Winter In Australia

If you’re looking for the perfect place for that mid-year getaway, then Australia is the perfect choice. The winter months (from June to August) are a great time to escape the heat, hustle and bustle of home, and head to Australia for some refreshing alpine air, snowy weather, and fun-filled activities.

Family-friendly fun in the snow

For travellers who wish to “build a snowman” like Anna and Elsa in Frozen, visit Australia’s highest alpine village at Mount Hotham, Victoria. Here, you can enjoy the Hotham Snow Play Park, which is nestled in the beautiful alcove of Possum Flat, next to Wire Plain. The area, which can be accessed free of charge, is suitable for both adults and children. It is huge enough to build snowmen, snow castles, and also make snow angels. Next to the snow play area, is a moderate level toboggan slope that children of all ages can enjoy. If you’re up for more adventure, join a pack of huskies on a Howling Husky Sled Dog Tour. Back to the village, there is also a relaxing Japanese Onsen Spa; a laid back pub that dishes up hearty meals; and a chilled out Chill Bar.

For more fun in the snow, check out the beautiful alpine village of Thredbo in New South Wales, where you will find the Thredbo Snow Play Park at the base station area. If you’re headed for some fun in the snow, remember to bundle up in waterproof winter jackets to keep warm.

At Falls Creek, Victoria, families and friends can get competitive over a game of snow bocce (a ball game similar to lawn bowling), go on snowmobile tours, or even toboggan down two slopes for free. If you’re looking for more thrills, then spin, bounce, and whizz downhill in a snow tube (like a huge tyre) at the resort town’s Snow Tubing Park. You can also take a helicopter flight from Mount Hotham to Falls Creek, to say hi to the latter’s fun-loving mascot, Pete the Snow Dragon. He’s been known to pop up at snow clubs and parks around the area during the winter season.

Ski slopes for every level

First-time skiers and snow­boarders can now hit the slopes without fear of tumbling in the snow. Mount Buller in Victoria offers three terrain parks for different skill levels. Winter sport enthusiasts can challenge steeper slopes or check out cross-country skiing for a great workout, specta­cular view, and thrilling time. For something unique, try skiing under the stars. Every Wednesday and Saturday, from mid-July to September, you can ski down a well-lit trail from 7pm to 10pm, as the sun goes down. Mount Buller, which is just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, offers both hotels and lodge-style residences. You can select your preferred accommoda­tion based on the number of people you’re travelling with.

Located in Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, offers skiing enthusiasts the country’s longest ski runs. Select from four terrain parks, ranging from gentle beginner slopes to daring ski drops and obstacles for seasoned skiers and adrenaline junkies. You can also ski by night on Saturdays at this alpine resort, which is just a three-hour drive from Canberra, or a six-hour drive from Sydney,

For a more wintery experience, head to Perisher Valley (commonly known as Perisher). With temperatures dipping as low as –5°C during peak ski-season (July–September), Australia’s largest alpine resort is perfect for those who want to zip down a ski run surrounded by thick sheets of snow. Set in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Perisher is about three-hours by car from Canberra, or six-hours by car from Sydney. The resort also provides box and rail features for newbies learning the skiing and snowboarding basics. For accommodation, Perisher offers townhouses with scenic mountain views, and chalets located near a shopping centre.

Delicious gourmet experiences

This August is the best time to head to Tasmania because of the Chocolate Winterfest. The festival, which takes place in Latrobe, offers chocolate lovers the opportunity to savour unique chocolate creations as well as to learn how to make chocolate delights.

Just a 20-minute drive from Adelaide is the cool climate wine-growing region of Adelaide Hills. At the Winter Reds Cellar Door Weekend, you can cosy up by the fireplace to enjoy select wines paired with delicious local delicacies. There are over 30 venues offering sumptuous events both during the day and at night from 27-29 July 2018.

Ballarat in Victoria, is fast becoming known as the craft beer capital of Australia. The city is home to several breweries and bars, including Athletic Club, Red Duck Brewery, and Cubby Haus. It is also home to a fast-growing cafe scene, fine food, and select wines sourced from the surrounding Pyrenees region. Be sure to go on a brewery or winery tour when you visit.

Best way to get there

Singapore Airlines flies to six destinations in Australia via Singapore: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, while its regional airline, SilkAir, flies to Cairns and Darwin. Both Singapore Airlines and SilkAir fly more than 100 times weekly from Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kota Kinabalu) to Singapore.

The airlines’ newly-refurbished Economy Class offers intelligent-designed seats with more personal space and legroom for maximum inflight comfort. Each seat has a six-way adjustable headrest with side wings for better head and neck support. The seats also come with smart stowage solutions, adjustable personal reading lights, a larger personal touch-screen monitor for your entertainment needs, in-seat power supply, and USB charging port.

With Singapore Airlines’ international culinary panel featuring eight world-renowned chefs, inflight meals can be a delightful experience with an expanded range of food and beverage options available on board.

Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld offers more than 1,900 on-demand entertainment options on board to suit the preferences of passengers. In addition, customers who need to stay connected can also surf the Internet as well as send and receive emails on smart phones and other electronic devices while in the air.

With airfares starting from as low as RM1,588, it’s a smart choice to visit Australia this winter. Check out singaporeair.com/myaus for great fare deals.