Travelling during an Australian winter means you can truly have it all - snowy fun in the south or a tropical escape up north. With so many options, the hardest part is deciding what to do! Here are our tips for making the most of your trip.
Defining "Winter"
It goes without saying that Australia is massive - which means you can expect a range of climates depending on where you go. Going during the colder months means you can save big on flights, tours, rentals, and other activities. Plus, the beaches and roads are way less crowded, and you don't have to deal with as many pesky flies or mosquitoes. Most places experience four seasons, with the winter months being June - August, but the northern regions categorise their seasons into wet (Nov - Apr) and dry (May - Oct), which means whether you want to play in the snow, or chase the sunshine all year long, Australia is for you.
Tasmania
Starting with the southernmost state, Tasmania is magical year-round, but the cooler months are when things get wild, weird and wonderful. Hobart is one of those cities that's simply unbeatable when it comes to stunning scenery and quirky city culture. For the locals, the natural wonder of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, which looms over the city at a staggering 1271 metres, is a regular part of their lives - they hike, bike, and even play in the snow up there during winter! And the best part? It's just a quick 30-minute drive from the city centre. Food festivals such as Dark Mofo in Hobart are an absolute must-visit for all the foodies out there. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not strip down to your birthday suit and take a dip in the Winter Solstice Nude Swim? But it's not all about parties and nudity, Tassie's national parks are simply breathtaking in winter. Don't miss Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where you can hike through snow-covered trails and check out the local wildlife. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the southern lights!
Victoria
Winter in Victoria might be chilly, but that doesn't mean you should give Melbourne a miss. If you're lucky enough to be in town during footy season, you absolutely have to catch an Australian Football League (AFL) game - the weather may be cold, but the atmosphere can get pretty heated between teams! Head to the Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Markets for an evening of street food, live music, specialty shopping, and (of course) plenty of spiced mulled wine to keep you warm. For a more relaxing adventure, head to the Mornington Peninsula and soak in one of their famous thermal hot springs. Or, if you're looking for a family-friendly escape, don't miss the Winter Wonderlights Festival at Sovereign Hill. And finally, if you're up for an active adventure, why not hit up the slopes at Mt Buller or Mt Baw Baw? You can ski, snowboard, or even try your hand at dog sledding. No matter what your style is, Melbourne has something for everyone during the chilly winter months.
South Australia
Waking up to misty mornings over the lush green hills of the state's wine regions will make you want to snuggle up in front of a warm fireplace with a glass of wine in hand. You can find a cosy cellar door to taste the region's famous rich red wines. The Flinders Ranges is also breathtaking in winter with cooler temperatures and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. And don't miss out on the fun at the winter festivals happening in and around Adelaide.
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra is a great base for a winter adventure, with some of Australia's best ski fields just a 2.5-hour drive away. Take a break from the city and hit the slopes at Perisher, Thredbo, or Selwyn. Even if you're not a skier or snowboarder - there's plenty of fun to be had snowshoeing, dog sledding or tobogganing. Or would you prefer to see some whales or dolphins? Head to Jervis Bay, which is just a short day trip from Canberra and is a popular spot for watching these majestic creatures as they migrate north for winter.
New South Wales
This state is a real beauty in winter, offering clear blue skies and a refreshing coolness during the day before things get chilly at night. For a unique experience, hop on a whale-watching tour or spot these majestic creatures while taking a stroll along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Trail. In early June, be sure to catch Vivid Sydney, where the city comes alive with mesmerizing light installations and projections. And if you're up for some festive cheer and possibly even snow, head west to the Blue Mountains for Yulefest.
Queensland
If you're looking for a sunny escape from the winter blues, then the Sunshine State is the perfect destination for you! With temperatures hovering around the mid-20s (Celsius), you can still enjoy the warm weather without the scorching summer heat - locals will say “cold”, but you’ll say “perfect”. Head to the world-famous Gold Coast for some beach time, theme-park thrill-seeking, or explore the lush hinterland with its wonderous waterfalls and hikes. Or venture towards the equator to the Tropical North, where outdoor adventures are endless. Surrounded by National Parks, Marine Parks, and World Heritage Areas on all sides, winter provides the ideal time for camping, hiking or Great Barrier Reef adventures.
Northern Territory
The state with everything you could want - amazing natural beauty, a rich culture, and tons of wildlife. With bright sunny days and chilly nights, Australia’s Red Centre is a fantastic winter retreat. Marvel at the majesty of world-famous Uluru, and be sure to stay out late enough to admire the impressive outback sky. The winterless climate of the Top End is in its dry season during winter, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F) and low humidity of around 20 to 35%. There is little to no rain during this time, and sunny days and mild nights are typical. It's the ideal time of year ideal for activities like bushwalking, hiking, camping, and cycling. It is also the season for events like the Darwin Festival, Barunga Festival, and Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
Western Australia
As the largest state in Australia, WA is a remarkably vast and diverse region that covers almost one-third of the country. North WA is perfect in winter to explore the local national parks which close throughout the wet season. Down south in Margaret River, winter is alive with wine tours, truffle hunts, and Cabin Fever, a 10-day festival with bonfires, wine, and music. In WA you can experience the whitest beach and largest expanse of outback, one of the oldest known living cultures on Earth, UNESCO World Heritage reef and rock formations, world-class surf, premium wines, and still have reasons to return.
Naturally, there's no way one article can include eveything this continent has to offer, but hopefully, this is enough of a starting point to get you inspired. Happy travels!