Heat wave, after heat wave, it seems as though the summer keeps endlessly sizzling on. However, with the sunny side up back home, maybe it’s the perfect time to cool off by taking a trip way down south… Way down to the Land Down Under. It’s winter time in the Southern Hemisphere, and if you’re wondering just how hot Australia is during its “cold” season, simply put – it’s amazing! If that’s not enough, then take a look at the five most irresistible reasons to visit Australia this summer (during their winter).
1. Perfect Weather
Winter may have come to Australia, but that doesn’t mean your entire winter wardrobe. Taking into consideration the entire continent (and it’s still a pretty big continent), Australia is astonishingly warm, even when it’s supposed to be cold. The further North you go, the hotter it is. So, when you’re up in Darwin, you can experience a cool minimum of 25°C (77°F). Ideal for swimming and surfing under the warm winter sun. Further down south in Sydney, it’s a mild 10°C, but you might want to pack an umbrella. Still, if you’re looking for a white winter, just head higher. Almost all the Southern mountain ranges are covered by gleaming snow, giving you a chance to hit the slopes all through June, July and August.
2. Road Trippin’ in the Outback
Australia isn’t anything without all its natural wonders, and the best way to visit them in winter is by going on a road trip. Pack up, and head out into the Outback by taking a mythical journey via Australia’s Red Centre Way. It will take you to the most iconic spiritual landmark of the continent – Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). Alternatively, the mild weather is perfect for taking in the length and breadth of Australia on the Savannah Way. This coast-to-coast experience will take you from Queensland all the way to the Western Territory on Australia’s version of Route 66. The 3700 km journey will take you along some of the country’s best natural treasures like Kakadu and Purnululu National Parks, allowing you to experience the Land Down Under in its purest form.
3. It’s the Festive Season
In most corners of the globe, summer marks the beginning of festival season. But, since everything in Australia is upside down, the winter is the ideal time to visit some of Australia’s best festivals. At the top of any festival-goers list should be the VIVID Festival in Sydney. Each June, Sydney lights up with unbelievable art exhibitions, which illuminate the entire city, and all of Sydney’s beautiful historical sights. However, if you want to experience Aboriginal culture in all of its splendor, look no further than the Mowanjum Festival in Western Australia. Everything you wanted to know about Dreamtime is displayed by the 200 Aboriginal performers from the Worora, Ngarinyin and Wunambal people. Still, if you just want to take in some of the local flavor, head to Brisbane’s Regional Flavors festival, for some immaculate wining and dining the Aussie way.
4. A Sports Extravaganza
Another great winter pastime in Australia is sport. The weather is warm, and Pacific isn’t any different. Aussie’s love their surfing and swimming, and winter is the ideal time to dive into an adventure of a lifetime, by visiting the spectacular Barrier Reef. Unless you want a dry-land experience, then head to a pub, because Rugby season is in full swing. A cheaper, but still uniquely Australian alternative is an Australian Rules football match. Just look out who you cheer for when you get caught up in the game!
5. The Winter Discount
And if all this still hasn’t convinced you how great Australia in winter really is, then maybe your wallet might! The cold season is usually considered the less touristy season, which means you can get cheaper deals on everything from flights to hotel rooms. Plus, when you look at the bigger picture: less tourists means less crowds both in the cities and at the beach.
So, there you have it. Australia may not be your run-of-the-mill winter wonderland, but it still has the potential to be an action-packed winter holiday that will cool you off in these warm summer months.
