18 Ways to Extend Summer In 2024

Autumn may be at the doorstep, but these activities will keep you in a summer state of mind.

Extending summer is all about capturing the feeling of the season. For some, that’s slowing down, kicking back and appreciating the simple luxuries of life. For others, summer is about getting out there and exploring the great outdoors. So whether you’re into sipping wine, slurping oysters or trekking on a multi-day adventure, here’s our list of ways to extend the feeling of an Aussie summer.

1. Take a dip in a hot spring on Victoria’s Bathing trail

Thanks to the deposits of heated mineral water beneath Gippsland, Victoria is about to become a mecca for wellness. The Great Victoria Bathing Trail is a new 900-kilometre route that connects geothermal pools, mineral springs and sea baths across Victoria’s south-east. Along the trail, you’ll find luxury establishments that boast elegant design features and upscale spa treatments, such as Alba Thermal Springs and Peninsula Hot Springs . However, you can also soak away your stresses in free-to-access places such as Eastern Beach Sea Baths. There are plenty of springs to discover along the trail, so hit the road and keep the temperature running hot post-summer with a rejuvenating thermal soak.

Bathing in Alba Spa — Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is on The Great Victoria Bathing Trail.

2. Relax at a Luxury Lodge in the Tropics

As summer dwindles, sun-chasers make a beeline for Tropical North Queensland (TNQ). From its emerald rainforests to its turquoise waters, the region stays vibrant and balmy year-round. If you’re looking to experience TNQ in comfort and style, there’s no better way to do so than at a luxury lodge. Luxury Lodges of Australia specialises in providing all-inclusive and immersive stays, complete with luxury accommodation, gourmet dining, activities and selected alcoholic beverages. Luxury Lodge destinations in TNQ include Lizard Island Resort, which sits a stone’s throw from deserted, powdery-white sand beaches; Mt Mulligan Lodge, which offers a taste of the outback with daily activities such as all-terrain vehicle touring; And Silky Oaks Lodge, sequestered in the shady foliage of the Daintree rainforest.

Unwind at the luxe Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest.

3. Sample fresh seafood on an oyster tour

Nothing encapsulates the taste of summer like fresh seafood. On an oyster tour, such as those run by Sydney Oyster Farm Tours , you’ll don waders before wallowing to a semi-submerged table. Here, you’ll shuck, slurp and sample briny bivalves plucked from the very waters you’re standing in. Other oyster tours include Coffin Bay Oyster Farm & Tasting Tours in SA’s Eyre Peninsula and Merimbula’s not-to-miss oyster trail in NSW’s Sapphire Coast.

freshly picked oysters at Coffin Bay Oyster Farm in South Australia — Slurp oysters fresh from Coffin Bay Oyster Farm. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

4. Visit a favourite summer vacation spot out-of-season

Rekindle the nostalgia of a summer vacay by returning to a holiday favourite in the shoulder or off-season. Experience shorter queues, cheaper accommodation and a change of perspective by witnessing a tried-and-true vacation spot with a change of season. You might be surprised by what you find. Crisp days and colourful shades in autumn? Fields of wildflowers in the spring? Australian Traveller staff recently rounded up the holiday locations which ignite childhood memories. But if you don’t have a nostalgic destination that springs to mind, don’t fear – it’s never too late to start creating one.

quokkas on Rottnest Island — Rottnest Island is a holiday favourite that keeps many people returning. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Swim with whales on K’gari (Fraser Island)

Thanks to its tropical climate, the World Heritage-listed island of K’gari remains warm and temperate year-round. Not only do its wide white sand beaches and essential oil-infused lakes beckon visitors in all seasons, but the period between winter and spring is the perfect time to see humpback whales. You can take a whale-watching boat tour, but if you’re down for the adventure of a lifetime, you can swim with whales, too.

a whale spotted swimming in the waters of Fraser Island — The Fraser Coast is regarded as the best place in the world to watch for whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Chase waterfalls and swimming holes in the Top End

The end of summer coincides with the end of the wet season in the Top End. This means clear skies and hot days perfect for swimming. Litchfield National Park is where Darwin locals head for a dip, exploring the myriad water holes, rock pools and waterfalls. Cool off in Buley Rockhole or refresh at Wangi Falls, where you can swim right up to the waterfall.

