Winter In Australia

Welcome to winter in Australia, where you can ski the slopes in New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains one day and snorkel the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef the next.

Don't believe us? Well these YHA staffers and their social media accounts don't lie!

YAMBA, NSW

Yamba YHA Hostel Manager, Shane has no qualms about sharing what makes his town tops. Even in winter the local dolphins are out to say 'hey' and a sunset sail is always on the menu.

BYRON BAY, NSW

Byron Bay is an absolute show off in winter boasting great waves and cracking sunsets. The Byron Bay YHAteam lead regular walks out to the lighthouse — they call this 'work'.

Even when the clouds roll in, Byron Bay YHA is a literal pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!

SYDNEY, NSW

Winter in Sydney means one thing — Vivid. The city comes alive with massive 3D projections on iconic buildings like the Sydney Opera House. It's a wonder the team at Sydney Harbour YHA get any work done with a rooftop view like this.

THREDBO, NSW

For those who prefer their winters cold, the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales are calling. Guests at Thredbo YHA can see the fresh snow coming from miles away and beat the crowd to the slopes.

PORT LINCOLN, SA

Australia's home of shark cage diving, Port Lincoln, is at peak adrenaline-inducing form in winter, when the shark sightings and selfie opportunities are plentiful.

HOBART, TAS

Dark Mofo is a winter version of the MONA FOMA festival and celebrates the darkness of the (southern) winter solstice. The team at Hobart Central YHA reckon it's more than worth braving the June chill. 

AIRLIE BEACH, QLD

The tropical vibes just won't quit up in TNQ. Guys at Airlie Beach YHA — what is winter even?!

MISSION BEACH, QLD

The Mission Beach YHA team take their resident puppy for a morning stroll and laugh in the face of 'winter'.

MELBOURNE, VIC

It's not uncommon for Melburnians to experience all four seasons in one day. At least in winter, you kinda know what you're in for, which is great, because Melbourne is a city of wonderful indoor experiences. Just check our guide on 10 Things To Do in Melbourne on a Rainy Day.

PHILLIP ISLAND, VIC

Pretty pastel sunrises down near Phillip Island YHA make getting up for an early surf much more bearable. The colder the water, the fewer the kooks trying to steal your wave.

DARWIN, NT

The winter dry season is the best time of year to visit Darwin, which is why the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets run from April to October. Hot tip via Darwin YHA staffers — bring an empty stomach to the Markets.

PERTH, WA

A quick day trip from Perth City YHA to Rottnest Island is the perfect winter getaway. These little guys aren't afraid of the cold so you'll see plenty of them around.