If you think Australia is all about beaches and sun, you are totally wrong! The Land Down Under has a defined winter season with many nice and fun things to do and places to visit.
The Australian winter is from June to August and it’s not that freezing cold, as a big area of the country is still warm like the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western and Central Australia.
The colder regions are Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, with the average minimum temperature of Hobart 5 °C, Adelaide 7°C, Melbourne 6 °C and Sydney 8 °C, pretty mild making it possible to enjoy heaps all the season aspects.
As every season of the year has its unique style and entertainment, we have selected the top 5 things to do this winter in Australia. So plan ahead and make it the best winter of your life!<
1. Take a snow trip
Doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or if you are a pro, everyone is welcome to visit and have a great time going to an Australian snow trip. There are many ski resorts options available in the whole territory:
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Thredbo, NSW
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Perisher, NSW
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Charlotte Pass, NSW
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Selwyn, NSW
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Mount Hotham, VIC
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Mount Buller, VIC
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Falls Creek, VIC
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Lake Mountain, VIC
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Mount Baw Baw, VIC
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Ben Lomond, TAS
Now you can choose the best spot to go skiing, snowboarding or just making a snowman!
2. Watch the wild animals of the season
Watching different animals can be very special during the winter season in Australia.
You can start with a whale watching tour and have an incredible experience of Humpback, Southern Right, Minke or Blue whales migration in different areas of the country. From May to November, you can get amazing views from many breathtaking spots, we promise you won’t regret!
Other animals that are common in winter are the cutest penguins on Phillip Island, a must-do day trip if you’re visiting Melbourne, Victoria. At the Penguin Parade you will find them arriving at sunset every evening, so make sure to check the time and plan well to not miss it.
The best time to see koalas, kangaroos, wombats and pelicans in the Kangaroo Island at just 1.5 hour drive south of Adelaide, in South Australia, is during winter. It is a national park and conservation area really wild and natural, where you will spot those typical Australian animals roaming free, a genuine Australian experience!
3. Visit the Australian vineyards
Australian wines are pretty well renowned around the world. There are over 60 designated wine areas across the country to go visit, take a wine tour and taste first-class quality wine. When the weather gets a bit more chill, nothing better than a good glass of wine to stay warm hit cellar doors and admire beautiful vineyards.
The must-go Australian wine regions are:
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Yarra Valley, Victoria
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Margaret River, Western Australia
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Barossa Valley, South Australia
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Adelaide Hills, South Australia
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McLaren Vale, South Australia
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Clare Valley, South Australia
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Hunter Valley, New South Wales
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Swan Valley, Western Australia
Another great way to celebrate the season is going to the annual winter festival in Tasmania, the Dark Mofo presented by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a mix of culture and taste.
However, if you can’t make it, Tasmania also offers wine trails to go exploring and get to know the local vineyards in Tamar Valley, Pipers River, Launceston, Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley, Barringwood and many more.
4. Take the chance to go to the Australian Northern Territory
The winter season means the dry season in the Northern Territory, the best time to visit the region (May to September). The tropical climate over there is milder at this time of the year and you can go exploring the stunning nature and wildlife without being worried about rainstorms, monsoons or a too hot climate (especially in the deserted area).
The Northern Territory is very rich in Aboriginal culture and nature. There you can find and be absolutely in love with the two incredible natural rock formations of Australia, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), which are sacred to the local Aboriginal peoples. The Kakadu National park has to definitely be in your Australian bucket list with plenty to see, do not miss the Waterfall Creek Falls and Gunlom Falls, absolutely incredible!
5. Discover the Great Barrier Reef
That is a great season to make your dream come true and experience a scuba diving in the greatest coral barrier in the world. Located in Queensland, the winter temperatures in the area vary from 14 to 26 degrees and rainfalls are uncommon, which means clearer waters and better diving conditions.
Home to more than 1,500 species of fish, many types of hard and soft corals, turtles, sharks, rays and marine mammals, the list goes on.
However, the Great Barrier Reef has lost half of its coral cover caused by pollution and global warming effects. Make sure to be a responsible and conscious tourist, follow the local rules and take care of this special place while you are there.
We hope this article brought good ideas to make this winter even more fun for you in Australia! If you would like more tips about the Australian winter, send us a message at info@puravidastudy.com.au and we will be happy to help you out 🙂
Or if you have other ideas and recommendations for the winter season, leave us a comment below.
We see you in Australia, mate!
Georgia Carajeleascov
A nature lover and curious at heart always looking for the next trip and cultures to see. A marketing specialist with digital and strategy skills, helping brands to develop their soul and presence.