Ellaslist Guide To Winter In Sydney With Kids 2019

GUIDE TO WIN TER 2019 ED. 3

Welcome To ellaslist’s Guide To A Fun-Filled Winter In Sydney

Dear Readers,

Winter is here! And while it has a bad reputation, these three chilly months shouldn’t send us into a panic. Sydney shines bright during Winter with festivals, outdoor ice-skating rinks and snowy wonderlands!

It’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve made it easy for you with this digital guide to all things Winter in Sydney.

It’s packed with handpicked inspiration that will keep you going until Spring. Find a cosy cabin with fire place or take the kids to see snow for the first time. Go fruit picking, see a show or if it’s all too much, take the family on a holiday to escape the cold. You’ll find it all – and more – within these pages.

Alex

Alex Harmon, Editor

How To Use Your Guide Every page in the 2019 Winter Guide will connect you back to ellaslist, where you’ll find detailed reviews from real mums, must-see events and so much more.

Click to discover more on every page

Getaways

Day Trips

Rainy Days

Activities

Pages 5–12

Pages 21–24

Pages 13–20

Pages 25–35

What’s Inside?

5 Holiday Inn 6 Hunter Valley Gardens 7 Four Seasons 8 Winter Getaways 9 Farm Stays With A Fireplace 10 Cosy Winter Cabins 11 First Snow Experience 12 Escape The Cold 13 Best Of The Blue Mountains 14 Calmsley Hill City Farm 16 Yulefest 2019 17 Glow Worm Caves 18 Go Fruit Picking 19 Featherdale 20 Christmas In July 21 Hot Chocolates 22 Sky Zone 23 Indoor Playcentres 24 Top Board Games For 2019 25 Springfree 26 Indoor Swimming Pools 27 Belgravia 28 Best Of Kids Theatre 29 Humpty Dumpty 30 Ice Skating With Kids 31 Sydney Living Museums

32 Coolest Winter Activities 33 Sydney Sea Life 34 Ghost Tours 35 NSW State Library 36 Thank You

Hunter Valley Gardens

Snowy Activities In this winter wonderland you can glide across the ice skating rink, swoosh down the mega ice toboggan and build a snowman! Hunter Valley Gardens is an easy 2-hour drive north of Sydney and 1-hour from Newcastle.

New Ice Cave

Fun Rides

Explore the walk-through Snow Cave, new for 2019, with arctic scenes and falling snow.

Incredible rides including the Venetian carousel, ferris wheel, super speedy swing chair, superslide and more.

Discover More Here

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Relax and reconnect in uninterrupted bliss at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and create family memories that will last a lifetime.

For stays in a suite with the Family Fun package, your little ones can enjoy a night of pure fun and luxury with an in-room tent experience.

For more information and inclusions please visit https://www.fourseasons.com/sydney/offers/family-fun

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Winter Getaways

Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific

Orange Our ‘Colour City’ has history, nature, good food and wine plus the stunning Winter Fire Festival to warm you up.

Who says you have to avoid the beach? This hotel on the Central Coast sparkles all year around for families.

Kangaroo Valley

Bathurst

Kayak down the tranquil river, stay in a farmhouse, enjoy the wilderness and shop for antiques in the cute village.

Bathurst Winter Festival in July will feature an open-air ice rink, Winter Playground, and quality food and drinks.

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Farm Stays With Fireplaces Mowbray Park Farmstay

Bilpin Country Lodge

Not only do they have fireplaces, they also have outdoor fire pits for making damper and toasting marshmallows.

This farm stay in the Blue Mountains is a cosy getaway with lots of fun activities for kids.

Morvern Valley Country Cottages

Peacehaven Farmstay Their Tranquility Cottage has a log fire to warm your feet and a spa bath with candles and aromatic oil bubble bath.

In Bundanoon you get the whole luxurious cottage to yourself, with an open log fire and wood provided so you can relax.

