by Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com
While many people associate Australia with summer beach holidays, the winter is also a fantastic time to visit. Not only are the long, hot and humid days gone but also the wet summer season. In winter you'll enjoy temperate climates and blue skies that bring out the colours in the landscape even more.
Here are five destinations to consider down under this winter.
The Rock - Uluru
Australia's Red Centre is superb in winter. It can be cool at night and in the mornings but the days are splendid with temperatures into the mid 20s. Given there's a lot of walking to do in this part of the country, that makes for pleasant hikes and splendid views.
The Forest - Daintree
This incredible rainforest just 1.5 hours north of Cairns retains a constant temperature of about 30 degrees all year round - the perfect climate for growing lots of plant life. It is cooler in the winter and apparently the crocs like it too and tend to be more active - that might keep tourists happy with easy spotting opportunities but it might also keep them away! In winter there are also migratory birds passing by.
The Outback - The Kimberley
If you saw the film Australia and fell in love with Hugh or the landscape, the Kimberley will be on your wish list. Located in the far northern part of Western Australia it is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country with ancient mountains with limestone gorges and steep ridges. The dry season is gorgeous with blazing blue skies.
The Beach - Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in Queensland might be a beach location but visitors from the Northern Hemisphere will probably still find it warm enough to swim in the winter months. There's no bad time to visit this corner of the state with golden beaches stretching as far as the eye can see and plenty of good cafes and nightlife away from the sands.
The City - Sydney
It does get a little cool in Sydney over winter but nothing a coat won't cure. Besides the chilly weather makes eating out and shopping all that more enjoyable - renowned pursuits in this wonderful city. Make sure you see the Opera House and Sydney Harbour, shop around the rocks, visit Bondi and eat out in New Town.
