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 a spa day in Hunter Valley to snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, here’s our pick of the best.
The best things to do in New South Wales in summer
Kayak along Sydney Harbour
Experience a magical guided kayaking tour around Smedley Point and Manly Cove and complete the morning with a swim at a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters. Paddling with the friendly folks from Manly Sailing, your leisurely tour offers unbeatable photo ops around Sydney Harbour.
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 a 2.5 hour experience, including a 60-minute Hydrolounge session featuring an infrared sauna and two outdoor mineral spas, a 50-minute relaxation couples massage and a 30-minute indulgent Banleotherapy milk bath.
The best things to do in Victoria in summer
Indulge in a three-course dinner at Eureka 89 Altitude Restaurant
Admire Melbourne’s iconic skyline as you savour a three-course dinner, crafted from premium Victorian and Australian ingredients at Eureka 89, where panoramic views and contemporary cuisine collide. The menu includes Harvey Bay scallop crudo, beef fillet and caramelised apple parfait. Also enjoy Melbourne Skydeck access and a VR experience.
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 the local delights of Bruny Island
Explore Bruny Island on a full-day escape from Hobart, with local flavours and wild coastal scenery at every turn. Taste Bruny Island cheese, oysters, honey and fudge, then tuck into a one-course lunch at Hotel Bruny. Climb Cape Bruny Lighthouse for sweeping views over the southern coast, and keep watch for white wallabies along the way.
Sample summer on the waterfront in Hobart
Prepare your palate for a journey through Tasmania’s incredible culinary offerings at the Taste of Summer festival. 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 Sin Gin Distillery
Shake up your Swan Valley visit with a hands-on gin experience at AmberChes Distillery. Choose a 90-minute blending class or a two-hour distilling masterclass, explore a selection of botanicals and enjoy a tasting and G&T along the way. You’ll leave with your own bottled, labelled gin – a one-of-a-kind souvenir to savour at home.
Walk around Rottnest Island alongside quokkas
Strap on your walking shoes and explore Rottnest Island’s wild side on a guided 12-kilometre hike. Follow the Wadjemup Bidi trail past salt lakes, coastal headlands and the “walking on water” boardwalk, with sweeping views from Vlamingh Lookout and Wadjemup Lighthouse. Your guide will share local stories along the way, before you pause at Little Parakeet Bay and The Basin.
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 spectacular tour of everything that makes Adelaide’s Hills so remarkable. Sit back and relax as you indulge at Melba’s Chocolate factory, Beerenberg Strawberry Farmshop and Woodside Cheese and enjoy a two-course German lunch served with beer or glass of wine. This is a beautiful way to spend a summer afternoon.
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. Dive 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 tropical buffet, snacks and drinks will keep you energised for the day while a master reef guide is on hand for any questions you may have about this 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 ocean rafting 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. 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 Nations people.
Enjoy a guided Uluru highlights tour
Capture postcard-perfect shots of Uluṟu’s mystical sandstone landscapes and watch the first rays of dawn light up the rugged monolith on this mesmerising three-hour, small-group sunrise tour. Enjoy an outback picnic breakfast, visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole and hear stories of the Mala people. With an expert guide, complimentary iPods for audio and roundtrip transportation from Ayers Rock Resort, this is the perfect experience to deep dive into the culture and history of the Northern Territory’s ‘Red Centre’.
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
Discover 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 four to six exceptional cellar doors to try a selection of cool-climate wines while soaking up the countryside views en route.
