Winter solstice in Sydney: here’s everything you need to know

The winter solstice is fast approaching, but what does it mean for you? This is the ultimate guide on how to make the best of the shortest day of the year.

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, when the sun sets the earliest it will all year. It occurs when the South Pole is tilted farthest from the sun, resulting in minimal daylight. As we celebrate the shortest day of the year, those in the Northern hemisphere will be gearing up to celebrate the summer solstice (which we’re just a little jealous of).

Good news for Aussies and others on the Southern Hemisphere, though — after the winter solstice, days begin to get longer as the Earth continues its annual orbit around the sun. We’ve made it through the darkest winter days!

The day holds cultural significance to some, with winter solstice marking the symbolic rebirth of sunlight after the longest period of darkness. It’s a time of reflection, renewal and a moment to take in the beauty and power of nature.

1. When is the winter solstice in Sydney in 2025?

This year, the winter solstice falls on Saturday, June 21.

Sunrise and Sunset Times for Sydney

In Sydney, the sunrise and sunset times are as follows:

• Sunrise: 7:00am
• Sunset: 4:54pm

How much daylight does Sydney get?

Sydney will get approximately 9 hours and 54 minutes of daylight.

2. Things to do to celebrate winter solstice

We all know that Sydney thrives in the summer; however, getting all cosy, sitting in front of a fire, with a hot toddy in hand, doesn’t sound too bad either.

There’s nothing like fighting off the winter blues with a pint of Guinness, a glass of red and a hearty roast dinner. Hit up one of the many Sydney pubs that serve a traditional Roast and make the short day better by filling up on crispy potatoes, tender meat, seasoned vegetables and heaps of gravy.

READ MORE: 9 best spots for a hearty Sunday roast in Sydney

For those of you who didn’t realise Sydney could get this cold, head to the Lord Dudley in Woollahra, The Old Fitzroy in Woolloomooloo, The Duke of Clarence in the city, The Dog in Randwick or the Red Lion Hotel in Rozelle to sit in front of a crackling fire and warm your hands.

Looking to catch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset? Scroll down for the best spots in Sydney to soak it all in.

3. Events happening on the solstice night

If you want to plan your Winter Solstice morning or evening with some organised fun, here are the most exciting events happening in Sydney on Saturday, June 21.

Nightshift at Wunderlich Lane

Wunderlich Lane in Redfern is hosting a week-long winter festival titled Nightshift, and Saturday night (Winter Solstice) will see vibrant Southeast Asian diner Island Radio host a delicious, bass-heavy noodle rave. It will feature a six-hour set of dancing and energy with beats by headline act JNETT and a host of other local DJs. When your feet need a break, refuel with some noodles and jump back in.

If gelato and pizza are more your thing, head to the precinct’s other event, Regina X Messina, a laneway party of wood-fired pizza and Italo disco. They also have events lined up for the whole week preceding Winter Solstice, so head over to Redfern and celebrate the event early.

Where: Wunderlich Lane, 2 Baptist St, Redfern NSW 2016.
When: June 16- June 22, 2025.
Price: Event prices vary.

Guided Tour of Sydney Observatory

Enjoy an intimate guided tour of the Sydney Observatory, a heritage-listed building that sits atop the highest point in Sydney Cove. Set in a historically significant star-gazing site at Millers Point, where better place to experience the astronomical event of Winter Solstice?

The tours begin by exploring the Observatory grounds, where guests can discover the rich history of the hexagonal Fort Philip, built in 1804, and the Signal Station. You’ll then be able to enter the Observatory building, explore objects from the Powerhouse Museum Collection and learn about the site’s role in timekeeping, surveying and astronomy.

Where: Sydney Observatory, 1003 Upper Fort Street, Millers Point NSW 2000
When: Every Wednesday-Saturday.
Price: Adult tickets cost $36, Children tickets cost $24.

Lantern Parade at Coogee Beach

After a successful debut in 2024, the Coogee Beach Lantern Parade is back for 2025. Celebrating the Winter Solstice, participants who built lanterns at various workshops hosted by the event will show off their creations with a parade at the Coogee Beach Rainbow. Watch as the longest night of the year is lit up with vibrant, colourful lanterns in this exciting community event.

Where: Coogee Beach Rainbow, Coogee, NSW 2034, Australia.
When: From 5pm on 21 June 2025.
Price: Free to watch.

Winter Solstice at Elizabeth Bay House

In an astronomical and architectural phenomenon, Elizabeth Bay House was built in direct alignment with the sun’s rays on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, creating a magnificent display as the sun rises over the horizon. Therefore, the house is hosting a special morning event for guests to experience the Winter Solstice, presented by Dr Andrew Jacob, curator and astronomer at Sydney Observatory.

The event includes a tour of Elizabeth Bay House, pastries and hot drinks by the fire in the dining room and a talk on celestial alignments by Dr Andrew Jacob. The event will wrap up by 8:30am, leaving you the rest of the (short) day to do whatever you want.

