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The Sydney Winter Festival at Bondi Beach

June 25, 2012 by Viator

Festivals & Events, Things To Do, Tours & Activities

Ice Skating at the Winter Festival in Sydney. Photo courtesy of loloieg via Flickr.

Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach is commonly associated with bronzed Aussie lifesavers, shaggy-haired surfers and overcooked backpackers soaking up the rays of Australia’s seemingly endless sunshine. For three weeks in July, however, that very same beach will be transformed from a summer playground into an icy winter wonderland.

Instead of bemoaning the onset of cooler weather, the Bondi Winter Festival celebrates the change of seasons with an alpine-themed winter party. A huge open air ice rink and an Alpine Ski Hut, complete with roaring fires, will set the scene for a massive winter festival that takes place from June 29 until July 15.

Hot chocolate, glühwein (a type of mulled wine), hearty, comfort foods and other winter treats will be on offer at the festival and there will be plenty of live music and entertainment to keep the crowds warm.

For many Australian’s this will be the first time they have experienced a European-style winter celebration and many of the heart-warming foods and drinks that so often complete the ‘winter’ experience. The biggest highlight for many visitors is the unique opportunity to ice skate on world-famous Bondi Beach!

Popular with families, there’s a whole range of activities for children to enjoy throughout the day including school holiday programs, ice skating lessons and special guest visits from their favorite kids characters.

Bookings are essential. Visit the Winter Festival website for ticket information and locations.

If you are not in Sydney in early July then check out the list of other venues and Winter Festival dates around Australia: