Best places to visit in Australia in December
Welcome the Australian summer at these top five destinations.
There’s nothing quite like summer in Australia. For water-lovers, December is the ideal time to make the most of Australia’s beautiful oceans. Head to Noosa for a seaside escape, the Queensland town of Seventeen Seventy for activities like kayaking and surfing, or Perth for Rottnest Island’s incredible beaches. But it's not all about the beach when appreciating summer Down Under; enjoy the warm weather as you make the most of Canberra's cultural attractions, or head to Hobart for the annual Taste of Tasmania Festival.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
National Museum of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © National Museum of Australia
Where: Fly directly to Canberra airport or drive 3 hours from Sydney
Weather in December: 12 - 26°C (53.6 - 78.8°F)
Highlights: Within the city of Canberra there is so much to explore — you'll find museums and galleries, secret bars and bustling breweries. Take a cultural tour of the nation's capital city and explore the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and the Australian War Museum. Pop by Parliament House for good measure before settling in for drinks and dinner at a local bar or brewery.
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Hobart, Tasmania
Taste of Tasmania Festival, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania
Where: Fly direct to Hobart airport from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane
Weather in December: 11 - 21°C (51.8 - 69.8°F)
Highlights: The city of Hobart comes alive each December during the Taste of Tasmania Festival; Australia’s biggest and longest-running food and wine festival. Summer days are perfect for perusing the plethora of stalls selling Tasmanian produce including fresh seafood, cheese, craft beer, wine and cider. As you enjoy the festival, keep an eye out for the yachts participating in the annual Boxing Day Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Noosa, Queensland
Where: 1.5-hour drive from Brisbane and a 30-minute drive from Sunshine Coast airport
Weather in December: 21 - 28°C (69.8 - 82.4°F)
Highlights: Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is perfect for a summer beach escape. Calm beaches neighbour rolling hinterland, while fashion boutiques and charming cafés fill the famous Hastings Street. Relax on the beach, learn to surf or sail, paddle along the Noosa Everglades in a kayak, or hire a stand-up paddle board and explore Lake Cootharaba. While you're in the area, make sure to visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo to meet some of Australia's cutest animals.
Perth, Western Australia
Quokka, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © James Vodicka
Where: 35-minute drive from Perth airport
Weather in December: 17 - 29°C (62.6 - 84.2°F)
Highlights: Perth is one of the greatest places to soak up the summer sun in Australia. Spend your mornings at the beautiful Cottesloe Beach and your evenings admiring the sunset from Kings Park, one of the biggest city parks in the world. Be sure to make the most of Perth's stunning surrounds, too; explore the port-side town of Fremantle, stopping at Little Creatures Brewery for a bite to eat, or take a day trip to Rottnest Island for pristine beaches and a once-in-a-lifetime quokka selfie.
Seventeen Seventy, Queensland
Bustard Head Lookout, Town of 1770, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Where: 5.5-hour drive from Brisbane
Weather in December: 22 - 29°C (71.6 - 84.2°F)
Highlights: Seventeen Seventy (also known as Town of 1770) is a quaint seaside village surrounded by the cerulean Coral Sea. Its affordable water activities including surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking, make it a popular spot for both backpackers and families. If water sports aren’t your thing, simply unwind on the beach, explore the surrounding national parks, or take a relaxing cruise to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
