PEDESTRIAN.TV has teamed up with American Express to give you access to more travel, music and entertainment, dining, offers and rewards.
Winter is coming, but it doesn’t mean you need to be stuck inside and never see the light of day. Yes, I’m attacking myself for that one. There’s plenty of activities out there!
Both Sydney and Melbourne are filled with activity goodness all throughout the colder months, so you can still nail that girls’ night out (minus the frostbite).
Whether you’re a Sydneysider or a Melburnian, there’s something that everyone will enjoy. Scout’s honour.
Did you know that with an American Express Card, you can access perks — from earning points while dining out, enjoying some retail therapy, copping some Pre-Sale tickets, lounge access, and so much more? (Eligible Cards only, T&Cs apply). To find out more about what you could access as an Amex Card Member, click here.
Without further ado, prepare to have your winter plans covered.
Maybe Sammy (Sydney)
@annabelbassil 📍MAYBE SAMMY 🍸🍹🥂@maybesammycocktails #fyp #foryoupage #cocktailbar #cocktailbarsydney #maybesammy #exploresydney #barsinsydney #whattodoinsydney ♬ original sound – Annabel
Predictable? Yes. Iconic? Even more so.
This list wouldn’t be complete without a special shoutout to the film buffs out there.
Also known as The Grand Maybe Sammy Hotel, Maybe Sammy is your new favourite bar. Boasting 1950s Hollywood-themed interiors and a cocktail list bound to impress even the most discerning of mixologists, it’s a warm, cozy way to spend a weekend night out.
Oh, and if your interest is piqued like mine, they even have a trailer. You know — the type that advertises a film before it’s out. Need I say more?
Address: 115 Harrington Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
The Naked Duck (Sydney)
Who says winter is about playing it safe? It’s the perfect time to try something new, and maybe freshen up the ol’ palette too.
The Naked Duck blends together French, Australian and Asian flavours to create a unique dining experience that warms both the body and soul. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a coffee date you’re after, The Naked Duck has you covered.
My personal favourite is the signature duck burger, which pairs together lettuce, sweet cucumber pickles, aioli, and hoisin sauce. Yum. The flavours truly melt on your tongue. If you’re a coffee fiend too, you won’t be disappointed here.
If you’re still not convinced, The Naked Duck is also part of Amex’s Shop Small initiative, so you can rest assured knowing you’re supporting a small business like this one thrive.
Address: 60 Martin Place, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000
ReWine (Melbourne)
A wine night out, and doing that little bit more for a sustainable future? Okay fiiiine, I’ll change out of my trackies.
ReWine is a sustainable wine merchant located in Melbourne, where you’re guaranteed both good vibes and a great drop. The way it operates is simple: customers purchase a wine bottle, then bring the bottle back to be refilled in store.
Wines are also sold straight from the barrel, meaning that hundreds and thousands of bottles are being saved from going to landfill.
Plus, if you’re still on the fence, ReWine also has a range of tapas on offer — and get this — they’re only $6 each when purchased with a glass of wine. You’re welcome.
Address: 460 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD, 3000 VIC / 522 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, 3057 VIC
Brunetti Classico (Melbourne)
So this is a bit of a staple, but it didn’t feel right to pull together this list without a mention of the beloved Brunetti Classico.
There’s no better way to spend a cold winter Saturday than at Brunetti, enjoying a hearty pasta paired with a steaming coffee and pastry for the road.
The Brunetti Rocher is my personal fave, and I make an active effort to grab one every single time I’m in Melbourne.
Address: Lygon Court, 280 Lygon Street, Carlton, VIC 3053
Bastille Festival (Sydney)
Food? Wine? Art? Say no more.
Winter doesn’t need to be gloomy with Sydney’s Bastille Festival, which is taking over Circular Quay from July 17 to July 20.
You’ll be bamboozled by heaps of food and wine vendors, and that’s not to mention the countless art stands where you can nab beautifully hand-made jewellery and plushies.
