Things to do in Sydney

The definitive guide to visiting Sydney in July

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Known for its cultural diversity and happening festivals, Sydney in Australia is one of the top destinations for a fun vacation. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, top-class restaurants, and a plethora of activities in this modern city. What’s more, it is also home to the iconic Sydney Opera House that you can visit throughout the year. From enjoying the views from the top of the Blue Mountains to exploring the abundant wildlife found in Australia, there is no shortage of things to do in Sydney. A visit to Sydney in July will allow you to do all this and so much more.

What makes Sydney in July Special?


sydney in june
Sydney in July

  • Perfect Weather – Although Sydney in July is the coldest month, the weather is still pleasant for sightseeing and enjoying other activities. You can enjoy clear and sunny skies for the most part of the month.
  • Enjoy Outdoor Activities – Sydney offers a lot of amazing attractions and activities for visitors to explore. July is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities in Sydney such as whale watching, strolling in the Blue Mountains, beach hopping, and more.
  • Fewer Crowds – Since July is the coldest month of the winter season in Sydney, there are very few tourists around at this time. As a result, you can explore Sydney more freely and don’t have to wait in queues anymore.
  • Cheapest Travel Deals – Since July is the off-season to visit Sydney, you can get some amazing discounts on your hotel bookings, flights, and tours as well.

Sydney in July: Weather


July is the coldest month to visit Sydney as the winter is in full force by now. However, the weather is still pleasant with lots of sunshine and clear skies, making it perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. The average temperature ranges between 13°C to 17 °C and there is only a slight chance of rainfall.

Sydney in July: Top Experiences


1

Moonshadow Dolphin Watch

Sydney in June


Enjoy the stunning views of the ocean as you embark on a dolphin watching cruise in Sydney. You can enjoy ocean views from both inside and outside viewing areas and can admire bottlenose dolphins as they go about their way. Visitors also have access to a licensed bar and snack foods on the deck..

July Timings
Daily 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM

Location

3 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›

2

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Sydney in November - Sydney Skydive


The Sydney harbour cruises allow you to cruise along the magnificent Sydney Harbor and take in the surrounding views while enjoying delicious 3-course or 6-course meals. There are many cruise options available for you to choose from, including a a 6-course dinner cruise , the Gold Penfolds dinner cruise with live music, and more.

July Timings
Depends on the chosen cruise.

Location

Circular Quay Wharf No.6, Sydney Harbour, Sydney

Getting There ›

3

Sydney Opera House Tour and Dining

Sydney in November - Sydney Opera House Show


Take a tour of one of the most impressive landmarks in Australia – Sydney Opera House. Learn about the history and architecture of this place with an expert guide, with the Sydney Opera House Architecture Tour. You can also get backstage access and a delicious harborside lunch to complete the experience, with the Sydney Opera House Tickets: Beyond the Stage Tour with Brunch and the Sydney Opera House Tour and Dine at Opera Kitchen.

July Timings
Daily 8:45 AM to 9:00 PM

Location

Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›

4

Sydney Opera House Show

Sydney in November - Sydney Opera House Show


If you visit Sydney, then one of the top things to do here is to watch a Sydney Opera House Show. From ballet to theatres, to symphony orchestras, one can attend all kinds of events here. A few events to check out here in July are La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, Great Opera Hits and more.

July Timings
Depends on chosen show

Location

Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›

5

Skydive Sydney

Sydney in November - Sydney Skydive


For adventure seekers, skydiving in Sydney is one of the most exhilarating experiences. Jump from a height of 15000 ft. and freefall as you take in the stunning city views around you. There are three amazing skydiving locations available in Sydney – Wollongong, Newcastle and Hunter Valley. Visitors can choose to just experience skydiving or get their videos and photos taken during skydiving too.

July Timings
Daily, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

6

The Blue Mountains

Sydney in June - Blue Mountains


One of the most gorgeous mountain ranges to hike near Sydney, the Blue Mountains offers many stunning attractions along with cliff views for visitors to enjoy. You can take a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus ride here to visit the attractions such as the Scenic World, Three Sisters lookout, Leura Cascades, and more. Experience thrilling rides at the Scenic World, interact with Australia’s animals at Featherdale National Park, or take a cruise down to the Parramatta River.

