While some people try to avoid travelling to Sydney during the holiday season because of the hot weather, increasing number of crowds and skyrocketing prices, it is also hard to resist the awesome things that it can offer. VroomVroomVroom asked some of our awesome travel blogger friends to share their great reasons why you should visit Sydney in December.
Contributed by: Michael Turtle of Time Travel Turtle
I love December in Sydney. Summer has truly hit and the days are sunny and warm. There’s a glint off the water in the Harbour and the waves at the beach, and you can smell the eucalyptus in the air. Plus everyone is getting into a festive mood ahead of the holidays! It’s also a great time to hit the road and explore some of the natural areas around Sydney. My favourite is always the Blue Mountains, which is an easy drive and has so many places to discover. I would recommend starting at the viewpoint for the Three Sisters, Echo Point, where you’ll get the best vista of the Blue Mountains. Then give yourself a couple of hours to do one of the walks that takes you along the cliffs. Finish off with a meal and a drink at one of the cafes in Leura or one of the pubs in Katoomba.
Contributed by: Paula Morgan of Sydney Expert
Sydney’s icons will keep you entertained for a day or two but make sure you don’t miss some of the city’s best natural attractions. Start the day with breakfast at Neutral Bay local favourite Thelma and Louse Café before walking past some of the city’s finest homes to Mosman Bay. Along the route is Nutcote the home of Australian author May Gibbes who gave us the much-loved children’s series Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Her home is now a museum and a great opportunity to explore a 1920s home and garden. Continue your walk around the harbour foreshore path to Maccallum Pool where you can take a dip and enjoy the magic view across the gorgeous picket fence to the Opera House.
Contributed by: Joanne Karcz of Travel with Joanne
Step outside the norm to discover another side of Sydney. A day at the beach is a must in December (it is summer after all!). Try surfing at Freshwater north of Manly. It’s the first World Surfing Reserve in Australia. Go south to Cronulla, walk the esplanade, cool off with a swim then lunch at The Nuns Pool Café. Edgy Newtown is great for vintage shopping and street art, but for something different, drive south to Caringbah where the Walk the Walls street art project brightens up the village centre. Then have lunch at the Camelia Gardens. Walk through Surry Hills to discover McElhone Place, more vintage and designer shopping and the challenging artwork in Mary’s Place. While there, don’t miss coffee and a ginger pistachio crème bruleé tart at Bourke Street Bakery. Going north, pull off the M1 to Brooklyn for a ferry across the Hawkesbury River and walk around Dangar Island. There you’ll discover great community, a “scrabble challenge” and the Tower House. All these suburbs and more are written up here.
Contributed by: Jayne Gorman of Girl Tweets World
You don’t have to be a fan of the Aussie soap “Home and Away” to enjoy a road trip to Palm Beach as this exclusive suburb in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is also home to one of the best beaches in the region. Come to enjoy a paddle in the bay, tackle the scenic climb to Barrenjoey Lighthouse and tuck into tasty treats at The Boathouse. Time your visit right and you may even spot the “Home and Away” cast and crew filming.
Contributed by: Seana of Hello Sydney Kids
Families with kids will love a visit to Sydney in December to see all the Christmas lights and activities. Do not miss the the Lights of Christmas light projections and singing choirs at St Mary’s Cathedral from the 5th to the 25th of December. The Rocks Christmas Village takes place from the 12th of November until 25th of December 2018 with wonderful lights, decorations and seasonal shopping. The huge tree in Martin Place is always beautiful as are the magnificent decorations in the Queen Victoria Building. After Christmas Day, it’s time to get ready for the amazing New Year Fireworks which take place in and around the Sydney Harbour. Families will love the 9pm fireworks, best enjoyed with a picnic somewhere along the Harbour foreshore.
