Winter's well and truly arrived - here's how to make the most of it
It’s winter season here in the land down under, and for most of us that usually means it’s going to be rainy and cold. While many of us may be yearning for those glorious sunny days of summer, winter in Australia is actually the perfect time for exploring the breadth and depth of the wonderful land we call home. With international travel pretty much out of the question and with airlines offering some amazing deals on domestic flights, there’s never been a better time to become a local tourist.
So, what are you waiting for? Winter’s well and truly arrived - and here are some fabulous ways to make the most of it.
Take a dive in the Great Barrier Reef
For most Southern-State dwellers, tropical north Queensland feels like summer throughout the winter and the waters of the Great Barrier Reef are warm and inviting for all sorts of water sports and activities. If you haven’t experienced it yet, there’s no time like the present to head north. So grab (or hire) that scuba diving gear and get ready to enjoy the breath-taking underwater world known for its incredible collection of coral reefs, amazing species of fish, and over 4,000 types of mollusc. Winter is also the height of whale season, so keep a close look out for those majestic and awe-inspiring creatures as they head north. Whether you take a deep dive, snorkel in shallow waters, enjoy some sunshine on the beach or explore the local attractions, there’s no doubt that you will have an unforgettable experience.
Go for a winter ski
Australia in winter is perfect for skiing. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to hit the slopes, there’s no better time that right now. According to Snowpak, you’ll find some serious powder at Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Falls Creek in Victoria or Perisher and Thredbo in NSW. If you prefer Tasmania, Mount Mawson is a small ski field about 90 minutes’ drive from Hobart and it’s known for its downhill and cross-country skiing as well as snowboarding.
Celebrate Christmas in winter
We all love a sunny outdoor Christmas in December but if you want to experience a beautiful white Christmas, you can celebrate twice this year. Just head to the Blue Mountains west of Sydney during June, July or August for Yulefest, a festival that celebrates winter. As the name suggests, many of the local venues offer traditional Christmas celebrations and you can fill your senses with the comforting rumble of log fires, delicious Christmas fare and cosy sing-alongs.
If you’re lucky, you might even have a glimpse of Santa giving away gifts and joy to the young and the young at heart. Experience the warm hospitality of the mountains, which literally turn into an amazing Winter Wonderland this time of the year.
Enjoy local winter attractions
If travel is out of the question and you want to stay home this winter but still experience something new, there are heaps of great activities in every capital city and most regional hubs. So if you haven’t already done it, check out your local museum or art gallery, go climb that bridge or enjoy the view from that sky tower. Take a local food or wine tour, head out on a nocturnal ghost tour or do some research and find out what short stay vacays are available near you.
Get your Vivid groove on
If you live in Sydney (or you want to plan a visit), Vivid Sydney is a festival of light, music and ideas. Running from 6 to 28 August, each night the Opera House and foreshore are transformed with captivating art installations and 3D projections. Shadows spring into colour and building facades reveal a hidden world of magic as the city becomes a night time wonderland. Vivid Sydney brings together light artists, music makers and brilliant minds to deliver a cocktail of creativity to Vivid-goers.
Domestic travel in a COVIDSafe Australia
Before you leave home, be sure to check if there are any travel restrictions or conditions of entry for the place you are travelling to during these Covid times. The last thing you want is to have to spend your holiday in quarantine!
Make the most of winter now!
It might be a cliché, but winter only happens once a year, so make the most of it this year! Getting out and enjoying everything that winter has to offer can be a strain on the household finances, but if you need a little financial assistance so you can get away this year, we’re here to help. Just take a look at our cash loans from $1,000 to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, the cash is usually in your bank account within a few hours – so you can start planning your winter activities today!