THE B E ST T IME TO DO AUSTRALIA

Want to enjoy Christmas at the beach or skiing in July? Let the seasons be your guide.

Summer DEC – JAN – FEB

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: Between 82F and 96F

BEST TIME TO: Make the most of the spectacular coastline and outdoor activities. Frolic on SYDNEY’s beaches (pictured), hike Tasmania’s BAY OF FIRES and follow the seafood trail in South Australia’s EYRE PENINSULA.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: The Northern Territory is in its wet season (hot, humid and rainy), and much of inland Australia (the outback) will be scorchingly hot.

Fall

MAR – APR – MAY

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: Between 66F to 76F

BEST TIME TO: Late fall is popular for harvest festivals in places like the Yarra Valley near Melbourne, and Clare Valley out of Adelaide. Nature fans, head to LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK (pictured) in the Northern Territory, and the sports-mad will enjoy endless events. Don’t

YOU SHOULD KNOW: make your itinerary too localized; it’s a great time to tour from coast to coast.

Winter

JUN – JUL – AUG

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: Between 57F to 67F

BEST TIME TO: Take to the outback with gusto (everything from exploring

DARWIN and ULURU to QUEENSLAND’S GORGES), ski VICTORIA’S SLOPES, enjoy

‘Christmas in July’ festivities in the BLUE MOUNTAINS (pictured), and snorkel the waters of the GREAT BARRIER REEF.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Winters can be quite cold in the south of the country so if you want a warm vacation head to Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Spring

SEP – OCT – NOV

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: Between 75F and 82F

BEST TIME TO: Explore everything nature has to offer, from the wildlife of KANGAROO ISLAND and CANBERRA’s floral wonderland of Floriade, to the wildflowers (and wineries) of Western Australia’s MARGARET RIVER (pictured) to the tail end of the whale migration in New South Wales’ BYRON BAY.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Don’t leave visiting the outback to the end of the season; the heat descends in late spring.