Don’t let winter stop you getting out and enjoying the best of what’s on offer this month.
Here are 14 awesome things to do this July, and yes while some out outdoors, we’ve got plenty that’ll keep you warm indoors too. From ice skating rinks with real snow, bottomless Bloody Mary brunches to Christmas in July pop-ups at Parliament House, we’ve got everything to keep you (and the kids) busy.
Want to ditch Sydney winter altogether? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Fiji.
EAT
Bastille Day at Bistro Moncur
Bistro Moncur will be hosting a four-course menu with each dish inspired by a French region. The team have also curated a selection of fine French wines to accompany each course. You can expect a Bouillabaisse, Rum Baba and plenty more French-inspired delicacies.
Where: Bistro Moncur Woollahra
When: From 6pm, Friday 14 July
Cost: $140 per person, +$55 for matching wines
More info here
Bouillabaisse at Bistro Moncur. Image: Supplied
Sweat Treat Dessert Festival
Join Punk Princess of Pastry Anna Polyviou at the biggest sweet festival of the year.
Embark on a vibrant journey into a deliciously wild world of sweet treats and funky beats. The Shangri-La’s grand ballroom will be transformed into a wickedly colourful street-style festival with sweet and savoury stalls, plus a whole heap of entertainment. The 2017 Sweet Street line-up includes the likes of Knafeh Bakery, Butter, Cow and The Moon, Andy Bowdy and plenty more.
Where: Shangri-La Hotel, The Rocks
When: Friday 14 July
Cost: From $85-$125
More info here
Bankstown Bites
The Bankstown Bites Food Festival lives up to its reputation as one of Sydney’s most loved foodie events, bringing together some of Sydney’s top restaurants, cafes and patisseries. You can expect the full monty when it comes to food, with Hawaiian shrimp, Egyptian koshari to German sausages and Hungarian beef goulash all on the menu.
There are also 20 local food tours to will highlight the city’s most beloved restaurants.
Where: 5 Olympic Parade, Bankstown (between Dale Parade and Marion Street)
When: Saturday 29 July
Cost: FREE entry. Walking tours from $5
More info here
Brunch Platter of the Brunch Menu at Mrs Double Bay. Image: Supplied
Bottomless Brunch at Mrs Sippy
Mrs Sippy’s bottomless Veuve Clicquot brunch has introduced another brunch essential – the Bloody Mary. Enjoy unlimited serves of this brunch holy grail, or unlimited rose and champagne for glamorous start to the weekend.
Where: Mrs Sippy, Double Bay
When: Every Saturday 11am-4pm
More info here
Christmas in July Pop-Up at Parliament House. Image: Supplid
Christmas in July Pop-Up at Parliament House
For the very first time, NSW Parliament House will be opening its doors for a Christmas in July pop-up. Running weekdays for lunch throughout the month, dine in a room regularly used by visiting royalty and indulge in classic Christmas dishes with a modern twist.
Where: Parliament House
When: 12-3pm until Friday 28 July (excluding weekends)
Cost: From $45 per person
More info here
Doughnut Time’s Donutella Versace
Doughnut Time’s answer to World Chocolate Day is ‘The Donutella Versace’ – a MEGA Hersheys & Cocoa doughnut. Filled with Nutella and topped with more than a mouthful of delectable chocolate toppings, it weighs in at over 1kg and comes with its own mini jar of Nutella and gold leaf for good measure.
Where: All Doughnut Time Stores
When: Friday 7 July – Thursday 13 July
Cost: $34
More info here.
Doughnut Time’s Donutella Versace ($34)
DRINK
Sapphire Saturdays
The Royal Hotel Paddington has introduced Sapphire Saturdays, a collaboration with Bombay Sapphire to celebrate all things gin. Taking over the Verandah Bar, choose from one of the gin cocktails on offer. We recommend the The Hampshire Negroni ($18).
Where: The Royal Hotel Paddington
When: Every Saturday until 17 July
Cost: Cocktails are $12 4pm-6pm, otherwise from $18
More info here
Cocktails on offer at Sapphire Saturdays, The Royal hotel Paddington. Image: Supplied.
