The Best Things to Do in Australia This Winter

Winter in Australia gets a bad rap. The moment temperatures drop, it feels like everyone collectively decides to hibernate with their curtains drawn, and delivery ordered. But Australia in winter is wonderful, and if you've been sleeping on it, this is your season to wake up. 

Here's your guide to making the most of this winter. 

Whale Watching Season is Here 

If you’re doing nothing else this winter, do this. Humpback whales migrate northward along Australia's coastline between June and November. Watching them is one of those experiences that stops you in your tracks. There's something about being out on the open water in the cold, watching these enormous creatures breach the surface, that makes you feel very small and very lucky at the same time. 

Western Australia's Dunsborough is one of the best spots in the country for it. The water is calm, the scenery is stunning, and afternoon cruises mean you get that gorgeous golden winter light over the bay. Victoria also has some incredible whale watching opportunities, particularly along the Great Ocean Road and out of Port Fairy. Wherever you are, winter is your window, so don't miss it.

Hit the Snow 

The NSW ski season kicks off on the Queen's Birthday long weekend in June, with Thredbo and Perisher drawing crowds from across the country. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy it. There are beginner lessons, snowshoe walks, scenic gondola rides, and cosy mountain lodges with fireplaces and hot drinks waiting for you at the end of the day. 

In Victoria, Lake Mountain is one of the most accessible alpine areas in the country as it’s just a couple of hours from Melbourne and perfect for families or anyone after a casual snow day without the full ski resort experience. Toboggan runs, cross-country trails, and stunning mountain views make it a genuinely lovely winter outing. 

Explore Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island or Wadjemup, as it's known to the Noongar people, is one of those places that feels entirely different in winter.

It's an adventure that most people save for summer, but winter might actually be the better time to go. The crowds thin out, the island slows down, and you get to experience it in a way that feels a lot more personal. The coastal scenery is stunning this time of year, the wildlife is out and about, and if you're lucky you might even spot a quokka joey peeking out for the first time! 

The weather holds up better than you'd think too. It stays mild enough to cycle the trails, explore the bays, and get out on the water without the summer heat making everything feel like a mission. It's just a really good time to go.

Explore Melbourne's Winter Night Markets 

Melbourne doesn't slow down for winter, it doubles down. Queen Victoria Market's beloved Night Market runs every Wednesday evening from June through August, and it's the perfect antidote to a cold weeknight. Think steaming bowls of ramen, mulled wine, fire pits, local makers selling handmade goods, and live music drifting through the air. It's lively without being overwhelming, and the food alone is worth the trip. 

Beyond the night market, Melbourne in winter is just a great city to wander. The laneways feel atmospheric, the coffee shops are doing their best work, and the restaurant scene is fully in its element with hearty seasonal menus.

Try Something That Gets Your Heart Pumping 

Winter is actually a brilliant time for experiences that get the blood moving, partly because the cooler temperatures make physical activity so much more enjoyable, and partly because there's something about the season that makes you want to feel alive. 

A track day is a great option if you've ever been curious about pushing a car to its limits in a safe, controlled environment. Ice skating is another one that sounds simple but is genuinely a great time — especially if you haven't done it in years. And if you're near the coast, a surf lesson or a cold-water swim is increasingly popular for good reason. The ocean in winter hits differently. 

Slow Down and Take Care of Yourself

Not every winter activity has to be an adventure. Sometimes the best thing you can do this season is genuinely slow down. 

Book that massage you've been putting off. Refresh your skincare routine for the colder months. Try a sound bath, a yoga class, or a float session. Cook something that takes all afternoon. Read the book that's been sitting on your bedside table since January. Winter has its own kind of rhythm and leaning into it rather than fighting it tends to make the whole season feel a lot better. 

And if you're a MyMoto Rewards member, make sure you check the app before you make any plans. There are Rottnest Island tours, whale watching cruises, and plenty of other winter activities available at great discounts. There's a lot to explore this season, and being a member means you can do more of it for less.

Winter has a way of slipping by while you're waiting for it to be over. But the seasons we actually show up for tend to be the ones we remember most. So this year, don't just survive winter. Get out, explore, treat yourself, and make it one worth looking back on.