Top Activities & Things To Do in Sydney During the 2025 Winter School Holidays
Sydney's winter school holidays are the perfect chance to reconnect with family and enjoy the city at a slower, cooler pace.
The season brings activities suitable for families with young children, social-savvy teens, and everyone in between. Climbing iconic landmarks, exploring light-filled gardens, and discovering playful events by the water all help create lasting memories.
This guide highlights the top experiences (all kid-friendly of course) across Sydney to help you plan rewarding and engaging activities during the July school holidays.
BridgeClimb Sydney
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the winter school holidays remains one of the most memorable ways to see the city. BridgeClimb welcomes children from the age of 8 and above, and over 120cm (3' 11.2") tall, with trained Climb Leaders, safety-first equipment, and incredible views across the harbour.
During the cooler months, the air is crisp and the skies are often clearer, making this a great time to climb. Families looking for a more personal experience can book a Private Climb, which offers exclusive access to your own Climb Leader.
The Family Bundle Ticket Offer is also a great choice to save on a family climb. It's popular with both locals and international visitors with families of 3 or 4 people.
Discover The Rocks
Beneath the Bridge, The Rocks invites families to step into Sydney’s past. This historic part of the city is full of winding laneways, sandstone buildings, and hidden corners. It’s a walkable neighbourhood packed with lively weekend markets, galleries, and casual eateries that make it easy to pause, explore, and enjoy at your own pace.
Families can enjoy exploring together, perhaps trying a self-guided scavenger hunt through the historic laneways. Along the journey, artisan markets offer interesting window-shopping, and local cafés provide great spots for everyone to take a break. With weekend events and beautiful harbour views, The Rocks is a laid-back but rewarding stop for the whole family during the school break.
A Day in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are ideal for a family day trip. They have natural beauty, forest walks, and attractions that appeal to all ages. Cool temperatures in July add a sense of calm to the experience.
Scenic World includes a skyway with floor-to-ceiling views, a boardwalk through ancient rainforest, and the world’s steepest railway. It's designed with families in mind. Travel by train or car is simple, and once you're there, the experience speaks for itself.
Bondi Festival 2025
Each winter, Bondi shifts into a festive mode. The Bondi Festival includes open-air ice skating, a Ferris wheel near the water, and interactive art installations that line the beach promenade.
The event is well-suited to both children and teenagers. It's social, colourful, and full of visual moments that families enjoy capturing and sharing. With food stalls and ocean views, Bondi Festival delivers a fun afternoon or evening out.
Christmas in July Festival 2025
The Rocks' Christmas in July Festival transforms its historic laneways into a magical winter wonderland, sparkling with festive lights, charming decorations, and the aroma of seasonal treats. The backdrop of heritage sandstone buildings and cobblestone paths makes the old-world festive charm truly captivating.
The experience is delightful for all ages. The laneways are easily navigated with prams, and young children will be mesmerised by the festive atmosphere. Teens can enjoy the unique ambiance, capturing memorable photos and discovering artisanal gifts at themed market stalls. Pop-up food stalls offering warm drinks and Christmas-inspired delights, along with cosy corners, let you soak up the Yuletide spirit in the middle of the year.
Christmas in July - The Rocks
Where to Swim in Winter
Swimming continues through winter in Sydney, thanks to high-quality indoor centres. Heated pools at the Cook and Phillip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre and Andrew Boy Charlton Pool provide both recreation and lap swimming, along with family-friendly facilities.
Bronte Bogey Hole is a quiet, scenic spot where families can enjoy a winter swim. Sheltered by natural rock formations, it's well-suited to those after a calm coastal experience.
Pack warm towels, layered clothing, and a thermos of tea or hot chocolate to stay cosy before and after the water.
Plan Smart and Get More from Your Trip
Planning ahead helps families make the most of the winter school holidays. Start by checking out Family Packages that provide value and convenience if you’re looking to climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney is also home to many public museums with free entry, including the Powerhouse and the Australian Museum. Community events in local parks or libraries are often listed online closer to the school break. Using public transport or walking between attractions helps keep the day flowing without stress.
Holiday Fun for Teens
Teenagers often enjoy a different lens on holiday fun. They’re often more engaged when they help plan activities, document outings, or capture the story behind the day on social media and Sydney’s winter events provide plenty of that.
BridgeClimb has standout cityscapes, Bondi Festival includes coastal views and night lights, and the Winter Glow is built for photos. A BridgeClimb Gift Voucher adds an extra surprise, giving teens something to look forward to during or after the holidays.
Encouraging teens to share their highlights helps make the day more meaningful for them and more memorable for the family overall.
A Winter Holiday Worth Remembering
Sydney’s winter school holidays are filled with opportunities to spend time together. Try something that the family has always wanted to do, something active, something new or something shared.
Climb the Bridge. Walk the gardens at night. Learn something new. Enjoy the stillness of a mountain trail. Sydney has enough variety to let every family find an activity that works.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When are Sydney’s winter school holidays in 2025?
Sydney’s winter school holidays typically happen in July. For 2025, they are scheduled from Monday, 7 July to Friday, 18 July 2025.
What family activities can we enjoy in Sydney during the winter holidays?
Families can enjoy a range of unique winter activities, including climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge (BridgeClimb), exploring the historic laneways and markets of The Rocks, taking a day trip to the Blue Mountains for attractions like Scenic World, enjoying the Bondi Festival with its ice skating and Ferris wheel, or experiencing the magical Winter Glow light trail at the Royal Botanic Garden. Indoor swimming at heated pools and visiting free public museums like the Powerhouse Museum and Australian Museum are also great options.
What’s the weather like in Sydney during the July (winter) holidays?
Sydney in winter experiences cool and crisp weather. While days can be sunny and clear, ideal for outdoor activities like BridgeClimb, you should expect cooler temperatures. Average temperatures in July typically range from around 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F). It's best to be prepared for some chilly winds, especially near the water.
How should we get around Sydney?
Sydney’s public transport network, including buses, trains, and ferries, provides convenient travel options for getting to many attractions. For day trips to areas like the Blue Mountains, travel by train or car is also straightforward. Walking between nearby attractions in the Sydney CBD is often a pleasant way to explore and discover local gems.
What should we pack for Sydney in winter?
Pack warm, layered clothing. Include jumpers, warm jackets (a waterproof one is a good idea), long-sleeve tops, trousers, and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Don't forget essentials like beanies, scarves, and gloves, especially for evenings if you’re particularly sensitive to the cold. If you plan on any winter water activities, pack warm towels and perhaps a thermos for a hot drink.
Should we book attractions and activities in advance for the winter holidays?
Planning ahead and booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular ticketed events like the Bondi Festival or Winter Glow, and experiences such as BridgeClimb (where you can also check for Family Package deals). This will help you make the most of your trip and avoid disappointment.
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