Repeat after us: “This semester break, I'm not bed rotting, I’m getting out and making the most of my time off!” If you're ready to swap out your doona for some real fun, you're in the right place. We’ve rounded up a budget friendly list of must-do activities to help you get the most out of Sydney during winter.
🐋 Whale watching
🗓️ June - July
We’re officially almost in prime whale watching season with peak sightings during the last week of June and the first few weeks of July. The best part is you can see them for free on almost any stretch of Sydney’s coastline! Check out the top viewing spots here. Or if you’re looking for a more guided experience, there’s loads of whale watching tours you can book online, starting with Whale Watching Sydney.
📸 Image courtesy: Whale Watching Sydney
🖼️ Sixty nine at Verge Gallery
🗓️ 26 June - 15 August 2025
Save this one for a rainy day. Right here on campus you can check out some really cool art pieces at Verge Gallery. Their newest exhibition Sixty nine by artist Sidney McMahon, goes live on 26 June and is an immersive sculptural and video exploration of the number 69 as a cycle of life, death, queerness and intimacy. You won't want to miss it - it's free too!
Learn more here.
📸 Sidney McMahon, Sixty nine, 2025. Image courtesy of the artist.
🇫🇷 Bastille Festival
🗓️ 17 - 20 July 2025
The French Bastille Festival is returning to The Rocks this July and we’re only accepting oui’s for this one. Get ready to be whisked away to France without leaving Sydney. Think free live music, dance classes, mouth watering food, an outdoor cinema, and a wine walk. ooh la la.
See full guide here.
📸 Image courtesy: Sydney Bastille Festival
🎷 Free jazz sessions in The Rocks
🗓️ 3 April to 25 September 2025: Every Thursday, 6pm - 8.30pm
You like jazz? Us too. Every Thursday night, rug up and head to The Rocks to soak up some free live jazz. Sip on a tasty cocktail and nibble on a couple of snacks while you catch up with friends. It’s the perfect pre or post dinner treat.
Learn more here.
📸 Image courtesy: The Rocks
⛸️ Ice skating at Darling Harbour
🗓️ 30 June - 20 July 2025
A fan favourite for a reason. Experience some winter magic right from Darling Harbour at an open-air ice rink. Have a skate under twinkling lights and enjoy some wholesome winter treats afterwards! Grab discounted student tickets for just $20.
See more.
📸 Image courtesy: Darling Harbour
🛍️ Glebe markets
🗓️ Every Saturday 10am - 4pm
While these iconic markets are open year-round, winter is arguably the best time to visit to browse the stalls without the summer heat. Discover everything from vintage clothing, jewellery, homewares, crafts and unique collectibles. Take a break under the winter sun with a bite from one of the food vendors and relaxing sound of live music. Sounds like the perfect Saturday to us!
See more info here.
📸 Image courtesy: The WNDR Project
Looking for more?
You’re in luck! Our Day Trips program offers guided adventures to some of Sydney’s best-kept secrets, perfect for if you’re new to the city or just keen to explore somewhere new. While our mid-semester break trips have already sold out, stay tuned via our Instagram because our Semester 2 trips are coming soon!
