Summer down under is a season of sun and festivities. Here are the best things to do in Australia during the summer months 漏 bennymarty / Getty Images
Summer down under is a season of sun and festivities. However, December to February in Australia does require some extra planning. If you鈥檙e jetting south with plans to take to the Top End, you鈥檒l be met with impossibly hot days. Heading to Queensland鈥檚 Far North? You鈥檒l find activities are restricted in the tropics 鈥 summer up there means rainy days and seas teeming with beautiful (but dangerous) jellyfish. But it isn鈥檛 all extreme weather. Summer in Oz is a treat 鈥 you just need to know where to go.
From soaking up festival vibes in Sydney to beach-hopping along the west coast, here鈥檚 how to make the most of an Aussie summer vacation.
Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.
Melbourne鈥檚 rooftop bars: sundowner city
Melbourne is known as Australia鈥檚 cafe capital, but it鈥檚 pretty high up there for alfresco watering holes, too. Sitting on a sun-kissed roof, drink in hand, is the stuff classic Aussie summers are made of 鈥 and Melbourne has plenty of spots to keep you busy.
If you鈥檙e in town on the first Sunday of the month, head to on Bourke Street for bottomless mimosas and classic 80s tunes, paired with stellar city views. If all your cityscape gazing works up an appetite, head downstairs to their sister venue, , for a stomach-sating BBQ feast.
If you鈥檙e in the mood to go full hipster, it doesn鈥檛 get quirkier than : burgers and beers served up in graffiti-riddled train carriages perched on a Collingwood rooftop, because Melbourne.
Of course, for some of the best views in town (and a cocktail menu that goes down a treat) it鈥檚 hard to go past the ever popular (and conveniently named) Rooftop Bar. Pop in for drinks on a balmy summer afternoon that turn into sundowners, and then stay for the outdoor cinema, with the new season kicking off from 1 December.
Soak up Sydney鈥檚 festival vibes
Sydney鈥檚 famous NYE fireworks display is synonymous with Australia鈥檚 festive summer vibe; this city really knows how to celebrate the season. If you鈥檙e a culture vulture, the harbour city is the place to be during the summer.
Festivities on historical-site-turned-cultural-precinct, Cockatoo Island, are musically bookended with all-Aussie rock concert which typically kicks off in November, and closing the show in February. You can even stay on the island for a night to make the most of those harbour vistas.
The annual Sydney Festival which runs in January transforms the city鈥檚 top sites into stages for music performances, theatre and art exhibits.
Walk Tasmania鈥檚 stunning Overland Track
While mainland Australia sizzles in the summer sun, travellers and locals in the know head south for the cooler climes (as well as spectacular scenery) of Tasmania. While many visitors opt to explore the Apple Isle in a car, it鈥檚 something else to experience Tasmania on foot.
The Overland Track, with Cradle Mountain to the north and Lake St Clair in the south, is arguably Tassie鈥檚 most famous trail for touring on two feet. The summer rewards hikers with flower-laden alpine landscapes and plenty of waterfalls and glacial lakes to cool off in along the way.
If adventure is high on your itinerary then you can tackle the track鈥檚 entire 65km length in about a week. You鈥檒l need to ensure you鈥檝e brought enough food for the duration, light clothing, plenty of hydration, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat and wet weather gear with you. If you鈥檙e less experienced on the trails there鈥檚 an option to take a guided hike, otherwise there are plenty of shorter options throughout the national park.
Explore Rottnest Island on two wheels
You can circumnavigate 鈥Rotto鈥 in a day by bike (available for hire at the visitor鈥檚 centre), to explore all the incredible coves and chill out your own slice of seaside paradise. Pack a picnic and your swimmers with you, plus an extra charger for the camera or your phone. If you don鈥檛 want to stay all day, head back on the ferry for a long lunch or sundowners at one of the watering holes along Cottesloe Beach. Cycling enthusiasts should check out our guide to the best places to mountain bike in Australia.
Wine and dine in South Australia鈥檚 Barossa Valley
South Australia is home to some of Australia鈥檚 most spectacular wine regions; the most famous of these being the Barossa. While the Barossa Valley is famed for its red wine, it鈥檚 also a gastronomic destination in its own right. Dry summers are prime for alfresco lunches in the shade 鈥 breezy, long-sleeve tops are recommended for the heat of the day. Two of the best are the 鈥淔riday Long Luncheons鈥 at the at Hart of the Barossa, and the monthly 鈥淟ong Lunch鈥 at Both sell out pretty quickly, so make sure to book well in advance.
Flaxman is also the place to go for great cheese platters to accompany tastings, but if you鈥檙e inclined to go one step further and whip up your own, the offers cheese-making classes at 鈥 finished up with a wine tasting, of course.
And if you're looking for the best places to hang ten, read our guide to Australia's best surf breaks.
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Australia's 10 best road trips
Australia's 10 best natural wonders
Australia's best snorkeling and diving spots
This article was originally published in October 2019 and updated in September 2020.
This article was first published Oct 15, 2019 and updated Sep 28, 2020.