Summertime in Australia is the perfect excuse for you to plan your winter vacation now.
With the bitter cold right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll be doing to escape it. While winter can be enjoyable at first, let’s be honest; who wouldn’t rather be back in summertime, enjoying the long hours of daylight and warm weather? Well, thanks to a little thing called hemispheres, while you’re shoveling your driveway, Aussies are hitting the surf, getting a tan, and enjoying the sunshine. Why not take a tour and join in?
1.) Great Barrier Reef
42 Wallaby Way, Sydney might not be an actual place, but the Great Barrier Reef isn’t too hard to find. If you haven’t already fell in love with this place just by seeing it in a Pixar movie, then wait until you actually spend time here yourself. As the largest coral reef system in the entire world, there really is no better place to spend a vacation or come on a tour. Visit on a cruise, scuba dive, snorkel or just take in the views. Just make sure to respect the delicate ecosystem while you’re here.
2.) Western Australia
Western Australia… what isn’t there to do? From the city of Perth, to the beaches of Broome, the Bungle Bungles; this whole place is just amazing. Visit Rottnest Island to see rare species of wildlife, or spend the day chillin’ at Lucky Bay where the white sand glistens in the sun. Surf at Margaret River or do some wine tasting nearby. Take a tour here to get to all these places easily.
3.) Murramarang National Park
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Kangaroos up close and personal, then come to Murramarang National Park, one of the best places to see them in the wild. Seriously, just grab a blanket, some lounge chairs, and some sandwiches (maybe not Kangaroo burgers…), and enjoy the afternoon having a picnic while they hang out all around you. There’s plenty of pretty beaches nearby too, so when it gets too hot, just walk over and go for a swim! Maybe the ‘roos will join you.
- Photo by Ari Parzivand
4.) Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is popular with everyone, and once you come here, you’ll know why. It’s the kind of place you see in photos of Australia and say, “I wish I could be there right now”. That’s because this beach is always poppin’. From the people, the surf, the nightlife, and even the thriving wildlife, there’s something here for everyone. Do the Bondi Beach to Coogee Coastal walk and other similar tours for views of a lifetime.
5.) Whitsunday Islands
Whitsunday Islands is the perfect place to get away from it all and explore life outside of the mainland. The waters here are just gorgeous, and it’s one of the best places to take advantage of a tour. See it all by a plane ride, a boat ride, a walking tour, or even explore underwater by scuba diving or snorkeling. Come visit one of the best (and cleanest) beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach, or hang out by Cedar Creek Falls.
6.) Great Ocean Road
Feel like going on a summer drive? Windows open (or top open), wind blowing in your hair, music blasting, and stunning views all around? Then head to Great Ocean Road, where this scenic drive along the coastline will redefine the whole meaning of summertime. Drive through it all or stop along the way to explore the surroundings.
Don’t question it any longer. Ditch winter this year, and come visit Australia for an awesome time.
Author Bio: Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com