Swim right up to the Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)

During the dry season, UNESCO-listed Kakadu National Park opens for swimming, too. Here, you’ll witness some of the country’s most spectacular swimming spots, such as Maguk Gorge, which glistens emerald in the sunlight. It’s important to note that Kakadu is not swimmable year-round, due to croc surveys that need to be carried out before opening to the public. Always heed local advice and signage, and only swim in designated swimming areas.

a girl swimming in Maguk in Kakadu — Maguk is a spectacular swimming hole fed by a waterfall. (Image: Tourism NT/@helloemilie)

7. Soak up the sunshine among the vines

Imbibe the sunshine via the sun-ripened grapes at a winery. Nothing screams ‘summer’ like a glass of sparkling, and lucky for us, Australia is home to some of the finest in the world. Pirie, hailing from Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, took out Trophy honours in the Sparkling category in the 2023 Global Fine Wine Challenge. We’ve got wine lovers covered with our guides to some of the country’s best wine regions, from the Tamar Valley to the Barossa (SA), Hunter Valley (NSW) and Yarra Valley (Vic).

Jansz Tasmania Tasting — Jansz is one of Tasmania’s best-known producers of sparkling wine (Image: Adam Gibson/ Tourism Tasmania)

8. Cruise the coast with Virgin Voyages

Whether you’re an early bird looking to spend your days immersed in the onboard fitness classes, or a night owl looking to dance the night away on one of Virgin Voyages’ infamous parties, a Virgin cruise has something to offer everyone. In 2024, Virgin Voyages is offering several domestic sailings, taking in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and more. Look out at the ocean, cocktail in hand as the ship traces the coast between the country’s most picturesque port cities.

Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages — Virgin Voyages’ *Resilient Lady* has a red-hot itinerary down under for 2024.

9. Chase the heat exploring the country’s outback icons

Whether you’re planning your first visit to the outback or your fiftieth, there’s always something new to see and new perspectives to be gained. For instance, no visit to Uluru is complete without witnessing Wintjiri Wiru – a light show telling the ancient Mala story through 1000 choreographed drones and the voices of Anangu narrators. Wintjiri Wiru launched last year, providing invaluable cultural insight into the Indigenous Dreaming stories tied to the land.

Kurpany over Uluru in Wintjiri Wiru. — Wintjiri Wiru depicts the devil dog Kurpany, whose footprints remain embedded in Uluru. (Image: Getty Images for Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

10. Get off the beaten track in the outback

Don’t be fooled into thinking that travelling the outback entails a visit to a few key sites. This vast stretch of country is dotted with oft-overlooked gems, like the ancient landscape of WA’s Karijini that’s been carved out over billions of years, and the otherworldly landforms in NSW’s Mungo National Park, home to the world’s oldest ritual burial. The under-the-radar outback destinations are emerging icons full of beauty, history, culture and surprise.

a person admiring the sunset while standing on huge red rocks at Karijini National Park — Witness the sunset from the stunning red landscape of Karijini National Park. (Image: Cjmaddock)

11. Kick up the dust at an Outback Festival

As the temperature cools in the outback, the festival scene begins to heat up. This year sees the return of the Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster, which celebrates the Kimberley region through local art, music and cultural experiences. Art lovers will be delighted by the quirky Alice Springs Beanie Festival and those looking to learn more about Indigenous culture will find lots to absorb at Garma Festival. Whatever your taste, Australia’s outback festivals are certainly worth travelling for.