More Cosy Farmstays 9

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Cosy Winter Cabins

Moonbah Huts If your perfect weekend away includes outdoor activities and adventuring, these cosy cabins in Jindabyne could be for you.

Sierra Escape

Billabong Moon

These luxury glamping tents in Mudgee each have their own wood burning fire, freestanding bath, kitchen and firepit.

In the Hunter Valley you can explore wineries by day, and build a cosy log fire by night, before taking a soak in the tub...

More Hibernating Getaways 10

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First Snow Experience

Hunter Valley Gardens Experience a winter wonderland! Families can ice-skate, slide down the mega ice toboggan and build a snowman or two in the manmade Snow Play Zone.

Corin Forest

Selwyn Snowfields

The perfect first-snow experience just 45 minutes from Canberra. Grab a snow sled and take the kids...bliss!

Being family-run and operated, Mount Selwyn offers gentle slopes for beginners and has affordable excellent service.

More Snow Play

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Escape The Cold

Uluru

Fiji

The red sacred rock should be on every family’s bucket list.

And the weather in the NT is good year round!

It’s only a four hour flight to paradise. Fiji is the perfect family getaway and the weather is amazing.

Gold Coast

New Caledonia

The sunshine state never disappoints. And if you want to warm up just head to the theme parks!

The increasingly popular alternative to Bali and Fiji for Aussie families and only 2.5 hours to French paradise.

Chase The Sun

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Best Of The Blue Mountains

Fairmont Resort And Spa

Trees Adventure

Enjoy the crisp, clear mountain air at the family-friendly Fairmont Resort. Make use of the great kids games room.

An eco-friendly treetop adventure complete with obstacles and flying foxes through beautiful Blue Gum canopies.

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

Mayfield Gardens This stunning, sprawling space (with its very own maze) is one of the world’s largest privately owned cool climate gardens.

This breathtaking garden is located in a World Heritage Area. Explore all of its wonders for free!

More Mountainous Fun 13

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Calmsley Hill City Farm

Head to Sydney’s closest farm this Winter and make some new furry friends…

Tractor Rides Cock-a-doodle-doo! Do your city-slicking kids want a taste of farm life?

We love Calmsley Hill City Farm at Abbotsbury. It’s hard to believe this farm is only an hour’s drive from the city. You can easily spend a whole day out in the sticks this winter - don’t forget your gum boots!

Feed The Animals

Daily Shows

Purchase some farm feed so the cute animals are sure to become your new best friend.

Including sheep shearing, working dog shows, whip cracking, cow milking and more.

Click Here For More

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Yulefest 2019

Fairmont Resort And Spa A decadent buffet with a selection of festive favourites, entertainment and visits from Santa.

Jenolan Caves

The Carrington Hotel

Kids will love this one! Meet Santa in the caves before enjoying a traditional Yulefest feast.

This fancy hotel offers a perfect alternate Christmas for expats or simply those who love a cold Christmas.

More Festive Fun Here 16

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Glow Worm Caves

Lithgow Located within Wollemi National Park, this Glow Worm Tunnel offers majestic views of pagoda rock formations and spectacular glow worms.

Bilpin

Bundanoon

Underneath a densely populated glow worm overhang, this custom-built viewing platform allows for a personal experience.

Situated in the Morton National Park, this beautiful glen showcases some stunning glow worms.

More Caves Here

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Go Fruit Picking

Watkins Family Farm

Ford’s Farm

Pick your own mandarins, feed the sheep or goats, check out the chickens, and breathe in the fresh mountain valley air.

At just 90-minutes from Sydney, you can pick-yourown at this citrus farm which specialises in mandarins.

Canoelands Orchard

Bilpin Fruit Bowl

Just a one-hour drive from Sydney, this farm offers pick-your-own tomatoes until early July.

Get in quick to pick your own strawberries and make some strawberry jam to take home and enjoy too.

