A State-By-State Guide To Experiencing Winter In Australia

Australia is a beautiful country, and an Australian winter can bring out the best of the country. Australian’s certainly know how to embrace the colder months, with festivals and lights to brighten even the darkest days – we have found some of the best ways to explore and experience what an Australian winter has to offer.

Tasmania

Cradle Mountain: Cradle Mountain in Tasmania’s Central Highlands looks spectacular in Winter. With snowy winters, you can get out and embrace the cold with a walk around Dove Lake, where weather permitting you will get spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain.

Dark Mofo: This arts and music festival transforms the Hobart Waterfront into Dark Park, a hive of music and arts to drive away the cold of winter. You can visit the Ogoh-ogoh, attend the Night Mass, or enjoy a meal at the Winter Feast.

Nearest Cruisin’ Branch: Hobart – 3 Runway Place, Cambridge TAS 7170

Image: Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain – Tourism Australia

Victoria

Ballarat Winter Festival: The festival transforms Ballarat into a winter wonderland with food and fun for all ages. You can visit the light displays, go ice skating and vote for the regions best hot chocolate in the Hot Chocolate Showdown.

Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs: Escape the cold at the largest natural hot springs, day spa and wellness destination in Australia. You can enjoy the geothermal pools, a reflexology walk or grab a warming beverage at the café.

Nearest Cruisin’ Branch: Melbourne – 25/27 Catalina Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043

Image: Fingal on the Mornington Peninsula – Tourism Australia

New South Wales

Sydney Vivid Festival: This major festival held in late May to early June is the largest arts festival in the southern hemisphere. The city comes alight with light projections, drone shows and music to drive away the darkness of winter.

The Snowy Mountains: Enjoy a season of fantastic skiing and snowboarding in the Snowy Mountains of NSW, home of Australia’s longest ski run, the Crackenback Supertrail at Thredbo. If skiing is not for you there are also local music festivals and much more to enjoy.

Nearest Cruisin’ Branch: Sydney – 10 Wurrook Circuit, Caringbah NSW 2229

Image: Martin Place in Sydney during the Vivid Festival

Australian Capital Territory

Cultural Attractions: Canberra is home to many cultural experiences, and a winter holiday is a perfect time to plan trip to some of the iconic locations such as the Australian War Memorial, The national Gallery of Australia, Parliament House and the Royal Australian Mint.

Truffle Season: Truffle season unfolds across the ACT from mid-June to August, where Canberra’s top restaurants and producers showcase these culinary delicacies. You can enjoy a wide variety of paddock to plate experiences or even go truffle hunting with some enthusiastic truffle dogs.

Nearest Cruisin’ Branch: Sydney – 10 Wurrook Circuit, Caringbah NSW 2229

Image: The Royal Australian Mint – Tourism Australia

South Queensland

Mount Coot-tha: One of Brisbane’s premier natural destinations is located only 15 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. You can hike to the summit and enjoy the 360-degree views of the city, and you can even enjoy a meal at The Summit Restaurant and Bar.

Cooly Rocks On: Step back in time when the streets of Coolangatta are transformed into a festival filled with the iconic motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear. You can enjoy the automotive shows, tribute acts and dance to the memory of the King with the Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.

Nearest Cruisin’ Branch: Brisbane – 42 Vauxhall Street, Virginia QLD 4012

Image: Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout – Tourism Queensland

North Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef: Winter is when tropical north Queensland hits its peak, especially for diving and snorkelling the iconic Great Barrier Reef, when the visibility makes it a great time to view the amazing coral displays and even spot a manta ray.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair: Arguably one of Australia’s Arts Fair celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. With fashion, art, performance and painting amongst the featured exhibits there is plenty to explore during the fair.

Nearest Cruisin’ Branch: Cairns – 399 Sheridan Street, Cairns North QLD 4870

Image: The Great Barrier Reef in tropical North Queensland – Tourism Australia

Northern Territory

Darwin Festival: The Darwin Festival is held in August and transforms the city into a celebration of music, theatre, visual art, dance and cabaret. This celebration makes the most of the dry season and fills the city with a vibrant program of events.

Kakadu National Park: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the mix of rainforests and ancient rock art. You can meet the many local wildlife residents and immerse yourself in a place filled with history and stories from Australia’s First Nation’s people.

Nearest Cruisin’ Branch: Cairns – 399 Sheridan Street, Cairns North QLD 4870

Image: Ubirr in the Kakadu National Park – Tourism Australia

South Australia

Illuminate Adelaide: Bringing late nights filled with bright lights and big adventures, Adelaide’s brightest celebration of art, light, music and technology transforms the well-worn streets into a city-wide spectacle where the curious can shake off the winter blues and rekindle a sense of wonder.

Adelaide Hills: The Adelaide Hilld are dotted with gorgeous villages and towns where you can experience everything that the hills have on offer. From clear doors, micro-breweries, classic pubs and galleries the hills have it all set amongst spectacular winter views.

Nearest Cruisin’ Branch: Melbourne – 25/27 Catalina Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043

Image: View from Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills – Tourism Australia

Western Australia

Albany Maritime Festival: Head to Albany in July as this port city celebrates all things nautical, with a vibrant program of arts and culture that honours the maritime herniate of the city. From live music and exhibitions to treasure hunts, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Cosy cafés: Winter in WA is the perfect time to warm up and enjoy some local dining in the many cafés that are plentiful in Perth and surrounds. You can spend your time enjoying some of the best of Australian café and coffee culture.

Nearest Cruisin’ Branch: Perth – 5 Kingscote Street, Kewdale WA 6105