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The Best Things to Do in Summer in Australia
Written by Emily Jacobs
The sun is shining, the temperature is rising – now’s the time to discover the best things to do in summer in Australia.
Whether you’re a local or travelling from a little further afield, Australia has a never-ending list of unique experiences that make for the perfect day out, and as spring becomes summer things get even better. From catching big moments at the Australian Open to swimming alongside sharks in South Australia, here’s our pick of the best.
The best things to do in New South Wales in summer
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour
Ring in the new year on Sydney’s iconic harbour with an all-inclusive cruise. Take a front seat for the magnificent 9pm and midnight firework displays and dance into 2025, all while feasting on delicious canapes, a standing buffet dinner and free-flow drinks.
Go back to nature in the Blue Mountains
Embrace nature in all its forms with a full-day adventure to the Blue Mountains. Hand-feed kangaroos and wave hello to wombats and koalas at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, soak up stunning views of the Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point and ride the cableway, skyway and railway at Scenic World. Finish the day with a cruise along the Parramatta River to Circular Quay.
Bliss out at a day spa in the Hunter Valley
Discover new levels of serenity among the vineyards and rolling green hills of the Hunter Valley with a luxury retreat at The Château Élan Day Spa. Prepare for relaxation and rejuvenation with an indulgent milk bath and 45-minute couples massage, before settling in at the hydrolounge, boasting an infrared sauna and two outdoor mineral spas.
The best things to do in Victoria in summer
Experience the Australian Open in VIP style
Soak up the electric atmosphere of the Australian Open from the comfort of an air-conditioned corporate box at John Cain Arena. Watch the action unfold from your private balcony along the court’s baseline, escaping the summer heat while riding the emotional rollercoaster that is Grand Slam tennis.
Float above vineyards in a hot-air balloon
Watch the sun illuminate rolling hills, verdant valleys and expansive wineries with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley. Witness the world waking up beneath you as you glide over one of the state’s most picturesque regions, before touching down for a sparkling buffet breakfast at Balgownie Estate.
Visit Australia’s largest fur seal colony
Set sail on a spectacular two-hour coastal wildlife cruise along Phillip Island’s shoreline to get up close and personal with up to 5,000 seals at the aptly named Seal Rocks. Spend an afternoon lazily drifting within metres of these cheeky mammals, watching as they playfully approach the boat for a closer look. You’ll also be able to spot a variety of seabirds and learn more about marine mammals and the importance of maintaining their habitat.
The best things to do in Tasmania in summer
Feast on local Huon Valley produce
Taste your way through the stunning Huon Valley, starting with tastings at Hartzview Vineyard, followed by a cheese platter and hands-on cheese-making class. Continue with a cider tasting at Pagan Cider before stopping for lunch and wine at Home Hill Winery. Round out the day at a local apiary, where you’ll learn how the region’s botanicals, water and climate affect the honey’s end flavour.
Sample summer on the waterfront in Hobart
Prepare your palate for a journey through Tasmania’s incredible culinary offerings at Taste of Summer. Pick your perch at Salamanca Market and feast on freshly shucked oysters, cheese, wine and spirits, engaging with local producers to uncover the secrets behind their tasty products. If you time your visit right, you may even spot the end of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as boats sail into the Constitution Dock.
Cruise from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay
See stunning Wineglass Bay from arguably the best vantage point: on the water. This half-day scenic cruise includes a ploughman’s-style lunch (think smoked meats, salad, cheeses, local bread), which you’ll enjoy aboard the catamaran’s lounge.
The best things to do in Western Australia in summer
Blend your own gin at Giniversity
Spend a summer afternoon tasting produce from award-winning producers, Giniversity, in either of their Swan Valley or Margaret River locations. Craft your own with a gin-making masterclass where you’ll select your own botanicals and even learn about the bottling process. Your take-home bottle is the perfect souvenir.
Zipline over Swan River
Take your summer activity to new heights when you whizz through the air on a zipline over Perth’s Swan River. First however, you’ll slip into some safety gear to make the climb up Matagarup Bridge to reach SkyView deck, an open-air glass viewing platform that sits 72 metres above the river. To get back down to terra firma? Zipline, of course. Digital photos are included to document your adrenalin-filled descent.
Embark on a kangaroo safari
Gather a group of four for an afternoon spent hanging out with one of Australia’s most iconic animals on Perth’s prestigious The Vines golf course. Watch the resident kangaroos graze as dusk falls, getting up close and personal while your guide shares fun facts – the curious creatures may even hop over to say g’day! End your sunset tour with a drink and a competitive round of mini golf on the state-of-the-art course.
