If you’re not into skiing and snowboarding but still want to make the most of the Aussie winter, you’re not alone. There’s loads to do this winter with the whole family. Try the road less traveled and visit one of these top 5 Aussie Winter destinations and events.
Tasmania – Enchanted Walk in Lake St Clair National Park
Embrace the beauty of winter and walk through a snow-covered rainforest and you’ll think you’re walking right through a fairytale. The walk is suited for young and old as it only takes roughly 20 minutes. Here you’ll witness ancient pines, glacial lakes and you may even spot some native animals.
A winter wonderland walking track in Tasmania
Image: Discover Tasmania
Victoria – Melbourne Winter Solstice Festival
Winter Solstice celebrates the longest night of the year and on June 21 2019, the solstice will be marked by families with good food, music, a children’s lantern parade, rides and a sculptural bonfire. If you’ve never been to a winter solstice celebration this is the one you don’t want to miss.
Celebrate the longest night of the year
Image: wintersolsticemelbourne.com.au
Northern Territory – Kakadu National Park
If you don’t like the cold weather, then back your bags and escape the frost to 30-degree days at Kakadu. Winter happens to fall when NT goes through the dry season which makes it a popular time for tourism. That being said, you can’t blame people escaping to the warmth and to visit one of Australia’s most amazing destinations. While you’re there you can visit one other many beautiful waterfalls such as Twin Falls Gorge. Pack a lunch and picnic on the sandy beach and pretend you’ve never heard of winter.
Visit The Twin Falls during winter and soak up the 30 degree heat
Image: Tao Hoogland
New South Wales – VIVID Festival Sydney
The festival of the lights has become an iconic reason to visit Sydney in winter. The festival has many light installations that have been made with kids in mind so they don’t have to just look, they can touch too! At First Fleet Park you’ll find the Samsung Electric Playground, where every kid and parent will go wild at play. The light installations at Taronga Zoo are also a must-see.
Young and old will love Sydney’s VIVID
Image: VIVID Sydney
Queensland – Kuranda
See the incredible forest and mountainside via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and explore the Baron River via riverboat and see the incredible marine life that live in and around the river. The boat skippers are amazingly informative and provide great entertainment for the kids to learn about the surrounds as you sail down the river.
Another side to winter in Australia
Image: KurandaRiverboat.com.au
These are some unique winter experiences but if you’re after more of a traditional winter snow experience check out our review of Snow Time at Hunter Valley Gardens.