Summer in Australia offers a perfect combination of warmth, sunshine and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, making it a great time to see our beautiful country.
We will take you on a journey through Australia’s best places to visit during the summer. From the tropical north to the rugged south, we’ll share our top 5 picks for the ultimate summer adventure. Whether you’re looking for white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, or breathtaking mountain ranges, we’ve got you covered. So pack your bags and join us as we discover the best places to visit in Australia during the summer season.
1 – Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
When Summer rolls around, Wilsons Promontory offers some of the most picturesque views you’ll find anywhere on the continent. Its pristine coastline stretches for miles and is dotted with colourful wildflowers and crystal-clear waters. The area also has plenty of activities for everyone from bushwalking and beachcombing to swimming and snorkelling in the warm Summer waters.
Make sure you visit Squeaky Beach, famous for its white quartz sand composed of fine silica grains. The movement of these fine grains of sand against each other causes a squeaking sound when walking on.
Top five recommended activities:
- Visit the Squeaky Beach, known for its squeaking sound when walked on.
- Hike to the summit of Mount Oberon for panoramic views of the park and coast.
- Explore the diverse marine life at Tidal River by snorkelling or scuba diving.
- Take a scenic drive along the Prom Coast Road to view the rugged coastline and visit secluded beaches.
- Go wildlife spotting, with a chance to see kangaroos, wombats, and a wide variety of bird species.
2 – The Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia
The Fleurieu Peninsula is known for its beaches, vineyards, and fishing. It’s home to many natural wonders, including the Deep Creek Conservation Park and the Onkaparinga River National Park, which offer great opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
It’s a must to experience the famous horse-drawn tram rides in Victor Harbor. The horse-drawn tram service has been operating for over 100 years and is a unique and charming way to explore the area.
The tram rides take visitors on a scenic journey through the town of Victor Harbor, across the causeway to Granite Island, and along the island’s rugged coastline.
Top five recommended activities:
- Visit the historic town of Victor Harbor and ride on the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island.
- Visit the world-renowned McLaren Vale wine region and take a wine-tasting tour to sample the local produce.
- Take a scenic drive along the Fleurieu Peninsula Heritage Trail and discover the region’s rich history and culture.
- Explore the rugged coastline and pristine beaches of the Deep Creek Conservation Park, where you can swim, hike and spot wildlife.
- Visit the charming coastal town of Goolwa, known for its riverboats, historic wharf, and the Mundoo Channel, an excellent spot for fishing and boating.
3 – Albany, Western Australia
Albany is where nature and culture come together, offering visitors a unique blend of outdoor activities, historical sites, and local produce. Albany has something to offer if you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a chance to learn about the local culture and history.
A top spot to visit is the Natural Bridge. This stunning formation was created over millions of years by wave action and erosion, and it’s a popular spot for visitors to admire the beautiful rock formations. Not only the bridge but also the nearby blowholes are a must-see, they are created by the seawater that flows into the caves and shoots out of the blowholes with great force, depending on the tide and swell conditions.
Top five recommended activities:
- Take a drive or hike to the nearby Torndirrup National Park, where you can see the Natural Bridge, The Gap, and the Blowholes.
- Take a tour of the Historic Whaling Station, which offers a glimpse into the city’s whaling history and the opportunity to see whales and dolphins up close.
- Visit the National Anzac Centre is an interactive museum that tells the story of the ANZACs and their role in World War I.
- Visit the Albany Convict Gaol: Explore the Albany Convict Gaol, which is one of the oldest in Western Australia and offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
- Explore the city’s rich history and culture by taking a walk along the Albany Heritage Trail, which takes you through the city’s historical sites, such as the Old Gaol, the Old Post Office, and the Princess Royal Fortress.
4 – Atherton Tablelands, Queensland
The Atherton Tablelands offer a different experience from the coastal destinations. It’s a perfect place for nature and adventure lovers, with a mix of natural beauty, culture, and agriculture. From lush rainforests to rolling hills and volcanic crater lakes to picturesque waterfalls, the Tablelands are a natural wonderland waiting to be explored.
Check out Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake formed around 13,000 years ago. The lake is surrounded by lush rainforest and is an excellent spot for swimming, picnicking, and wildlife watching. It’s home to various wildlife, including waterbirds, turtles and the Eacham Water Dragon, an ancient and unique lizard found only in the Atherton Tablelands.
Top five recommended activities:
- Explore the ancient volcanic landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands by hiking through the crater lakes and waterfalls of the Crater Lakes National Park, such as Lake Eacham.
- Visit the Atherton Tablelands’ rich agricultural regions and sample locally grown tropical fruits, dairy products, and coffee.
- Take a scenic drive or bike ride through the picturesque countryside, taking in views of rolling hills, rainforests, and waterfalls.
- Learn about the area’s rich Indigenous history by visiting the Tinaroo Dam, where you can learn about the traditional land and culture of the Ngadjon-Jii people.
- Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Atherton Tablelands’ swimming holes, and waterfalls, such as the Millaa Millaa falls, Zillie falls, and the Evelyn falls.
5 – Blue Mountains, New South Wales
The Blue Mountains, located just a short drive from Sydney, Australia, are a natural wonderland waiting to be explored. This mountain range is known for its scenic beauty and offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and rock climbing to canyoning and picnicking. But it’s not just the area’s natural beauty that makes it a must-visit destination. The Blue Mountains also offer a rich cultural history, with the traditional owners of the land, the Dharug people, having lived in the area for thousands of years.
The Three Sisters is a rock formation with three peaks, which are named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. They are made of sandstone and are part of the Blue Mountains National Park. It’s a sacred site of the traditional owners, the Darug and Gundungurra people, who have a rich cultural heritage and spiritual connection to the site.
The formation is a must-see and offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the Jamison Valley.
Visitors can also take guided tours of the area, which offer more information about the geology and history of the formation. Several hiking trails lead to the base of the formation, including the Giant Stairway, which descends more than 800 steps into the valley below.
Top five recommended activities:
- Hike to the summit of one of the many scenic lookouts, such as the Three Sisters or Mount Solitary, for panoramic views of the Blue Mountains and the surrounding valleys.
- Take a scenic drive along the Grand Canyon Tourist Road, which offers views of the dramatic sandstone cliffs and eucalyptus forests of the Blue Mountains.
- Visit the Jenolan Caves, one of the world’s most ancient cave systems, and explore the underground limestone chambers and caves.
- Visit the Scenic World, where you can take a scenic railway, cableway, or skyway for a unique perspective of the Blue Mountains.
- Take a guided bushwalk through the Blue Mountains National Park and discover the diverse flora and fauna of the region, as well as the traditional land and culture of the Darug and Gundungurra people.
Overall, Australia offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for us to enjoy during the summer months. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, there is something for everyone. With so many great places to visit, it can be challenging to choose where to go, but these five destinations are a great place to start.