Gin & Jazz
Take a trip to 1920s New York City with Gin & jazz nights at Riley St Garage. Every Thursday night downstairs in the newly opened Busby bar there will be rotating jazz musicians and a special selection of gin cocktails created by our their in-house mixologist Robert Caldwell. Try the Busby G&T ($15): Tanqueray, sloe gin, sage, mint and tonic.
Where: Busby Bar downstairs at Riley Street Garage
When: Every Thursday from 6pm
Cost: FREE, but be sure to book ahead as seats are limited.
More info here
DO
Kids Cooking Class at Bistro Moncur
Before the school holidays end, treat the kids to a hands-on cooking class at Bistro Moncur, and in turn treat yourself to a glass of wine while you wait. The classes will cover gingerbread people, pizzas and sundaes and cost $150, including a cooking class plus a two-course lunch for ages 4-8, and a complimentary glass of wine in the restaurant for one adult. Each additional child is $70.
Where: Bistro Moncur Mosman & Woollahra
When: Mosman 12pm-2pm Wednesday 12 July & Woollahra Thursday 13 and Friday 14 July.
Cost: $150, $70 for each additional child.
More info here
Bistro Moncur’s cooking classes are a great way to keep the kids entertained these school holidays.
Australian Graffiti
This is the debut of remarkable twenty-three-year-old Australian writer, Disapol Savetsila, the youngest playwright to be commissioned by Sydney Theatre Company for their main stage program. An investigation of the migrant experience from the inside out, this is a touching and humorous insight into identity and belonging. The cast featuers Gabrielle Chan and Monica Sayers (Chimmerica), Airlie Dodds, Peter Kowitz, Kenneth Moraleda, Mason Phoumirath and Srisacd Sacdpraseuth.
Where: Sydney Theatre Company
When: 8pm-10:30pm, Tuesday – Saturday until 21 August
Cost: From $25
More info here
Bondi Feat. Image: Robert Catto
Bondi Feast
Sydney’s unofficial Fringe, Bondi Feast is a winter festival celebrating the best in home-grown theatre, music, comedy, visual arts and food. In its fifth year, the festival is housed at the iconic Bondi Pavilion and will showcase the work of over 150 artists across two weeks.
Where: Bondi Pavlion
When: 18- 29 July
Cost: Differs for each show.
More info here
Skating at Catherdral Square
Come skate at this huge open air ice rink with ‘real snow’ this winter. At the bar you’ll find mulled wine (need we say more?) and hot chocolates to keep you warm. There will also be a tone of food vendors including Bao Burger, Taiwan Noodle House, the German Sausage Hut, plus plenty more.
Where: St Mary’s Catherdral (College Street)
When: Until Sunday 16 July
Cost: From $22
More info here
Ice skating rink at St Mary’s Cathedral
Nubo
The revolutionary play centre in Alexandria is a great option for the kids for the remainder of the school holidays. The first of its kind in Australia, it boasts a children’s library where read under a giant hot air balloon, a building and construction room which features toys and big building blocks, as well as a workshop room where children can explore music, drama and robotics, plus, the one thing every play centre needs – a ball pit.
Where: Alexandria
When: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
Cost: From $10/hour per child (or from $25 for unlimited)
More info here
NUBO play centre in Alexandria is an incredibly unique experience for kids and parents alike. Image: Supplied
Winterlight
Ice rink, an illuminated ferris wheel, real snow? Parramatta’s Winterlight has all the makings for an epic snow festival experience. If you’re after more of a thrill there are carnival rides and a toboggan slide too. And don’t miss out on the European-inspired winter fare in the alpine food village that will feature Turkish gozleme, German sausages, Parramatta-favourite Adora Handmade Chocolates and Dutch Poffertjes, plus a whole lot more.
Where: Prince Alfred Park, Parramatta
When: From 10am until Sunday 16 July
Cost: From $12
More info here
