Top 7 Reasons Why Australia Should Be Your Next Winter Vacation Destination

While we shiver in cold winter weather in the US, Australia celebrates its summer season. Book a flight to Australia, pack your suitcase, and enjoy warm winter vacation destinations - from dazzling desert dunes to charming coastal beaches.

Unlike Europe and many parts of the US, the weather in Australia in December is warm. Actually, it’s sweltering in Oz at this time of the year. Australia travel is the best escape from the cold right now. A vacation in one or all of these spectacular tourist destinations in Australia is what we all need to get through the gloomy winter.

Cossies Beach
Newly ranked as the number one beach in Australia, Cossies Beach located in Cocos Keeling Island looks like a fantasy realized. You’ve heard of Bondi Beach, but Cossies Beach was unheard of for so long, so now it sounds exotic and unique. And it sure is. For a country dotted with exquisite beaches, winning the top spot is no small feat. So what sets this destination apart from 11,000 other Australian beaches? This remote beach 2750 kilometres away from Perth was ‘nearly perfect,’ emulating “the combined beauty of the Bahamas, Fiji, Seychelles, and the Great Barrier Reef,” according to Brad Farmer, author of 101 Best Australian Beaches.

The Pinnacles Desert
Australia conjures up images of the great outback. Pillars of limestone formations soaring as high as 3 to 5 meters in a 190-hectare desert are its best representation. There are clearly marked foot paths and driving paths around the area, so you can choose how you’d like to explore this geological marvel. For the best view and to avoid the drastic heat, head to the Pinnacles around dawn or during sunset. Your efforts will pay off as you gaze at the playful colors and shadows of limestone pillars. It’s simply awe-inspiring.

Great Barrier Reef
Has anyone told you that Australia’s fauna and flora are alien-like? Many of the species in Australia (about 80% of them) can only be found in the country-continent. This uniqueness and diversity results in the magnificent underwater spectacle that is the Great Barrier Reef. It was hailed as the world’s largest coral reef system, and just recently, NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren confirmed that it could be seen from space. Head over to Queensland to reach this dream diving destination. The diverse, out-of-this-world reefs and marine creatures will leave you breathless.

Ayers Rock or Uluru
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uluru is more than just a rocky landscape in the midst of desert wilderness. This sandstone rock formation has springs, rock caves, and water holes to discover during your tour. For some history, keep your eyes peeled, so you won’t miss the ancient paintings by the Aboriginal people. There is a daily ranger guide available in the area to keep you safe and informed about the best sights and back story of every spot you visit.

Gold Coast
Head to Gold Coast, Queensland this December. Known as a favorite holiday destination of A-list Aussies and tourists, this winter holiday destination boasts luxurious R&R spots, such as Hilton Surfers Paradise and Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. If you’re lucky, you might meet Hugh Jackman, co-owner of Gwinganna, while you’re unwinding in the resort. With a non-stop flight from Dallas to Brisbane on Qantas, this surfer’s paradise is now within easy reach.

Fraser Island
If you prefer pristine beaches over commercialized swimming spots, you will admire the gorgeous and pretty much untouched Fraser Island shores. Join a full day tour, so you can venture to off-the-beaten parts of this stunning island. When you’re tired or bored of swimming, surfing, or sunbathing, you can try other thrilling activities, such as paddle boarding and bushwalking. It is definitely a fascinating island getaway you won’t soon forget.

The 12 Apostles
Anyone who has seen advertising enticing travelers to visit Australia has seen a picture of this dramatic cliff and stack of limestone rocks towering near the shore. Four rocks have been eroded, but eight soaring rocks still remain, leaving visitors in awe of their pure majesty. Activities here can range from walking by the beach to taking a helicopter ride to admire this breathtaking sight. Whichever activity you choose to participate in, don’t forget to bring your camera.

There are so many compelling reasons to visit the land down under for a wonderful winter break. With cheap business and first class flights to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, a warm vacation in Australia is now easier to plan.

Do you want to add a destination to this list? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more travel inspiration.