one of the best spots in Sydney to catch your first wave or at least wipe out in style. Once you've towelled off, swap the board for walking shoes and hit the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. This scenic trail hugs the cliffs, with dramatic ocean views, salty breezes and locals sipping flat whites at cafés along the way. Don't forget to snap a pic at the iconic Bondi Icebergs Pool before following the winding path around the headland. When the sun's at its highest, head north to Port Stephens, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Perfect for aquatic adventures, this coastal gem is where you can hop on a dolphin-watching cruise, try your luck at sandboarding on the massive dunes, or just laze on soft sands with the sounds of the sea for company. And if the kids are tagging along, you're in for a wild ride. Visit Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters for hands-on marine fun, then swing by Oakvale Wildlife Park for kangaroo meet-and-greets, baby farm animal bottle-feedings, cow milkings, and the occasional crocodile cameo. Want to really up the adventure? Hop on a camel at Oakfield Ranch and trot along the dunes of Port Stephens. Autumn: March to May This is the perfect time to escape the city buzz and head west to the majestic Blue Mountains. Here, the air is cooler, the waterfalls are mistier, and the eucalyptus-cloaked cliffs seem to glow in the autumn light. Meander through charming towns like Katoomba and Leura, where you can warm up with hot scones in heritage tearooms, or take the Scenic Railway through the rainforest – it's the steepest of its kind in the world, but you'll be rewarded with incredible views. For a proper hit of autumn foliage, head to the Southern Highlands or Orange – two of NSW's most charming regions come to life this time of year. Expect tree-lined streets awash in amber and gold, cosy cafés tucked into historic towns, and cool, crisp air perfect for fireside wines. Whether you're browsing weekend markets in Bowral, Southern Highlands or munching your way through a food festival in Orange, it's the kind of countryside escape that feels like a warm hug in your best knitwear. Winter: June to August While Sydney stays frost-free, the Snowy Mountains deliver the real white winter deal – and they're only a short trip away. Whether you're carving up the slopes in Thredbo or Perisher, or cosying up in lakeside Jindabyne, this is your chance to trade city life for snow-dusted peaks, après-ski sessions, and all the hot chocolate your hands can hold. If you're not ready to hang up the beanie just yet, extend your stay in the Blue Mountains. Winter turns the region into a magical escape – think misty trails, crackling fireplaces, and charming lodges that feel like something out of a fairytale. Don't miss a stargazing tour while you're there – the skies are clearest in winter, making it the perfect time to spot constellations above the dramatic clifftops. Back in the city, winter is prime time for culture. Roam through the Art Gallery of New South Wales, catch a play at the Sydney Opera House, or join the locals on the harbourside for Vivid Sydney, Australia's largest festival that turns the city into a glowing wonderland of art, music and creativity, with the next one planned for May 22 to June 13, 2026. Time Out tip: EU Holidays' winter itinerary bundles up all these highlights – city icons, mountain moments, and a little luxury along the way – into a seasonally snug getaway.
Time Out
24-07-2025
- Time Out
This heritage-listed national park in NSW will take you on a journey back in time
Looking for an immersive escape into Australia's ancient past? You don't have to travel too far. Up the NSW North Coast is Dorrigo National Park, a World Heritage-listed sanctuary that's part of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest. Renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, walking tracks and elevated 'Skywalk' lookout, the park offers an unforgettable escape into incredible Aussie wilderness. Wander through dense rainforests filled with giant stinging trees (yes, really), vibrant birdlife and hidden rock pools, or join an Aboriginal cultural tour to connect with the rich Gumbaynggirr heritage of the area. What are the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia? The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which include Dorrigo National Park, are a living link to that prehistoric world. Spanning more than 40 protected areas from Queensland to NSW, these forests are known for their unique biodiversity and evolutionary history. Dorrigo National Park was added to the World Heritage List in 1986 for a number of reasons, including its ancient origins connecting it to the ancient Gondwana Rainforests. Where is Dorrigo National Park? Dorrigo National Park is one hour from Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast. How do I get to Dorrigo National Park? To get there from Sydney, travel north along the Pacific Hwy/A1. It should take you just under six hours for this 550-kilometre road trip. Don't want to drive? You can also take the North Coast train that departs four times a day from Central Station and get off at Urunga Station. You will then need a taxi to drive inland for another hour. This journey should take around nine hours. Start your adventure at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre to get visitor information, book a guided tour, find out which walking tracks will best suit you, or go to the Skywalk Lookout for stunning views out to Coffs Harbour. What can I see at Dorrigo National Park? We've got three words for you: walks, waterfalls, wildlife. And they're all wonderful. Walks: Trails range from short and easy to long and challenging. The Lyrebird Link Track is ideal for birdwatchers and beginners, while the Casuarina Falls Circuit offers sweeping views of Dorrigo Mountain. Waterfalls: The park has many spectacular waterfalls. For instance, Crystal Shower Falls lets you walk behind the cascade. Wildlife: Dorrigo National Park is home to many different animals, including 30 types of mammals, more than 128 kinds of birds and 44 species of amphibians and reptiles. Keep your eyes open for red-necked pademelons or wompoo fruit-doves fluttering through the canopy. If you're lucky (and very quiet), you might spot the elusive southern angle-headed dragon clinging to a tree trunk. When is the best time to visit Dorrigo National Park? Dorrigo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to bad weather or fire danger, so check before you go. Spring is ideal if you love birdsong – a good time for spotting lyrebirds on the Lyrebird Link Track. Given that the area is a rainforest, summer is a welcome respite from the heat, with the tree canopy and cool mist from the waterfalls. Three must-see, must-do activities at Dorrigo National Park Lyrebird Link Track: Less than a kilometre, it's a great spot for birdwatching, plus, there are picnic and barbecue areas nearby. Casuarina Falls Circuit: This 6.6km loop should take under two hours and rewards you with cascading falls, rainforest valleys and moss-covered trees. Aboriginal Cultural Tours: Held on Wednesdays (book in advance), a Gumbaynggirr Ranger will share their Indigenous language and culture as they guide you through the rainforest. Tips for visiting Dorrigo National Park Download the NSW National Parks app before you leave – it's free and works offline for maps and guides. Get it in the App Store or on Google Play. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching – you'll want a closer look at those bowerbirds and fruit-doves. There are picnic tables, barbecues and toilet facilities throughout the park. Mobile reception is limited, but there's Wi-Fi at the Rainforest Centre. Layer up as it can get chilly, take a rain jacket, and wear comfy walking shoes. Details Dorrigo Rainforest Centre 142 Dome Road, Dorrigo Mountain, NSW 2453 Open 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. .. Want more road trip inspo? .