Where: Elizabeth Bay House, 7 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011.
When: Saturday, June 21, 6.30am–8.30am or Sunday, June 22, 6.30am–8.30am.
Price: Adult tickets are $60.

4. Tips for enjoying the shortest day of the year

To make sure you enjoy the shortest day of the year, make sure to wrap up warm, especially if you’re booking yourself into that early sunrise watch. If you’re not a fan of the cold, head to one of Sydney’s award-winning cinemas and load up with buttery popcorn.

READ MORE: Discover two of the world’s most beautiful cinemas in Sydney

You could also book a spa day and warm yourself up in a sauna. Soak in Bondi Junction has three hot springs-inspired thermal spas, a sauna and a steam room— the perfect spa trio to keep you warm and well.

For those who need a refresh, head to the Parlour Room spa in Wunderlich Lane. You’ll be treated to a hot stone massage, aromatherapy, magnesium-infused balms, a nourishing scalp treatment and even a guided meditation. Not a bad way to celebrate a cold winter’s day.

READ MORE: 7 Best Day Spas in Sydney 2025

5. Best Spots to Watch the Sunrise

Bondi Beach

There’s no better way to start your day in Sydney than watching the sun rise over Bondi Beach. The sky often bursts into a canvas of pinks, oranges and purples as surfers catch early waves. Head to Ben Buckler Point for a less crowded, elevated view.

Manly Beach

Manly Beach is one of Sydney’s most beloved seaside escapes, and it truly shines at sunrise. Facing directly east, Manly offers a front-row seat to the morning light spilling across the Pacific Ocean. Early risers will find surfers already in the water and locals jogging the promenade as the first golden rays hit the sand.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

For a classic Sydney sunrise that includes the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is unbeatable. The early morning light paints the harbour in golden hues, with fewer crowds than at sunset.

Bronte to Coogee Coastal Walk

Start early and hit the trail from Bronte toward Coogee to witness the changing light over dramatic cliffs and crashing waves. The section near Waverley Cemetery offers hauntingly beautiful views as the sun peeks over the Pacific.

6. Best spots to watch the sunset

Observatory Hill, Millers Point

With sweeping views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and western skyline, Observatory Hill is a sunset photographer’s dream. The hill’s fig trees and historic rotunda add charm to the foreground.

Bradley’s Head Amphitheatre

Tucked inside Sydney Harbour National Park, Bradleys Head offers a quieter, bushland-framed perspective on the sunset. Watch the city skyline gradually light up as the sun dips behind the bridge.

Cremorne Point

Offering an uninterrupted view of the city skyline, Cremorne Point is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. The combination of cityscape, water, and ferries makes for dynamic golden hour compositions.

Barangaroo Reserve

Barangaroo Reserve is a contemporary urban park that combines native landscaping with breathtaking harbour views. Situated on the western edge of the CBD, it’s a prime location to watch the sun set behind the Anzac Bridge and western Sydney skyline, casting golden reflections across the water.

Dudley Page Reserve

A true Sydneysider’s secret, this hilltop position north of Bondi offers sweeping views across the harbour to the Harbour Bridge. It’s one of the best sunset spots in the city. Wrap up warm and join huddles of people at Golden Hour, watching the sun sink beneath the bridge and skyline.

FAQS

What date is the shortest day of the year in Sydney?

The shortest day of the year is Winter Solstice, which falls on Saturday, June 21.

What time is sunrise and sunset on the winter solstice in Sydney?

Sunrise will occur at 7:00am and Sunset at 4:54pm.

Why is June 21 the shortest day in Australia?

Due to the Earth’s orbit. On June 21, the South Pole is tilted farthest from the sun, resulting in minimal daylight.

What happens during the winter solstice?

For some, the Winter Solstice is simply the shortest day and longest night of the year.

For others, the day has cultural significance, with Winter Solstice marking the symbolic rebirth of sunlight after the longest period of darkness. It is therefore a time of reflection, renewal and a moment to take in the beauty and power of nature.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia have a long history of tracking the winter solstice and other solar events. They used their own observations of the Sun’s position, along with natural features or man-made structures like stone arrangements, to mark important times of the year and understand seasonal changes.

Are there any winter solstice events in Sydney?

We’ve highlighted a few winter solstice events, including Nightshift at Wunderlich Lane, Winter Solstice at Elizabeth Bay House, the Lantern Parade at Coogee Beach and a guided tour of Sydney Observatory.

How long is the shortest day of the year in Sydney?

Sydney will get approximately 9 hours and 54 minutes of daylight.

Is the winter solstice the start of winter?

According to the astronomical definition of the seasons, the winter solstice also marks the beginning of winter, which lasts until the vernal equinox (which is in September in the southern hemisphere.)