Concrete Playground

We like to pretend in Australia that it's not actually cold in winter. My knees would appeal to the contrary. But you do have to go a fairly long way from Sydney to see snow and find enough ice that you might be able to skate on. Or perhaps, because of the hard work of some fairly cool dudes, you don't.

Once again the Winter Alpine Festival is coming to Sydney. If you feel like ice-skating outside St Mary's Cathedral, or nibbling on a winter delicacy from the Alpine food stalls with fare from all over the world, then jump on board. Highlights of the festival include ice skating at Bondi beach, the Winter Festival Bar where you can hear either traditional Bavarian beats or a collection of European DJs and performances from some of Australia's finest ice-skaters.

Really the attraction to this festival is the ability to pretend, just for one night (or as many as you choose to go), that you're living in Europe in winter. And when the chai lattes are free and the bar can be wandered into as you please, who could say no to a snow experience on these cold Sydney winter nights? Check the website for dates for the Sydney and Bondi festivals.

Note: the festival will be located in Bondi from June 30 - July 14, then outside St Mary's Cathedral from July 28 - August 14.