Parramatta Winterlight

Overview

While Australian winters can get pretty damn nippy (hello slanket, our old friend), unfortunately we're not often blessed with really fun cold weather. We don't get snow, sleet or iced-over lakes which means we don't get snow days, slush fights, skating, tobogganing or a plucky bobsledding team to represent us in the Olympics (OK, we do have that last one).

The Winterlight wonderland in Parramatta's Prince Alfred Park is aiming to right this grievous wrong. From June 25, you can delve into the kind of winters that the Starks seem to fear so much —  a snowy, fun winter. The installation boasts all the icy activities you could ever want. If gliding around a treacherous ice pond with knives attached to your boots is your bag (known as 'ice skating'), you'll be delighted to know there's a large ice rink planned. But if you're more of a demure ice frolicker, the elegant ice toboggan may be more your thing. Or perhaps a trip down a slick ice slide? It's just $5 for three slides. The world is your cold, wet oyster.

A turn about the rink will set adults (14 years and older) back $20, but after you ease your tired feet back into normal shoes and try to remember how to walk, the real fun begins. Mulled wine fun, that is. Winterlight is decked out with a delicious, delicious village serving up mulled wine, hot chocolate pasties, bratwurst and burgers. And really, aren't bratwurst and mugs of mulled wine the real spirit of winter?

Winterlight is on at Prince Alfred Park Parramatta, from July 1- 17. Open Sunday to Thursday 10am to 8.45pm and Friday to Saturday 10am to 9.45pm.

Image: Benson Kua.