Australia is one of the premier holiday destinations when Summer comes around, and it’s no surprise why. With spectacular beaches, amazing food, brilliant weather, and everything in between, Australia should be on your travel bucket list.

When to Visit

The Summer is a fairly broad time of year, and depending on your wants and needs, when to visit during the Summer can be important. There are two main things to consider: the weather, and the crowds.

Australia can get exceptionally hot during the Summer, with the heat being almost unbearable the further North you go. If you are visiting from a country with milder weather, you may want to avoid coming during the peak of Summer.

As for avoiding the crowds, it is best to visit near the beginning of December or towards the end of February. Australia sees the most holidaymakers and tourists over Christmas and January, but visiting on either end of the Summer holiday gives you the best chance at a quieter holiday and sip on a glass of Turkey flat rose in peace.

Best Cities

While Australia has several amazing cities and towns to visit, three stand out from the crowd if you want to experience everything Australia has to offer.

Sydney

What can be said about Sydney that hasn’t been said before? Packed with world-class restaurants and hotels, museums, the opera house, stunning beaches, and so much more, you can easily have a boredom-free two-week holiday without leaving the city limits.

Melbourne

If you want a more artsy, metropolitan feel, you need to head to Melbourne. This city can be thought of more as the fashion and art capital of the country, filled with boutiques, artisan restaurants, and more unique experiences compared to Sydney.

Gold Coast

If you want a holiday filled with fun in the sun, the beach, great waves, and sunset views, then there is no better place than the Gold Coast. Filled with spectacular coastlines, and a short boat ride from the Great Barrier Reef, this is where you need to be if you want a beach holiday for you and your family.

Plan for the Outback

The Outback is one of the most unique slices of the country, and is most definitely worth visiting. However, the harsh conditions and remote nature of the area mean you need to plan for a trip here.

The best route to go is to contact a travel agent or tour company long before your trip and find out everything you need to do know before arriving. This is not an adventure you should step into blindly, as it can be dangerous, even life-threatening.

Additionally, if you are planning an extended hike or camping trip through the Outback, be sure to visit your doctor and get medical clearance first, as the conditions will be something you have almost definitely not experienced before.

Surrounding Islands

When visiting Australia, don’t just stick to the cities and the mainland. There are several incredible islands that surround the country that are amazing to visit and explore, such as Kangaroo Island, the Whitsundays, and many more.

Many of these islands are very easy to access, whether it be by small plane or by boat, and there are several that are often quiet and not filled with tourists, making them the ideal spot to escape to if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

Tasmania

Tasmania deserves its own section as it is still relatively ignored by visitors to Australia. This amazing island is filled with forests, wildlife, relaxing and calming beachside towns, and far more to see and do than you may think.

You can think of Tasmania as a sort of mini Australian mainland, with the same delicious food, friendly locals, and plenty of activities. A weekend here will typically be enough time for a visit, but if you can, a week here should be the goal.

Budget

Australia isn’t the most affordable country to visit, but this will also depend on the type of holiday you want, where you stay, where you eat, etc. If you stick to the main cities, you can expect to spend quite a bit of money.

However, if you are willing to drive a bit, Australia can be a very budget-friendly country, especially when you travel to the smaller cities and towns, head further North, etc. No matter what you choose, it is always best to book things far in advance to avoid price increases that typically come with tourist season.

Book, Book, Book

Speaking of booking, this is a must for most activities in the major cities. Everything from eating at the best restaurants to visiting the Great Barrier Reef should all be done through bookings you make weeks before you land.

Never forget that Australians love traveling around their own country, too, which means you will be competing with countless people when it comes to tours, restaurants, etc.

In conclusion, visiting Australia in the Summer is a holiday you will never forget. Whether you want a calm beach holiday, or to spend your days exploring the streets of a major city, Australia has it all, and so much more.