June 21
June 21 is Australia's annual winter solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year.
The icy temperatures blasting southern states were not enough to stop some from celebrating outdoors.
On Macquarie Island in Antarctica, Australian researchers took a dip in sub-zero waters while others kept an eye out for orcas and leopard seals.
Temperatures on the island are hovering between three to five degrees, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
"It's a rite of passage," Casey Station leader Rebecca Jeffcoat said.
"An extremely uncomfortable rite but it feels like it needs to be done.
"It's really unpleasant while it's happening but once it's over it's exhilarating and an amazing team bonding activity."
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Not too far away in Tasmania, thousands gathered for a nude swim in the River Derwent in Hobart early this morning.
Red flares went off and keen swimmers dropped their towels and braved chilly temperatures for a plunge.
It was about 13 degrees today.
Sydneysiders spent the morning at Wylies Baths while others took their surfboards out onto the water.
Instructor Romy Morssinkhof led a free yoga session to welcome the winter solstice at Bondi Beach.
June 17
A southerly swell brought big surf to Bondi Beach in Sydney yesterday.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the swell was generated by a low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea.
Weather warnings remain in place for large lengths of the NSW coast, with warnings to expect waves of up to five metres.
June 7
Major roads were closed and residents prepared to evacuate Sydney's southern suburbs as a downpour in NSW caused flash flooding.
The Richmond Bridge was closed by the afternoon as water levels rose.
SES personnel on Menangle Road where the bridge was under water and two cars were inundated by the rising floodwaters.
Workers look at the Menangle Bridge that crosses the Nepean River.
Sandbags seen in front of a business in Picton, protecting the property from potential flash flooding.
Areas across Sydney have been issued with watch and act flood evacuation warnings as floodwaters continue to rise in the southern suburbs.
The SES told residents in Picton to prepare for possible evacuation as floodwaters continue to rise.
Flooding at Menangle in Sydney's south-west.
Floodwaters near Penrith inched closer to residential homes.
The Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers experienced moderate flooding after 160mm of rainfall over a 24-hour period.
Caravans were told to evacuate from a popular camping spot in Elderslie as the park began to flood.
Floodwaters rose near the road at Cowpasture Bridge.
Planes were seen surrounded by floodwaters at Camden Airport.
Warragamba Dam spilled after a night of heavy rainfall.
The dam has been near its maximum capacity for weeks as heavy rains filled Sydney's catchment areas.