Get Picking Here

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Christmas in July

The Salisbury Hotel Experience a winter village pub atmosphere when this Stanmore fave puts on two Christmas in July events.

Christmas Cruise

Shangri-La Hotel

Sail away with a Vagabond Cruise, complete with seafood, a carvery, live music and a Harbour backdrop.

Celebrate with a touch of elegance and indulge in a sumptuous Yuletide feast this July.

Ho Ho Ho There’s More 20

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Hot Chocolates

The Copper Mill

Swissôtel Sydney

This hipster haven in Alexandria has been serving up their Coconut Hot Choc for years and each winter, they get better.

Hot chocolate in its most purest form! Swiss chocolate fondue comes with marshmallows, fruits, nuts and more.

The Bathers’ Pavilion

Daisys Milkbar

By the water in Balmoral you can get a real hot chocolate made with Callebaut dark chocolate melted over cream.

It’s cute, it’s fun and it’s retro.

Their hot chocolate and hot Milo are as delicious as the rest of their menu.

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Indoor Playcentres

Archie Brothers Electric Circus

Sky Zone We love the awesome megatrampolining, indoor climbing and ninja gym venue. Located in Alexandria and Miranda.

The funhouse in Alexandria that has it all. From arcade games and bowling to laser tag and dodgem cars.

Ultimate Sydney

Crocs Playcentre

We love the interconnected trampolines, zip lines, foam pit, climbing wall, and giant play centre. Located in Northmead.

The playcentre with its own Muffin Break! Super fun, spotless and offering Snappy Hours, Crocs is the real deal for families.

Blow Off More Steam Here...

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Top Board Games For 2019

Connect 4 Shots

Plumber Pants

A fun twist on an old favourite, Connect 4 Shots requires you to get up and moving and “bounce ‘em in for the win!”

Taking potty humour to a new level! This new Hasbro game will have the kids in stitches, fart jokes required.

Monopoly Deal

Tiny Pong

A shorter version of the classic board game, this is a fast-paced, addictive card game where your luck can change in an instant!

It’s ping pong but in fun size!

The Tiny Pong Solo Table Tennis game brings exciting bouncing action into the palm of your hand!

More Unplug & Play Here...

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Get the kids outside and active this winter Did you know that a 10 minute jump on a Springfree Trampoline is equivalent to a 30 minute run? According to a study completed by NASA, this means jumping is 68% more efficient than running.

✓ No springs ✓ No hard impact points ✓ 10-year warranty on the entire trampoline ✓ Safety that lasts year after year

© 2019 Springfree Trampoline

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Indoor Swimming Pools

Cook and Phillip Park Aquatic Centre

Sutherland Leisure Centre

Located in the middle of the city, there’s a kids pool with waterslide and a 33-degree heated baby pool.

With a massive heated indoor pool and spa and a heated outdoor pool for those sunny winter days.

Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre

Lane Cove Aquatic Centre

The little kids will love the bubbles and fountains in the leisure pool plus there’s a spa, sauna and a steam room.

The indoor leisure pool is kids paradise with fun water features plus a fitness centre for mum and dad (with creche).

Click here for more

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Learn to swim and save Redeem your Active Kids voucher and learn to swim in one of City of Sydney’s world-class aquatic centres.

Seasonal Swim Program Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool The Domain 02 9358 6686 abcpool.org Prince Alfred Park Pool Surry Hills 02 9319 2727 princealfred.org Victoria Park Pool Camperdown 02 9518 4800 vppool.com.au Year-round Swim Program Cook+Phillip Park Pool Sydney 02 9326 0444 cookandphillip.org.au Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre Ultimo 02 9518 7220 itac.org.au Brought to you by

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T&C’s apply

Best Of Kids Theatre

Disney On Ice

Jack And The Beanstalk

Featuring all the favourites from Mickey Mouse to the Disney Princesses! Characters from Frozen, Moana and more!

