The summer in Australia is full of fun and sun. Australia requires some extra planning from December to February. You’ll have to deal with unbearably hot weather if you plan to travel to the Top End. Going to Queensland’s Far North? In the Tropics, you’ll be limited in your activities. Summers are rainy and filled with beautiful but dangerous jellyfish. It’s not all extreme weather. You have to know where you can enjoy the summer in Oz.
Here’s how you can make the most out of your Australian summer vacation, from soaking up the festival vibes in Sydney to beach-hopping on the West Coast.
Editor’s Note: Before planning any trip, please check the most recent travel restrictions and always follow government advice.
Melbourne rooftop bars: Sundowner City
Melbourne may be Australia’s café capital, but its alfresco drinking holes are also a top contender. Melbourne is full of places to enjoy a drink on a roof with the sun shining down.
You can enjoy bottomless mimosas at Good Heavens in Melbourne’s Bourke Street on the first of every month. The venue also offers a stunning view of the city. After admiring all that cityscape, you can head down to their sister venue, Fancy Hank’s, for a mouth-watering BBQ feast.
You can’t go wrong with Easey’s, which serves burgers and beer in graffiti-covered train carriages on a Collingwood roof.
The rooftop bar is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the best views and a great cocktail menu. Enjoy drinks and sundowners on a balmy afternoon, then stay to enjoy the outdoor cinema. The new season begins on 1 December.
Enjoy the festival atmosphere in Sydney.
Sydney’s NYE fireworks are synonymous with Australia’s summer celebrations. This city knows how to party. The harbor city is a great place to visit if you are a culture-vulture.
Festivities on the historical-site-turned-cultural-precinct Cockatoo Island are musically bookended with all-Aussie rock concert One Electric Day, which typically kicks off in November, and Red Hot Summer Tour closing the show in February. The island is a great place to stay for the night and enjoy the harbor views.
The annual Sydney Festival, which takes place in January, transforms Sydney’s most prominent sites into stages where music performances and theatre are presented.
Walk Tasmania’s beautiful Overland Track
The Apple Isle is a popular destination for visitors to drive around, but it’s also a great place to walk.
The Overland track, which runs between Cradle Mountain in the north and Lake St Clair to the south, maybe Tassie’s best-known trail for exploring on foot. Summer hikers are rewarded with alpine scenery and glacial lakes and waterfalls to cool down in.
You can complete the entire 65km track in one week if adventure is on your agenda. Bring enough food, hydration, sunblock, mosquito repellent, and a hat. There are many shorter trails in the park if you don’t have much experience on the trails.
Explore Rottnest Island by a two-wheeled vehicle.
The visitor center rents bikes that you can use to circumnavigate Rotto in one day. You will be able to discover all the amazing coves and relax in your little piece of paradise. Bring a picnic, your swimsuits, and an extra charger to charge your camera or phone. You can also take the ferry back to the mainland for a sundowner or a long lunch.
Barossa Valley, South Australia: Wine and dine
South Australia has some of Australia’s most spectacular wine regions. The most famous is Barossa. The Barossa is famous not only for its red wines but also as a gourmet destination. The summers can be hot and dry, so long sleeves are recommended. The “Friday Long Luncheons” at the Taste Shed at Hart of the Barossa and the monthly “Long Lunch” at Flaxman Wines are two of the most popular.
The Cultured Cheese school also offers cheese-making courses at Atze’s Corner Wines, which are followed by wine tasting.