Spectator
16-07-2025
- Spectator
Why you should never trust a travel writer
After one of Jeffrey Archer's minor tangles with the absolute truth, his friend the late Barry Humphries remarked: 'We all invent ourselves to some degree. It's just that Jeffrey has taken it a little further than most.' The remark came to mind last week as the media storm over the veracity (or otherwise) of the Winns' account in The Salt Path reached its peak. As Dame Edna might have said, all travel writing is invented to some degree. It's just that Raynor and Moth may have taken it a little further than most. 'In Patagonia?' Bruce Chatwin's lodger is said to have remarked of the eponymous book. 'I doubt Bruce even went downstairs.' That's unfair. Chatwin undoubtedly visited Patagonia. But accounts from others in the region itself do cast doubt on some of his reported encounters there. And I read The Songlines about his Australian travels in Aboriginal lands with increasing scepticism. I have something here to declare. Of all my books the best-selling has been the first I ever wrote, Inca-Kola, about my travels in Peru and Bolivia. I'm proud of it, still in print after more than 30 years. But the book is the story of a single journey through the Andes. In fact my story was constructed from three distinct journeys. Everything I describe happened, even if I sometimes exaggerate a bit; but events didn't always happen in the order in which they happen in the book. And even where no violence is done to the narrative thread, no report can be divorced from the character, prejudices and powers of memory of the reporter. The world he describes is seen through the filter of his own attitudes, and by leaving out (which we must all do) we subtly alter the shape of what we leave in. This column is not meant as an apologia for the Winns. I'm in no position to judge the truths or untruths of their story. What I do question is the existence in the genre of travel writing or journalism of any clear line between fact and fiction: any line which, once crossed, makes the author a liar. I'd go as far as to suggest that a measure of shapeshifting, of filtering in and filtering out, though built upon the real men, women and places the writer has encountered, can create a story that is in part a work of the author's imagination. Some of the worst travel writing has been produced by a traveller's attempt to keep a literal diary and offer a blow-by-blow report of everything that happened. Wilfred Thesiger deserves his place in the travel-writers' hall of fame, but he's a dreadful writer. It's the things he did and the places he saw that elevate his journals; but he has written them up in flat, emotionless schoolboy prose that only fails to kill the story because the subject matter is so extraordinary. The late Dervla Murphy did, on the whole, offer a day-to-day account of real travel experiences, but this sometimes deadens the writing. Her diary-making can struggle to bring to life scenes which in (say) Graham Greene's or D.H. Lawrence's hands would burn brightly in the reader's imagination. Her derring-do, her pluck, her own remarkable personality, are enough to redeem her prose style but never quite to lift it into the category we'd reserve for (for instance) Patrick Leigh Fermor or Eric Newby. The former's Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese has a luminous quality, but Leigh Fermor took his wife, and I've often wondered how Mrs Leigh Fermor's account (had she offered us one) would have read. Newby's short walk in the Hindu Kush made for a deservedly classic report but (in my experience) humour and truth make uneasy bedfellows, and I wouldn't read Newby for a fair and insightful look at the peoples of Afghanistan. Rory Stewart makes a better fist of trying to understand, but he isn't so funny. I like Paul Theroux's writing, but Theroux's Patagonia in The Old Patagonian Express is hardly recognisable to this columnist, who has spent blithe weeks among kind and courteous people in the region, and whose memories are dominated not by skirmish and difficulty, but by the most magnificent landscapes. Like humour, disgust makes for lively writing, but may skew reality. Were we to subject (say) Michael Palin's or David Attenborough's TV documentaries about our planet to the critical scrutiny that the Winns' account of the Salt Path has met, we would encounter no personal dishonesty: but a look behind the scenes at how such documentaries are made would blow to pieces any idea that the journeys these presenters have made will have felt anything like the narrative we see on the screen. Palin does not just happen upon every encounter filmed with the locals in remote places: camera crews, advance parties, editors' ideas are often necessary to set up scenes that on the screen appear impromptu. And I remember Sir David telling me that the sound of migrating reindeers' hooves in the snow is produced using custard powder and a pestle and mortar. None of us would wish Attenborough to bury himself in the snows of Lapland, but be clear, he isn't always there. I recall (in the last century) filming, for one of my Weekend World programmes, near a railway sidings north of King's Cross. We had no time to travel to Liverpool for a Merseyside sequence for which this footage was presented as the backdrop, so King's Cross had to do. Between truth, truthiness and downright falsehood in travel journalism there's a sliding scale. At one end lies the dullness of a mere schoolboy diary. At the other the alleged behaviour of Mr and Mrs Winn. Perhaps we should thank Raynor and Moth. First the nation was immensely moved, as we love to be moved, by the book, then the film. Then the nation revelled, as we love to revel, in the pulling down of what we had built up. The couple have delighted us twice. Can we ask more?