July Timings
Daily, 6:45 AM to 6:30 PM

Location

New South Wales 2787,
Australia
Getting There ›

7

SEA Life Sydney Aquarium

Sydney in November - Sydney Opera House Show


Visit one of the most colorful and fascinating aquariums in the world that is home to over 13,000 animals from 650 species. You can walk underwater at Sydney’s Darling Harbor and watch marine animals all around you. From sharks to penguins, you will come across animals from over 14 themed zones in SEA Life Aquarium.

July Timings
Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Location

1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›

8

Take a Day Trip to Hunter Valley

Sydney in November - Day Trips from Sydney


If you have covered all the attractions in Sydney, then you can plan a day trip to Hunter Valley nearby. Stroll amidst the best vineyards in the country where you can learn about the wine-making process and sample some wines with locally-sourced cheese. Visitors will also enjoy delicious food here and can even take some chocolates back home with them.

July Timings
Daily 8 AM to 6 PM

9

Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney in November - Sydney Tower Eye


Enjoy panoramic views of Sydney city, its shoreline, and the neighboring Blue mountains from the Sydney Tower Observation Deck. Located at a height of 820 feet, you can learn more about the landmarks that you witness from the top of the Sydney Tower Eye. Visitors can also watch a 4D cinema show which will give you a different perspective on the Sydney skyline.

July Timings
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Location

100 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Getting There ›

10

Taronga Zoo

Sydney in November - Sydney Taronga Zoo


Check out Sydney’s premiere Taronga Zoo where you can find over 350 species of animals, learn about their lifestyle, and watch live shows. You also have the option to take a Sky Safari cable car ride to marvel at the stunning shorelines of Sydney Harbor.

July Timings
Daily 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry is 4:00 PM)

Location

Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088,
Australia
Getting There ›

Sydney in July: Events to Look Out For


Sydney in July events

Mary Poppins Festival

2 July, 2023
Attend the popular Mary Poppins Festival that is set to return this year to the streets of Maryborough. This is a four-day festival that celebrates the author of Mary Poppins’ books, Pamela Lyndon Travers. From music concerts to storytelling, it has it all. The highlight of this event is the transformation of Maryborough streets into scenes from the Poppins’ novels.

Venice in November events

Scenic Rim Winter Harvest Festival

1 July, 2023
One of the best family festivals to attend in Sydney in July is Scenic Rim Winter Harvest Festival. Here, you can taste delicious food, watch cooking demos, meet the producers, and more. Check out the delicious variety of food and wines produced in the Scenic Rim. The highlight of this festival is the Tractor Pulling Competition where teams have to defeat a 12-tonne tractor.

Sydney in November events

Australian International Music Festival

5 July – 10 July 2023
One of the most popular events to attend in Sydney in July is Australian International Music Festival. From Wind Bands to Jazz Bands, you will find participants from all over the world performing at Sydney Opera House and other venues. This event offers the best musical and cultural experience to its audience.

Venice in November events

Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival

14 July – 15 July 2023
For a more local experience, check out the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival which celebrates the region’s history of apple-picking. This festival includes an old-age tradition of scaring away the evil spirits from the crops. This charming festival will include all traditions such as costume competition, Wassail, Burning Man, folk bands, and more.

Sydney in July: Essentials


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LanguageEnglish

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Time zoneGMT+11

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Country Code+61

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Socket Type I

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CurrencyAustralian Dollar

Weather in Sydney in July

Sydney in July marks the coldest month but you will find lots of clear, sunny days to enjoy. The temperatures average around 13°C with a daytime high of 17 °C and goes down to 8°C at night. The days are long, with an average of 10 hours a day with the sunrise at 7:00 AM and sunset at 5:00 PM.

Where to stay in Sydney in July

Since Sydney is a popular tourist destination, you can find accommodations in all budget ranges here:

What to pack for Sydney in July

Sydney in July is a little cold so, make sure you pack full sleeves clothes, trousers, and a jacket to protect yourself from the cold. If you are going to be trekking or hiking a lot, then do pack good hiking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. While July is cold, the weather remains clear and sunny for most of the days so good sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses are essential. Beach bums should also pack their swimwear to enjoy a swim in the water here.

