There’s no need to bring out the passport, nor the Bintang singlet to enjoy some warm-weather escapades. Here are five stunning Aussie destinations to thaw you out during an Australian winter.
The Kimberley region (North-west of Western Australia)
The diversity of terrain is what truly sets the Kimberley region apart from the rest. From the spectacular display of nature’s force at Horizontal Falls, the surreal calm of Lake Argyle, to the monolithic awe of the Bungle Bungles and Cathedral Gorge, the Kimberley has something for both seafarers and landlubbers. The best time to visit is winter – from June, July August, known as the dry season – to avoid flooded roads and humid temperatures.
Hot tip: Broome is the perfect starting point for any Kimberley adventure, with many people opting for a one-way route that ends in Darwin, or vice versa. Either way, don’t miss the sunset on Cable Beach.
Port Douglas (North Queensland)
If you love the coast, look no further than tropical Northern Queensland. With perfect-weather and beaches, Port Douglas is an ideal gateway to one of Australia’s seven wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, an absolute must that can be enjoyed a myriad of ways (snorkel, diving, glass-bottom boat!) As a well-established tourist destination, you won’t be short of creature comforts or amazing food, here.
Hot tip: Let’s not forget Port Douglas is just a short drive away from Daintree National Park. The dense canopies and lush green foliage provide a stark yet welcome contrast to the sandy white beaches of the coast. The Rainforest Aerial Walkway is great if you can handle heights!
Cape Tribulation (North Queensland)
A few hours north of Port Douglas is the remote headland of Cape Tribulation where vast coral reefs meet ancient rainforests.
Escape the hustle and bustle and venture into the lush ferns and canopies of the Daintree Rainforest. Discover new plants and animal species or embark on a 4WD adventure, you’ll find there’s no shortage of things to do at Cape Tribulation.
Winter temperatures range between low-to-mid 20s with low humidity, perfect of any Australian winter holiday.
Hot tip: Pack your walking shoes and binoculars and take the board walk or ridge trail to Mount Sorrow while spotting birds.
Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia)
WA comes good yet again with a coastal oasis teeming with migratory sea life. Gaining World Heritage status in 2011, Ningaloo Reef is best known for the humongous whale sharks that use its rich waters as a ‘drive-thru’ for yummy plankton. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself swimming alongside these docile, curious giants. Super lucky ones may even see Mantas, dugongs, dolphins and humpback whales.
Hot tip: To swim with the Whale Sharks, your best bet is between May and July. Fly into Perth, with a short connecting flight to Learmonth Airport. From there it’s an hour’s drive to Ningaloo Reef. If you have more time, you can rent a car and head out to Monkey Mia and hang out with the super-friendly dolphins.
Uluru (Northern Territory)
It’s unmistakeably Australian, a distinct silhouette known throughout the world, the famous red rock Uluru.
Given the rock is sacred to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people, visitors are not permitted to climb the rock and are advised to respect the many thousands of years of Aboriginal history and tradition. The nearby Olgas, King Canyon and the MacDonnell Ranges are amazing landmarks worthy of spending more time in the region.
Hot tip: Winter’s a great time to visit Uluru, but don’t let the warm sun fool you – it can get downright chilly at night, even reaching below zero! Pack your thermal jammies!
Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory)
One of the warmest places during an Australian winter is the Northern Territory. Featuring one of the world’s most famous wetlands Kakadu, the largest national park in Australia. A wetlands boat tour will get you up close and personal to the icy-cool crocs that glide along the waters, as well as the 50 different bird species that like to holiday there too.
It’s also historically significant, having sustained Aboriginal life for over 50,000 years. Make sure to stop by Ubirr for some of the famous examples of Aboriginal ‘x-ray- paintings’. And stick around for the glorious sunset from the top of Ubirr Rock. It’s bucket list stuff.
Hot tip: When the sun goes down, it’s happy hour for local mozzies. Take insect repellent or long sleeves – trust us. It also gets very dark suddenly, so take a torch so you can take your time to enjoy the scenery without having to Parkour your way down to the car park.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of these beautiful lands around Australia, and the Elders, past and present, who continue to inspire the younger generation with knowledge and reverence for the lands and creatures that inhabit them.
Take us with you on your next adventure.
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