There's a place you can go to journey down a magical walkway, aside hundreds of giant iridescent spheres floating eight metres in the air.
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Where iconic structures from buildings to bridges are ablaze with the colourful stories and images of our nation's past, present and future.
And where some of the best things to do in the cooler months - taking a skate at an ice rink, enjoying a fireworks displays and tucking into warming winter classics - are all wrapped up into one festival.
For those lucky enough to live in the Illawarra, that place is just over an hour's drive away.
Our state capital is captivating at any time of year, but in winter it's truly magical.
Let's start with one of the brightest events on Sydney's winter calendar - and one we missed out on in 2020 due to the pandemic - Vivid Sydney.
Staged over 23 nights from August 6, the 2021 festival will feature mesmerising art displays and 3D light projections throughout the Sydney CBD, Rocks and Circular Quay.
As well as light installations on our iconic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Customs House, for the first time the waters of Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour will come alive with a floating Light Walk.
Visitors will be able to walk underneath a floating light and sound installation of 200 bubble-like spheres and structures that tower up to eight metres above the water.
As well as the light displays - mostly available for free - there's a fantastic line-up of musical performers and entertainment.
Plus there's a line-up of talks and workshops - including Magda Szubanski's thoughts on the healing power of the arts and laughter, while English actress Jameela Jamil continues her crusade for body positivity.
Right now, the harbour city is in the midst of Sydney Solstice - a 12-day celebration of music, food and drink, arts and culture that finishes on June 20.
The festival focuses on four precincts - the CBD, Darling Harbour, Oxford Street and Newtown - and features more than 80 attractions.
It takes in the Darling Harbour winter festival, which offers fireworks, food, markets as well as a harbourside ice rink.
Of course a visit to Sydney is always a great opportunity to catch a show - and the uplifting Hamilton is on at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until December.
A blend of hip-hop, jazz and R&B, it takes the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and shows it in an entirely new - and masterful - light.
World-class opera, fabulous CBD shopping, top-notch restaurants and clubs and pubs - there's not much you can't find in Sydney.
Great for a day trip, or those after a mini break or longer stay can choose from a range of accommodation, depending on budget.
If you're after a touch of class, smack bang in the middle of Sydney's shopping district is the Hilton Sydney which has recently unveiled a fabulous $25 million makeover.
Located on George Street - right opposite the Queen Victoria Building and an easy walk to Darling Harbour and Hyde Park - the light rail system stops on its doorstep, allowing you swift passage to Circular Quay.
All rooms have been redesigned and refurbished, save the hotel's underground, heritage-listed Marble Bar, which remains in all its glory.
The hotel is also home to Luke Mangan's Glass Brasserie hatted restaurant. And while some restaurants bearing the name of celebrity chefs are lucky to see them inhouse - on a recent night Mangan was busy in the kitchen when he wasn't out mingling with patrons.
At a time when interstate travel remains a little touch-and-go due to the pandemic, and while remembering the need for COVID safe measures, a Sydney break may be just the ticket this winter.
The writer was a guest of Hilton Sydney and Destination NSW.
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