Snorkel in Ningaloo Marine Park
Dive into Ningaloo Reef’s best shore-accessed coral sanctuaries for a full day of underwater adventures. Travel into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cape Range National Park to enjoy a guided snorkel at Turquoise Bay and either Oyster Stacks or Lakeside, swimming through the crystal-clear waters to discover marine life under the surface.
The best things to do in South Australia in summer
Wine and dine in the Adelaide Hills
Dial up the romance with a memorable cellar door experience at Kersbrook Hill Wines and Cider. Sit back and relax as you nibble on gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards, made with locally sourced ingredients (like bush dukkah). Paired with a glass of one of Kersbrook’s own, it’s a beautiful way to spend a summer afternoon.
Swim with sea lions and sharks
See why sea lions are called the ‘puppies of the sea’ with a snorkel experience in the stunning Eyre Peninsula. Swim alongside these playful pups in one of four stunning locations, admiring how they move around under the water. For something a little more hair-raising, sign up for a shark diving experience at Neptune Islands Marine Park, where you’ll be lowered into a cage and given fish to attract the animals.
Take an oyster tour in Coffin Bay
Explore the beauty of Coffin Bay National Park with a full-day oysters, ocean and nature tour. Learn about these gourmet delights before tasting them straight from the pristine waters, then keep an eye out for emus and kangaroos on a coastal walk through the national park. Finish the day at Big Swamp, a significant South Australian wetland, for local drinks and produce tastings.
The best things to do in Queensland in summer
Cruise the Great Barrier Reef
No trip to Queensland is complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Do it in style with a full-day cruise to Low Isles, a secluded coral cay. Spend the day diving into the magical aquamarine lagoon, walk along pure-white sands or simply laze on the deck of your vessel, soaking up the views. Whichever activity you choose, a marine biologist is on hand for any questions you may have about this untouched patch of paradise.
Soar and snorkel through the Whitsundays
Experience the natural beauty of the Whitsundays from sea and sky with a scenic flight and full-day snorkelling adventure. Soar over the emerald Whitsunday Islands and admire the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef from above, keeping an eye out for splashing dolphins, turtles and whales. Once down on solid ground, venture out by boat for a full-day tour of the islands, visiting the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and South Whitehaven Lookout. With all snorkelling equipment included, all you’ll need to bring is a sense of adventure.
Feast at a revolving rooftop restaurant
Admire panoramic ocean, hinterland and city views while feasting on a buffet of locally sourced seafood at Horizon Sky Dining. The Gold Coast’s only revolving restaurant sits on the 26th floor of Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, an IHG Hotel and offers an amazing selection of grilled meats, charcuterie and salads, plus hot entrees, mains and desserts.
The best things to do in the Northern Territory in summer
Embrace the wet season at Litchfield National Park
Discover the magnificence of the wet season at Litchfield National Park with an intimate small-group tour led by a local guide. Marvel at cascading waterfalls, grand gorges and luscious greenery while learning about native bush foods, natural medicines and the stories of the region’s First Nation Wagait People.
Enjoy sunrise by segway at Uluṟu
Daytime temperatures can be unbearable in the Red Centre, so beat the heat with a sunrise tour of Uluṟu. Admire how the morning light dances over the ancient monolith, changing colours as the sun slowly changes position. Once light, follow a guide as you traverse the entire base of Uluṟu by segway, discovering the rich tapestry of Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara People, the traditional landowners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
The best things to do in the Australian Capital Territory in summer
Explore Lake Burley Griffin by boat
Gather up to eight friends for an afternoon on the gentle waters of Lake Burley Griffin aboard an environmentally friendly electric boat. Pack a picnic (and sunscreen) for your three-hour cruise, taking in views of Canberra’s sights – including Parliament House – and enjoying the serenity of being out on the water.
Taste local tipples
Explore Canberra’s burgeoning bar scene with an afternoon spent sipping and sampling through some of the region’s award-winning wineries and boutique producers. Visit two cellar doors to try a selection of cool-climate wines and continue on for tastings and tours at a gin distillery and artisan chocolate producer – the perfect end to a delicious day.
Dine at award-winning Such and Such
Voted the Best New Restaurant in the Good Food Guide 2024 Awards, Such and Such is a design lover’s dream, with a bright and bold dining room covered in pieces by local artists. The menu is equally playful, taking inspiration from the seasons to create nostalgic snacks and share plates. Pair your plates with a glass or two of lo-fi organic wines and you’ll be in for a fun feast.
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