Sydney in July offers plenty of things to do indoors to help keep warm. When the sun is shining, this is a wonderful time to go bushwalking and explore our national parks.
If you are visiting Sydney in July, it’s worth knowing that the weather can be a bit of a mixed bag, it’s colder than most visitors expect but often the skies are lovely and blue. Snow is falling on Mount Kosciusko 500km southwest and that can bring some crisp winds.
On very special (and rare) occasions we get snow closer to Sydney in the Blue Mountains and Orange. So, if you are visiting at this time of year, please bring a jacket!
The first half of the month is the winter school holiday (4-18th July 2025), causing prices of family accommodation and attractions to skyrocket.
It’s also a perfect time to plan a winter getaway for some wine tasting or perhaps to the snow.
Average Temperatures: 17-8°C (79.7 – 67.3°F)
While each year varies the last July there were only 5 days of rain.
Major July Events in Sydney
Plenty of this month’s activities take place indoors so you can stay warm, but the Bastille festival and NAIDOC week events are well worth throwing a jumper on for.
- NAIDOC Week
- Bastille Festival
- Christmas in July in the Blue Mountains
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC week is a celebration of the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by all Australians. Events will be held across the country in the second week of July.
When: dates to be confirmed
Where: Across the country
More: on the official site
Bastille Festival
Food, wine, cheese and the best of French culture with an Olympic twist. The Bastille Festival takes over the waterfront at Circular Quay. The biggest celebration of French Culture in the Asia Pacific to celebrate its 10th birthday, Bastille will be expanding this year to cover much more of Circular Quay.
This year stalls will venture into The Rocks, The Overseas Passenger Terminal, East Circular Quay, Customs House, Quay Quarter Lanes and more. Get ready for the biggest Celebration of French culture in the Asia Pacific.
Tastings, classes, special menus and plenty of stalls to tempt you. Chocolate croissant anyone?
This year’s street festival will offer gourmet French cuisine, art exhibitions, and a 1.4-kilometre wine-tasting tour around the Harbour.
When: 11-14 July 2025
Where: Circular Quay and The Rocks
More: Check the official site for more details.
Festivals, Fairs and Markets
Bondi Festival
The Bondi Festival is back with a bunch of free family-friendly events along with ticketed comedy, music and drama events. A feature of the festival is the Bondi Festival Local events, which showcase local artists and grass-roots organisations within Bondi.
Paid and ticketed events are on offer, two that will run across the entire festival are:
- Bondi Festival Ice Rink
- Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel
Ticketed events are very affordable and expected to sell out quickly!
Slip into your best outfit and get ready to glide into an unforgettable communal experience as the sun sets on this year’s Festival.
When: July 2025
Where: Bondi Pavilion, Forecourt
Bondi Festival Ice Rink
Nothing says winter in Sydney like taking the family for a skate on the world-famous Bondi Festival Ice Rink. ice skates of all sizes and push-along penguins for the little ones, so shimmy into some skates and glide across the ice (or shuffle if you’re a first-timer) – all whilst enjoying the best view in town.
Where: Bondi Beach NSW
Tickets: $15 – 27, check their website for more details.
Sydney Craft and Quilt Fair
I have to be honest; I have about as much crafting ability as a rock, and the exhibits here blow me away. How are some people so talented? From embroidery to quilting and paper craft to weaving, there is a lot going on.
Attend classes, buy super new gadgets to make your crafting easier, or if you are as talented as I buy some finished projects!
When: July 2025
Where: ICC Sydney, Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
More: The official site has all the details.
Sydney’s Biggest Pre-Loved Book Fair
This event really should come with a warning for any Bibliomaniacs who may be reading. This is Sydney’s biggest second-hand book fair. On display, you will find over 110,000 pre-loved books and other reading materials on sale at irresistible prices. The quality is excellent and the books are well sorted to save you from rummaging through topics of no interest.
I challenge you to leave with less than five books in your bag. My last visit resulted in two boxes!
When: July 2025
Where: Knox Grammar School Weeks Senior Academy Pacific Highway, Wahroonga
Musicals, Opera, and Theatre in Sydney in July
Music, Comedy and Dance
Art and Exhibitions
Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes
The Archibald Prize is awarded to the best portrait, the Wynne Prize goes to the best Australian Landscape or figure sculpture, and the Sulman is awarded to the best mural project, genre, or subject painting.
Along with the official prize, the team in the packing room vote for their favourite as do the public. If you can visit on a week day it’s usually a much more relaxed experience.
When: May to Sept 2025
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
Film Festivals
Food and Drink Events
Mould
Presented by REVEL, the team behind cult wine event Pinot Palooza in collaboration with Nick Haddow of Bruny Island Cheese Co. and Dairy Australia, MOULD will see Australia’s best cheese makers and more come together for tastings, conversations, demonstrations, and plenty of drinks.
Mould – A Cheese Festival celebrates the crumbly cheddar, gooey Camembert, and bitey blue by the best artisan producers from across the country. There is a great range of hand-picked wine, beer, cider, sake, and nibbles for you to enjoy between cheese tastes and to take home.
When: TCB
Where: Carriageworks, Bay 22-24
Tickets: $40.
Sports and Outdoors
Tuff Nutterz Sydney
Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course promises a fun-filled event suitable for all ages. No need to worry about age restrictions – all are welcome to join in the excitement. Parents with children under 5 receive a complimentary accompanying ticket.
Navigate through climbing walls, slides, and more, as you race to the finish line with family and friends.
When:
Where: Centennial Park
Tickets: $40.
NSW Regional Events in July
Yulefest in the Blue Mountains
We may not get a nice traditional white Christmas in December in Oz but that just means we get two Christmases. Since 1980, the villages of the Blue Mountains have spread yuletide cheer across the region.
Check out the following hotels who offer Christmas in July dinners and packages:
- The Fairmont
- The Carrington Hotel
- Hotel Mountain Heritage
- Hydro Majestic Hotel
- Victoria and Albert Guesthouse
Where: Various hotels across the Blue Mountains
When: Throughout July
Bundanoon Winterfest
Picture a lovely little village in the Southern Highlands brimming with charm, throw in an array of fun with workshops and a street party, and you’ve got a colourful weekend the whole family will enjoy. That’s Winterfest in Bundanoon and it’s just two hours from Sydney, making it a great escape from the big smoke.
When: TBC
Where: Cnr Church St & Railway Ave, Bundanoon
Kiama Winter Festival
This free, all-ages event will infuse winter days with excitement and illuminate the nights with festive lights. Enjoy stage shows, roaming artists, musical gardens, and eco-friendly beat workshops.
Dive into art making, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and witness live art activations. Local businesses will offer special deals and serve up delicious winter treats, making it a feast for the senses.
When: TBC
Where: Harbour Foreshore, Kiama
Moama Lights
Experience the enchantment of Moama Lights‘ fourth year, a magical journey through sound and light by Mandylights. “Enchanted Nights: A Celebration of Light” honours Horseshoe Lagoon’s beauty, inspired by Banjo Paterson’s poem. Meander along the illuminated path, admiring nature’s splendour, and skate on ice for added excitement.
Running over four weekends in July, tickets are available for specific sessions. Relax in the American beer garden, sip on your favorite brews, and immerse yourself in the winter festivities. Don’t miss this captivating event, embracing the magic of winter at Moama Lights.
When: TBC
Where: Horseshoe Lagoon Reserve, event entry is via the Kerrabee Soundshell Gardens.
Get a head start on fun for August and September
Have you got questions about any of these things to do in Sydney in July? Pop over to our Facebook group and we would be happy to help.
