Sydney winters mightn't be known for their ice and snow; however, that doesn't mean you can't slide across a frozen surface in the centre of the city. From June 23 to July 16, St Mary's Cathedral forecourt will become a winter wonderland thanks to the return of the Skating At Sydney Festival.
Return, you say? It's a case of same event, new name for the event that was previously known as the Winter Festival. Don't worry, all of the frosty fabulousness Sydneysiders know, love and won't find anywhere else in the CBD is back: ice skating, ice sliding, and eating German sausages included.
It's the next best thing to heading to Europe when it's oh-so-cool, just without the bone-chilling, teeth-chattering cold. And, did we mention that there's gluhwein (aka warm, mulled, spiced wine, aka your new favourite winter drink)? Entry to the area is free, but you'll have to pay for all of the fun stuff, with the fest open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9am to 8pm on Sundays.