In the southern hemisphere, winter is in full swing come June, but there are still countless activities to enjoy during a trip to Australia. Some are even seasonally exclusive, such as whale watching, skiing, attending winter festivals, witnessing the Southern Lights, and even staying on a tropical island with pleasant temperatures all year round.
We’ve handpicked a few travel destinations where you can still have fun during the winter season and experience the joy of travelling off-season!
What to do in Winter in Australia
Island Exploration
Christmas Island, located northwest of Perth, is a coral island in the Indian Ocean that boasts a warm tropical climate year-round, making it a fantastic place to visit any time of the year.
While winter may not be the best time to see the red crab migration spectacle, you can still spot them in many other places on the island. Additionally, Christmas Island is home to the world’s largest land crab species, the robber crab, which can grow up to one meter wide, including its claws!
Exploring the island’s coral gardens and nearly 600 species of tropical fish by diving beneath the surface is a must-do activity. Other exciting island adventures include pampering in natural rock pools and hiking through lush rainforests to encounter wildlife and bird watching. Every day on Christmas Island is worth looking forward to.
Whale Watching
From May to June each year, Australia’s prime whale-watching season commences and lasts until November in some places, such as Hervey Bay, one of Queensland’s popular whale-watching destinations, located north of Brisbane.
Hervey Bay is the gateway to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, and sees over 10,000 humpback whales passing through its waters every year. There’s also a chance to spot whale calves.
Spirit of Hervey Bay’s YAHOO Tour and Blue Dolphin Marine Tours are popular whale-watching excursions that take you to where these majestic creatures are known to frequent. You’ll be amazed by their magnificence, especially when they leap out of the water, creating a stunning sight.
Skiing
Some may be unaware that during winter in the southern hemisphere, Australia transforms into a popular skiing destination. Perisher, situated in New South Wales, boasts over 1200 hectares of skiing terrain and is one of Australia’s most exceptional snowfields.
Perisher’s terrain parks are the best in Australia and attract skiers from around the world, including Olympic athletes. Here, skiers of all skill levels can enjoy the diverse range of snow trails.
During the day, you can enjoy skiing down the slopes, and in the evening, you can head to nearby bars and restaurants to enjoy some Australian-style nightlife.
Festivals and Southern Lights
Winter festivals are prevalent in Australia, such as the Vivid Sydney Festival, which takes place from May to June each year. It is Australia’s largest outdoor festival that features lights, music, and creativity.
During winter, the Southern Lights, also known as Aurora Australis, can be seen in Tasmania and southern parts of Victoria. The lights create an extraordinary visual spectacle, and while they may not be as well-known as the Northern Lights, they are still a beautiful natural phenomenon.
In conclusion, Australia offers plenty of winter activities, and exploring these off-season destinations can be just as exciting as visiting during peak seasons.
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