Getting around in Sydney in July

  • Bus – The buses connect destinations around the city and are perfect for exploring Sydney. You need an Opal card to use the bus system.
  • Train – Visitors can use the City Circle train which runs in a loop, covering all the major attractions. There is a light rail and airport express train also available for use in Sydney.
  • Ferry – You will find several ferries running around Sydney Harbor that connect Circular Quay to a few destinations such as Taronga Zoo, Manly, and the Olympic Park. One can purchase ferry tickets from the wharf or use their Opal card.
  • Bike Share – If you love bicycle rides, then you can use Sydney’s mobile app to use the bicycle-sharing program. Locate the closest bike share station and then use it to cover a short distance while sightseeing.

Sydney in July : Seasonal Delicacies


Sydney in November - what to eat
Meat Pies

One of the most commonly consumed foods in Australia is meat pies. It is a popular dinner or post-drinking meal and can be made with a variety of fillings. Commonly, meat pies are made using mushrooms, onions, gravy, potatoes, and ground meat.
Where to Order: Harry’s Café de Wheel

Sydney in November - what to eat
Lamington

If you crave some dessert, then Lamingtons, Australia’s national cake, is the best choice. Named after Lord Lamington, this is a sponge cake that has cream and jam fillings and is coated with a layer of chocolate icing with shaved coconut sprinkled on it.
Where to Order: Flour & Stone!

Sydney in November - what to eat
Barramundi

One of the best dishes to try in Sydney in July is Australian Barramundi which means ‘large-scaled river fish’ in the Aboriginal language. Native to Australia, this fish is grilled and cooked in the Aussie style and is an absolute treat to feast on.
Where to Order: Aria Restaurant

Sydney in November - what to eat
Pavlova

Don’t forget to try Australia’s national dish, Pavlova, which was invented to honor the famous Russian ballerina named Anna Pavlova. It is a meringue-based cake that has delicious toppings such as whipped cream and seasonal fruits.
Where to Order: La Pav

Sydney in November - what to eat
Kangaroo Meat

While kangaroo is the national animal of Australia, its meat is a popular delicacy here as well. You can find it only in Australia and can find lots of Aussie dishes including it. Kangaroo burgers, steaks, sausages, etc. are a few dishes that you cannot miss out on when visiting Sydney.
Where to Order: The Meat & Wine Co Circular Quay

Tips for Visiting Sydney in July


  • July is one of the coldest months to visit Sydney so, make sure you have packed adequately for it. Pack warm jackets and thermals to keep yourself from freezing in the cold.
  • Plan for more indoor activities and attractions such as Australian Museum, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and more so that you can spend some time in the warmth with your loved ones.
  • While it is the winter season, there are plenty of days when you will get clear skies with sunshine. Reserve some time for hiking in the mountains or going on excursions such as whale watching.
  • There are many free art galleries that visitors can explore in Sydney. Check out the work of both local and international artists here as you come across some interesting artwork.
  • One thing to be careful about while visiting Sydney is where you are smoking. There are no smoking signs placed in most public spaces, especially schools, and the city follows it strictly. So, avoid smoking in non-smoking zones else you will have to pay a hefty fine.

FAQs


How hot is Sydney in July?

The weather in Sydney in July is pretty mild. With an average high of 18 degree celsius, while it's considered winter in the city, it can be tackled quite easily if you pack warm. 

Does it rain a lot in July in Sydney?

While it's chilly, Sydney receives its highest rainfall in June, actually. So in July, rain is not a regular occurrence.

Is July a good time to visit Sydney?

Yes! It is not off-season per se, but it's definitely the start of the time when tourists don't visit as much. So if you're looking for a quiet trip where attractions are still open, but not too crowded, July is the perfect time! There might be a spurt of crowds for whale-watching, however.

Where can I see whales in Sydney?

July is one of the best months to spot whales in Sydney. About 16,000 whales usually traverse the coastline. Some of the best spots to see these whales is Bondi Beach, Cape Solander, Barrenjoey Headland, Fairfax Lookout, Gap Bluff and near Bundeena's Royal National Park.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Australia?

From mid-April until late June, is considered off-season. During this time, you'll find the cheapest flights to travel to Australia. In July, the flights would be moderately expensive. 

Month-By-Month Guide To Visiting Sydney


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sydney in Oct
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