Australia's Top 5 Things to Do in Winter

While Australia is one of the most beautiful and popular summer destinations, when the temperature drops, the land down under remains just as exciting an escape route for international visitors. Next time you are planning your winter vacation, make sure to keep Australia at the top of your list.

Here are 5 of the best things to do during winter in Australia:

Go stargazing in the Blue Mountains

A rocky region just outside of Sydney, the Blue Mountains got its name from the eucalypt forests in the area, which release small droplets of oil that combine with water vapour and light to produce a natural blue haze. There's plenty to do at this World Heritage-listed location year-round: from walking through the forest to exploring the waterfalls and villages nearby.

But if you come during winter, then you're in for a treat, as this is the best time of the year for stargazing. The drier and calmer air offer clear and dark skies, perfect for observing the Milky Way! You may even see Saturn's rings, the Orion Nebula, star clusters, and galaxies if you're lucky, especially during the New Moon.

Hit the slopes at Mount Buller

Only 3 hours away from Melbourne lies Mount Buller, a popular choice for day trips and family holidays. Home to many of Australia's Winter Olympians, this resort is well-known and loved for skiing, snowboarding, and other wintertime activities. With over 300 hectares of snow-covered terrain, Mount Buller has something for everyone: whether it's beginner and advanced slopes or even dog-sledding.

Take a dip at_‍ Coolangatta

A coastal suburb just outside of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta is known for sandy beaches and world-class surf breaks. While it may seem to be an unorthodox wintertime destination, it's the perfect place to visit if you're looking into a warmer holiday, as the water is surprisingly warm due to its location. If you still think that the water is too cold for a dip, you can instead enjoy the beachfront cafes, restaurants, and clubs.

Visit local vineyards at the Swan Valley

Located 25 minutes from Perth, the Swan Valley is an ideal location if you're looking for a more laid-back winter holidays. As Western Australia's oldest wine growing region, you can spend your days exploring the vineyards and lush green landscapes, before you indulge in chocolate, cheese, and some of the best red wines in the country. Make sure to visit the other attractions in the area, too, such as the 8 Swan Valley Trails and Guildford's historic shopping precincts,.

Participate in local events

If you'd rather stay in the city during the upcoming winter holidays, why not join events and festivals in your area? Short-term rental travel trends show that events-based tourism is only continuing to grow day-by-day, driving crowds even during off-peak season. Some notable winter events include:

• Vivid Sydney: The Vivid Light Festival ’s the world’s largest light festival, with an impressive eight locations based around Sydney that run for three weeks beginning June. Head to Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House to see these buildings transformed into amazing light shows. The lights turn on at 6pm and end around 12am so if you go around 10pm, there won’t be many crowds at all. Want the most epic viewpoint? The Sydney Harbour YHA has rooftop views overlooking Sydney Opera House and a place you can enjoy the festival - minus the crowds.
• Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival: Attracting thousands of runners across the country, this is a fun community event for athletes who also want to donate to local communities. The flat, fast, and scenic coastal course along the Sunshine Coast makes it ideal for achieving personal bests. But this event isn't exclusive to just elite runners, there are shorter runs available too, which means anyone can join!
• Brisbane Festival: Taking place in-between winter and spring, the Brisbane Festival is an annual three-week celebration of theatre, dance, comedy, opera, circus and so much more. Drawing in more than 2 million visitors each year, it's the perfect event for those who love art.