Address: Sydney CBD (The Rocks, Circular Quay, and Customs House).
GOROS Frost Festival (Sydney)
If you’re not familiar with GOROS, you’re in for a treat.
Tucked away in the quieter backstreets of Surry Hills, GOROS is a Japanese restaurant crossed with late-night club and party vibes, designed to bring together the best that Sydney’s wonderfully eccentric nightlife has to offer.
From July 13 to August 19, GOROS is hosting its Frost Festival, a six-week ode to Japan’s Sapporo Snow Festival, filled with ski huts, fairy lights, and endless photo ops.
You can expect Sapporo beer specials, specially themed blue cocktails, and the finest udon noodle soup Sydney has to offer. It’s safe to say that this one will cure your winter blues real quick.
Address: 84-86 Mary Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Lightscape at Royal Botanical Gardens (Melbourne)
From 20 June to 10 August, step inside Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens for Lightscape 2025. This immersive light experience is transforming Melbourne into a display of over 20 brand-new illuminations.
After doing some digging, the glowing floral canopies have me wishing I was a Melbourne local to see it for myself — who wouldn’t want to see the Botanical Gardens come alive?
Lightscape has something for everyone, so whether it’s date night or a family outing you’re after, you’ll find something special here.
Address: Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens, Melbourne, VIC 3004
Journal Cafe (Melbourne)
I can’t be the only one that feels winter coming on and immediately thinks of a cozy cafe, right?
Look no further than Journal Cafe, where traditional Italian recipes meet perfect coffee and the freshest seasonal produce. This is a BookTok dream.
Connected to the City Library, you’ll enjoy suspended bookshelves alongside the most perfect lighting and art installations. Nestled amongst Melbourne’s bustling Flinders Lane, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in a coffee with friends or loved ones.
Address: Shop 1, 253 Flinders Laine, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Hijinx Hotel (Melbourne + Sydney)
Gamers, this one’s for you. If you’re constantly looking for ways to get your fix whilst actually leaving the house, you’re in for a treat.
Self-touted as “the escape room with a twist”, Hijinx Hotel is an immersive game experience disguised as a New York-style hotel.
Working together in terms of 2-6, you’ll complete specific challenges (like shooting hoops) and score as many points as possible within a four minute allocation.
You know that rage you feel when your mate beats you in Mario Kart? Imagine that, but in-person. This one’s a must-do if you’re a competitive bunch looking for a new challenge.
Address: Various across Sydney and Melbourne
One Hot Yoga (Melbourne + Sydney)
@aaeshleyyy Spent the weekend unwinding at @One Hot Yoga & Pilates consider this your reminder to make time for yourself, move your body and just breathe ☁️✨ For my Melbourne girlies One Hot Yoga are having their studio open day this Saturday in South yarra 🌟 Come and try complimentary mini-classes across Studio Pilates, Reformer, Yoga, and Mat Pilates, and see the stunning studio space IRL (I'll see you there) #pilatesmelbourne #yogamelbourne #pilatesstudio #reformerpilates #yinyoga ♬ house song – searows
Who says winter is all about hibernation? Okay, so it might be too cold to go for your usual evening walk, but there’s no reason to drop your fitness routine completely.
That’s why One Hot Yoga is perfect to keep your winter goals in check. With studios across Sydney and Melbourne and over 300 classes on offer a week, there’s something to suit every schedule and fitness level.
It’s not just yoga, either, with both reformer and mat Pilates on offer, as well as pre-natal classes for anyone growing a tiny human. This, combined with specialised masterclasses and a studio set to 37 degrees at all times — you’ll be sweaty AF, but you’ll love it.
Address: Various across Sydney and Melbourne
For more information and to see all the benefits you can access as an Amex Card Member, click here.
*The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute financial product advice. You should obtain independent financial advice before making any financial decisions.
The post 10 Activities To Beat The Winter Blues In Sydney & Melbourne appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
