Few people outside of Australia are aware that it snows in some areas of the country. Because temperatures don’t often get too low, you may actually say that this winter may be among the most pleasant you’ve ever had anyplace in the globe.
Australia’s southern regions have three months of snowfall each year, transforming them into winter vacation hotspots for both locals and visitors.
Whether you want to hit the slopes or travel out into the snowy wilderness, locations like New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, and other locations are bursting at the seams with snow-filled activities and experiences.
Certain attractions can be momentarily closed or call for reservations. Currently, some eateries only allow pickup. Availability and hours change regularly.
The Winter Season in Australia
Australia has three months of winter each year, from June through August. Although not all sections of the country get snowfall, overall the country is experiencing milder weather. As a result, to view the snow, you must travel to specific locations.
Mountains such as the Victorian Alps, the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, and the Mountains of Tasmania define the majority of snowy areas. The northern tropics see temperatures that seldom fall below 75°F (23°C).
Australia’s central areas get mild temperatures, ranging from 64°F to 75°F (17°C to 23°C). However, it may get chilly at times, so dress warmly everywhere you go in the winter.
The southern parts have a wide variety of temperatures, from 53°F to 64°F. Because of this, the weather is more bearable than in other places. You will, however, require the additional garments to remain warm, particularly at night.
Temperatures can climb or dip, but on average they will reach up to 42°F as you approach the more hilly regions.
Australian winter precipitation
With the exception of Tasmania, Australia’s wintertime precipitation is typically modest. During the dry season, rainfall ranges from 0.5 inches on average in the north to 3.8 inches in New South Wales and even 7 inches in Victoria. The standard deviation in 2016 was 1.9 inches.
Can you snowboard or ski in Australia?
Yes! In fact, a lot of Australians go to the country’s icy regions to do precisely that. Australian skiing first gained popularity during the New South Wales gold rush, which began two years after gold mines were discovered.
The miners invented their own Skis and made recreational skiing a popular pastime in 1861. On Victoria’s Mount Buffalo, the first tow line was created in 1936, allowing skiers to access the slopes. Skiing has since gained popularity among both residents and visitors.
Even ski and snowboard schools, appropriate for individuals of all ages and ability levels, are available at the most of Australian destinations.
Thredbo, Selwyn Snowfields, Charlotte Pass, and Perisher are the ski areas that get the most visitors in New South Wales. Every year, a sizable number of residents and visitors come here to ski and snowboard. Five resort communities may be found in Victoria, including Mount Hotham, Mount Buller, Falls Creek, Mount Buffalo, and Mount Baw Baw.
Visitors to Tasmania should visit Mount Mawson and Ben Lomond. However, South Australia has several national parks and other locations that are perfect for snow activities, so skiing and other winter sports are not just available at these resorts.
The Victorian Interschool Snowsports Championships, where more than 5,000 school students compete for their schools in various snowsports each year, are a great place to take advantage of South Australia’s snowy season.
The majority of Australian Winter Olympians start their competitive careers in these events, where they all vie for the opportunity to represent their state in a national tournament.
Keep in mind that there are other winter sports you may participate in in Australia than skiing and snowboarding. Other sports include tobogganing, snowtubing, and tobogganing, all of which are well-liked at various resorts.
Snowmen building and snowball fights are also popular. Dog sledding is another excellent option for individuals who wish to go sightseeing.
Locate fauna
Observing local creatures prospering in the snow may be one of the most distinctive aspects of Australian winters.
In the snowfields, you can discover opossums, kangaroos, wombats, wild horses, a vast range of bird species, and other animals if you know where to look.
Christmas in July
It does sound odd, doesn’t it? Yulefest is held in New South Wales’ Blue Mountains from July 20–26.
Here, you may see log fires, sip mulled wine, take in music, and essentially learn about Christmas fare in July. Vacation packages with this highly distinctive experience are popular with tourists.
Intend to Hike
Try Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain. The snow-capped peaks provide for a stunning spectacle in addition to being perfect for trekking.
Even while the location is a well-liked destination for expeditions throughout the year, visiting it in the winter offers a really special experience.
Skiing Mount Kosciusko with snowshoes
Beyond Thredbo’s ski runs, take advantage of snowshoe excursions with local guides who lead you across wide, ice terrain surrounded by stunning views in the dead of winter.
It’s a terrific alternative to skiing and snowboarding because it’s a sport that anybody, regardless of skill level, can participate in. Picnics may be enjoyed on Mount Kosciusko around lunchtime as well.
Final Thoughts
In Australia, snow does indeed fall. But more significantly, both residents and visitors have figured out how to make the most of this time of year by taking part in wonderful snow activities and visiting stunning snowy locations every year.
So even if you have already visited Australia, you might want to think about returning, but this time in the winter.
