Winter in Sydney is usually a mild affair with temperatures rarely plummeting low enough to justify much more than a boots-and-coat ensemble. Regardless, besides venturing outdoors to see the spectacular Vivid Sydney festival, Sydneysiders tend to retreat indoors and pine for summer past, missing countless opportunities to see their city in a different light. This winter, emerge from your UGG-boot-clad inactive state to see what’s waiting on your doorstep.

1. Just keep moving

During winter, many people are happy to put exercise on the backburner in favour of a bear-like hibernation, but wasting the days bathed in sunshine can leave you feeling a little grizzly.

To make the most of the daylight, hire a bike with Sydney Bike Tours and spend two hours cycling around the CBD at your leisure. With a helmet, lock and map included, all cyclists need to decide is their route and whether Lycra is absolutely necessary.

2. Satisfy your sweet tooth 

Just like everyone with a sweet tooth, we’re powerless to say no to a little self-indulging.  The chilly air offers the perfect excuse, if you ever needed one, to visit the warm interiors of Lindt Chocolate Café. Pair up with a companion and sweeten the day with a shared dessert platter and signature hot chocolate. Leave self-restraint at the door and savour a selection of sweet morsels, including a brownie, chocolate cake, macarons and three of the ever-popular Lindor balls.

If you can’t get enough of the sweet stuff, get your hands dirty (in the most delicious way possible) at The Sydney Chocolate School. Learn how to make chocolate slabs and bars at this half-day chocolate making workshop, and enjoy the most important element – tastings.

3. Have a whale of a time

Winter signals the return of magnificent humpback whales as they migrate north from the icy Antarctic waters. Thousands of these gentle giants pass the east coast of Australia each season, making Sydney a hot spot for whale watching adventures.

Take to the open seas on a purpose-built vessel and head straight to the spacious viewing deck to keep an eye out for typical whale behaviours like breaching, tail slapping, and blowing. This experience with Go Whale Watching includes a free return cruise if no whales are spotted, ensuring no seafarer misses out on ticking another item off their bucket list.

If you still haven't warmed up to winter, Groupon has your back. Try pulling up the covers, shutting your eyes and dreaming of a sunnier destination. If that fails, pack your bags and spend the season somewhere else entirely. Just don't tell us - we'd be too jealous.