Summer in Australia

With its vast stretches of gold-sand beaches, dazzling coral reefs, and the scent of fresh seafood on fired-up barbecues (or barbies, as Aussies say), summer vacations in Australia mean making the most of the sunshine and heat of this incredible country.

Why should I visit Australia in summer?

Australia is one of the best summer destinations in the world. With warm, sunny weather most of the year, the Australian lifestyle is built around summer, meaning that there is a wealth of activities to enjoy outdoors. And summertime is the best time of year to really get to know Australian culture. This means outdoor barbecues, lazy beach days, and a passion for sports. Additionally, summer in Australia is the opposite to the northern hemisphere, making this the perfect time to escape the winter back home.

Best things to do in Australia in summer

Summer vacations in Australia means long days spent outdoors. Whether you want to hit the beach, watch sports, or hike through mountains.

Discover Australia's many beaches

Australia in summer is all about the beach, and you simply cannot visit this island continent without seeing its stunning sands. The entire coastline is covered with long stretches, many of them empty. Most beaches are perfect for swimming, while the booming waves crashing on the shores of others make them ideal for surfing.

Learn to surf on Bondi Beach

Surfing is a big part of Australian culture. So while at the beach, why not pick up a board and take a surfing lesson? There are great surfing beaches across the country, such as famed Bondi Beach in Sydney.

Go hiking in the mountains in Tasmania

Australia offers some excellent hiking in its national parks. The island state of Tasmania has some of the country's best hiking trails, as well as amazing rare wildlife, including the small but intriguing Tasmanian devil.

Head to the cricket

Australians are deeply passionate about their sports, and perhaps none more so than cricket. Cricket is a big part of summer in Australia, and visitors can buy tickets to watch a live match. Or, why not join the locals watching it at the pub?

Snorkel the world's largest reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest in the world and is full of diverse marine life, from colorful corals to turtles, dolphins, and schools of fish. Cairns or the Whitsunday Islands make great bases for snorkeling excursions.

What’s the weather like in Australia in summer?

Summer in Australia runs from December through March and temperatures can be very hot, even reaching over 100 degrees in some parts of the country. Being sun smart is essential here, as UV levels are high in summer: wear high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when outside. And when at the beach, balance out your sunbathing with time in cool shade. Also, be sure to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water.