The summer season in the southern hemisphere falls during the festive season, between December and February. And very few places in the world deliver a summer quite as well as Australia.
For vape users and smokers, it is important to note that smoking and the consumption of nicotine are highly regulated in Australia. Australian law dictates that anyone hoping to use nicotine products obtain a medical prescription from a registered healthcare provider. Companies like Quit Clinics can assist you in obtaining the necessary prescription should you require one. However, many travel agents strongly suggest leaving your vaping devices safely at home.
12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria by Graham Holtshausen
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the official Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It spans over 1,430 miles along the east coast of Australia, and the sheer size of the area often means the weather differs between the northern and southernmost parts of the reef.
The summer season typically brings high humidity, tropical storms, and migrating stingers to the northern regions of the reef, along with the annual coral spawns, an experience any snorkeler or diver would hate to miss. If you choose to visit the southern region of the Great Barrier Reef instead, you won’t encounter any stingers or severe weather, but you will share the water with manta rays, whales, and turtles, preparing for the turtle nesting season.
Byron Bay
There are not many places in Australia more iconic than Byron Bay. It has built a reputation for being the must-visit summer holiday spot, and for good reason. Often viewed as a hub of wellness, you won’t be short of delicious food, tranquil nature, plenty of swimming opportunities, and the famous Australian sunshine.
If you would prefer to avoid the bustling crowds of Byron Bay, simply drive 30 minutes up or down the coast to experience the bohemian coastal charm of this location without the sometimes anxiety-inducing crowded energy.
The Australian Outback
Any adventure into the iconic Northern Territory of Australia is not for the faint-hearted. While December through April is considered the wet season, there is plenty to do to get the most out of your excursion into the great Australian Outback.
One of the most important stops in the Northern Territory is the Kakadu National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest national park in the country and encompasses all of the incredible Australian Landscapes in one place. The Red Centre can be visited all year round, with luxury lodge accommodations, helicopter tours over Uluru, and spectacular sunset dinner spots.
Travelers heading to the Red Centre should be wary of the extreme daytime temperatures, which can reach up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit during the peak afternoon hours.
Uluru & Kata Tjura National Park, Australia by
Tasmania
Tasmania is known for its mild summer weather, making it the perfect location to enjoy the numerous outdoor activities on offer, including a wide range of exciting hiking trails. Whether you choose to tackle the Three Capes Track or walk along the mesmerizing white sand beaches of the Bay of Fires with an Aboriginal guide, who will give you one of the best history lessons of your life, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice across the state.
During summer, travellers can visit annual summer festivals, including the Taste of Tasmania food festival and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, which both take place during the New Year Period.
K’gari
A trip to K’gari will require more planning than a typical beach adventure. The island is only accessible via 4WD, and you will need to obtain a permit to camp here and familiarise yourself with the daily tide times. But the added effort delivers a spectacular payoff that makes it worth every ounce of energy.
The island is home to a very healthy population of dingos, more than 350 species of bird, and an abundance of marine life spanning from jellyfish to sharks. The influence of the traditional owners, the Butchulla people, is felt across the island, and their knowledge, history, and cultural values are reflected through sacred sites and landmarks.
South Australia
Summer in South Australia is all about the sea. The clear blue waters are too tempting to resist, allowing you to swim alongside sea lions and dolphins before tucking into the best seafood you can find. Alternatively, a trip to Kangaroo Island not only includes ample wildlife encounters but is a food lover’s paradise. Despite being ravaged by the devastating 2019/2020 bushfires, the island has slowly but surely recovered to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
Brown kangaroo on green field by Mark Galer
The intense and stunning coastline of South Australia, including the Fleurieu Peninsula, is one of its best-kept secrets. The ideal time to visit these sprawling beaches is around January to April when the unbearable Australian summer heat finally begins to die down and is replaced with a cooler, relaxing warmth.
Christmas Island
One of the most unique summer experiences in Australia happens in one of the country’s most remote territories. Each year, Christmas Island plays host to a momentous crab migration, which sees roughly 60 million red land crabs move from the safety of the lush forests to the coast to reproduce. This incredible event typically happens in early summer, but times may vary from year to year.
Additionally, the island provides some of the best opportunities for snorkellers and divers to explore over 60 sites in crystal clear waters. Summer is whale season in the waters surrounding this island, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself swimming alongside these majestic, gentle giants.