With comedy, music and audience participation, this pantomime won’t disappoint!

Beep

Revolting Rhymes

A precious tale about unexpected friendship and navigating life to find out where you fit in most and feel loved.

Kids 5+ will enjoy these classic fairytales combined with Roald Dahl’s Dirty Beasts, on at the Sydney Opera House.

More Kids Shows

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Ice Skating With Kids

Liverpool Catholic Club

Skating At Festival This pop-up in the heart of the city is super popular and makes for a magical iceskating experience.

You might stumble across the next Tonya Harding as you have some fun gliding around.

Canterbury Ice Skating

Parramatta Winterlight

This not for profit co-operative facility also offers birthday parties, figure skating, ice hockey and disco nights.

Get your skates on and glide into a magical winter wonderland. It’s the largest open-air rink in Sydney with a dedicated kid’s rink.

Get Your Skates On

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slm.is/rouselego

Coolest Winter Activities

Winterland Festival

Bondi Winter Magic

This free festival in Campbelltown has two openair ice rinks, an ice slide and alpine food village.

Bondi sizzles in Summer but it sparkles in Winter. Don’t miss this awesome event, ice skating and beachside ferris wheel.

Whale Watching

Colourful Creatures

During June and July the migrating whales in Sydney Harbour really put on a show.

Create your own adventure storybook and learn about the amazing marine life which call Darling Harbour home.

More Winter Delights 32

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Book now & save sealifesydney.com.au

Ghost Tours

Q Station Sydney’s Quarantine Station is one of Australia’s most haunted sites and they have special ghost tours for kids and teens.

Gledswood Homestead

Cockatoo Island The family tour takes you around the convict workshop, gaol, and more. Given the history of the island, it’s sure to spook you!

Get a history lesson as you listen to tales of a bygone era from those spirits still walking the grounds in Camden.

More Ghoulish Good Times 34

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School holiday fun at the State Library Winter Family Sunday

Spend an hour or an entire day in Australia’s oldest Library and enjoy a range of fabulous creative activities.

Drop-in activities: draw,

make and showcase your unique fashion creations

Monday 8 to Friday 12 July 10 am – 3 pm $5 per child

Free kids’ tours: explore

the historic Mitchell Library and discover its amazing stories.

Monday 8 to Friday 19 July (weekdays only) 11 am – 12 noon

Creative workshop: with

E&D 5393-6/2019

Sunday 25 August 10.30 am – 3 pm $10 per child Enjoy talks by children’s authors/illustrators, interactive exhibition tours, drawing workshops, craft activities and more.

Pop Up Art-making in the Galleries: enjoy

a fast and furious art lesson in the Paintings gallery.

Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 July 12 noon – 1 pm Free

Pop Up Shakespeare:

Just Romeo and Juliet performed by Bell Shakespeare

Thursday 11 July 10–11 am and 1–2 pm Free

Fashion Workshop: make

multi-talented children’s author/ illustrator Mick Elliott (Squidge Dibley Destroys the School)

your own outfit from recycled materials

Tuesday 9 July, 10–11 am $10 (10–13 years), $5 per carer

Friday 12 July, 1–3 pm $15 (8–14 years)

State Library of NSW Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia www.sl.nsw.gov.au

More information & bookings:

www.sl.nsw.gov. au/kids

Thank You

Over 1 million parents come to ellaslist to discover new and exciting things to do with their kids both in their local community and in our wonderful city.

We’re proud and humbled that so many new family experiences start with a simple visit to our website. We’d like to sincerely thank all our loyal readers for continuing to support ellaslist and a huge thanks to all our venue partners, sponsors, ellaslist explorers and the many local activities providers that do such a wonderful job in our communities helping us to entertain, educate and create fun experiences with our kids. We wish you a wonderful Winter and look forward to continue to bring you more inspiration.

Love, the team at ellaslist xxx Brought to you by

@ellaslist

@ellaslist 36