When you think of Sydney, images of Bondi Beach, sunshine and coastal walks usually come to mind. But the reality is that winter in Sydney can be surprisingly cold, wet and grey.
That said, the city has no shortage of ways to beat the winter blues. Sydneysiders are so deeply connected to wellness, health and nature that they know how to make the most of the cooler months.
From bathhouses to sound baths to reconnecting with nature and moving your body, we’ve curated some of the best tried and tested ways you can boost your mood in winter, and actually come to love Sydney’s colder (but cosier) months.
Royal Botanic Garden’s winter program
We headed down to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to get a taste of its new winter program, which this year is all about getting “you feeling great this cold season.” Here are our top picks from the program:
Winter Remedies from the Garden
Our Winter Remedies educator, Alacoque, reminds us that herbalism was the original medicine. As she shows us how blends of rose petals, rosehip, lemon balm, and stevia create a warming, delicious tea, we gain insight into the tips and tricks for healing our minds and bodies. Learn about the plants that can help reduce anxiety, stress and melancholy, knowledge that you can then use to promote health in your everyday life.
You’ll also be shown centuries-old texts that reveal the healing properties of plants with a special visit to the Daniel Solander Library, before visiting the Herb Garden to learn about the long history of herbs as medicine. If you’re feeling a bit low, this is the perfect activity (whether you’re flying solo or in a group) to boost your morale.
When: July 4, 10am-12pm.
Price: $55.
Examples of Miniature Moss Gardens and the Fernery at the Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Isabelle James).
Miniature Moss Garden
Begin your Miniature Moss Garden workshop with a serene walk through the Royal Botanic Garden’s Fernery. These graceful ancient plants are said to have a deep connection to the natural world, with fern fossils dating back as far as 380 million years ago. There are about 130 species of fern in Sydney, and you’ll learn all about them as you wander through the tranquil Fernery.
After learning about species of ferns and mosses, you’ll create your own landscape of moss, ferns and carnivorous plants to take home.
When: June 20, 10:30am-12pm.
Price: $55.
Mindfulness in the Garden
Put down your phone, leave your worries at home and immerse yourself in this natural garden setting. Mindfulness in the Garden centres around the research that even 10-20 minutes in nature can improve your wellbeing. The hour-long Mindfulness session can lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce levels of cortisol, improve your mood and sense of calm, as well as sharpen your mental focus.
When: First Friday of the month, 12pm-1pm.
Price: $25.
You can read the full Royal Botanic Garden Sydney winter program here.
Book a sound bath
Sound Baths have an unfair reputation for being a bit “woo girl”, but researchers believe it has calming, relaxing and stress-relieving effects. After all, sound healing has been used by people across many cultures to ease pain and promote physical wellness.
The idea of a sound bath might sound intimidating to newcomers, but don’t be put off; there’s no water involved. Instead, you simply lie down, get comfortable and immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of specialised instruments.
We spoke to Aubrey Daquinag (also known as @theloveassembly), who hosts sound baths at Capybara Bathing. Using crystal sound bowls, she encourages newcomers to the practice to “let each vibration anchor back into your body”. Her top tip, however, is to wear socks to your first sound bath – you don’t want to get cold during the practice!
We’d recommend booking a sound bath at any of the following places for the best experience:
- Capybara Bathing, Surry Hills
- Frequency Lab, Newtown
- Sound Meditations, Bondi
- Mystic Spa, Petersham
Head to a bathhouse
Did you know that Sydney is home to a wealth of incredible bathhouses and spas? The perfect place to enjoy a sauna or steam room, relax in mineral pools or brave an icy plunge, starting or ending the day with a good bath is great for a mood boost.
Of course, we have the aforementioned Capybara Bathing, where they offer sound baths, watsu and regular bathing.
Nature’s Energy Bathhouse and Day Spas have locations in Newtown and Balmain; however, the Glebe location is our favourite. If you’re on a budget, you can opt for a Sunrise Session: just $39 Monday-Thursday between 6:30am and 9:30am.
Soak Bathhouse is another one of our favourites, especially the Alexandria location (pictured above). This award-winning modern Australian bathhouse spans 700 square metres and pairs its expansive space with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. They also have a Bondi Junction location and offer discounted prices during off-peak hours.
Coastal walks and whale watching
Whale watching season is one of the best parts of Sydney’s winter, as the annual humpback whale migration (known as the “humpback highway”) begins off Australia’s coastlines. From mid-May to July, the whales swim north to the warmer waters before they begin their return journey south in August, this time with calves in tow.
You can check out our top picks for whale watching tours in Sydney here, however, I’d also recommend lacing up your walking boots and heading to the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk during whale watching season.
My top tip is to join Sydney photographer @seansperception broadcast channel on Instagram, where he’ll keep you updated on whales, dolphins and more animals that have been spotted in Sydney’s Eastern suburb beaches.
Join a free yoga class
Sometimes, wellness can be expensive, especially when it comes to exercise classes. And there’s nothing relaxing about spending lots of money on a 40-minute class.
The good news is that The Rocks hosts a free yoga session every Sunday at 8:30am and 9:30am. The better news is that it is located literally under the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, meaning that you can enjoy a full program of strength, mobility and flexibility as you take in the stunning city views.
The only catch is that you need to bring your own yoga mat (Kmart sell them for $5 though!) Bookings are essential, so click here to lock in your free yoga session.