Opening of the Garma festival — Garma festival, held on Arnhem Land, is an invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange. (Image: Leicolhn McKellar)

12. Traverse the country on The Ghan

Experience the romance of the railways and witness Australia via one of the world’s greatest passenger train journeys. At the end of summer, the schedule for The Ghan begins, which transports visitors through the sun-kissed heart of the country on its route between Darwin and Adelaide. The luxury train journey is complete with onboard accommodation, a bar, off-train experiences and all-inclusive fine dining, meaning passengers will embark on a culinary journey as well as a physical one.

the bold-red landscape aboard the legendary Ghan — Embark on an exhilarating adventure aboard the legendary Ghan.

13. Hike one of the great walks of Australia

A multi-day hike with Great Walks of Australia is on the bucket lists of many Aussies. Maybe you’ve dreamed of tracing the ocean on the Cape to Cape Track? Taking in the red hues of the outback along the Larapinta Trail? Or watching wildlife from the wetlands on the Murray River Walk? Autumn and spring offer temperate weather and optimum hiking conditions, meaning if you’ve had one of these dreamy hikes on your radar, post-summer is time to lace up your hiking boots and get out there. 2024 also sees the addition of a new trail to Great Walks of Australia’s offerings – the mesmerising Flinders Island Walking Adventure, taking in the scenery of the remote isle off the coast of Tasmania.

the Larapinta Trail, a great walk in Australia — The Larapinta Trail is one of the Great Walks of Australia. (Image: Peter Walton)

14. Opt for a walking tour of your local city

Walking tours are a great way to get outside and gain a new perspective of a city, especially when it’s the one you reside in. For example, many Sydneysiders would write off the Harbour Bridge climb as a ‘tourist’ activity. But few know about the Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience, which sheds invaluable First Nations perspective and history on the harbour and CBD district. In short, wherever you are, chances are there’s probably lots to learn about the place you call home.

Burrawa Bridge Climb presents important First Nations perspectives on Sydney Harbour and Sydney CBD. (Image: Destination NSW).

15. Explore the High Country on horseback

Horse riding in Australia is synonymous with backcountry summers and old-world Australiana. Horseback is a unique way to see the landscape, whether you’re ambling down a beach or trotting through mountains. Horseback riding is accessible in most parts of Australia, but Victoria is a particular highlight for its trails and spectacular scenery. Snowy River Horse Tours offer High Country Horse riding, as well as Cattle Mustering and driving trips throughout the year.

Bogong Horseback Adventures — Victoria is renowned for its spectacular High Country. (Image: Tourism Australia)

16. Slow down on the Murray

The Murray region epitomises country hospitality. With a slew of farm stays, bucolic scenery and orchards dripping with fruit, visitors come here for a taste of life in the slow lane. There’s plenty on offer for the foodies, with riverside cafes and restaurants serving up local produce and wines. Spend the end of summer swimming, golfing or taking in the vistas as you cruise along The Murray in a vintage paddle steamer.

the PS Emmylou, Echuca, Victoria on Murray River — Float on Murray River onboard PS *Emmylou*.

17. Chill out on a houseboat

Staying onboard a houseboat is the ultimate way to feel as if you’re living in an endless summer. While away your days by the water, taking in the curves of the river and the scenery flanking the banks. Kick back on retro houseboat Oh Buoy in Berowra Waters and spend a day pootling through the waterways in style. Or, stay moored in the luxe lodgings of Lilypad, anchored close to Palm Beach, NSW.

a woman resting on a hammock onboard Oh Buoy, Berowra Waters, NSW — Lounge on a hammock by the Berowra Waters onboard Oh Buoy. (Image: Heart&Sea)

18. Enjoy a drink with a view

Nothing accompanies a tipple better than a postcard-perfect view. Thankfully, Australia has no shortage of picturesque places to enjoy a pint, from rooftop bars to coastal pubs. Find a place to sit and raise a toast to an endless summer, whether that means soaking up as much sunshine as possible in autumn, adventuring somewhere new, or simply living life in the slow lane and taking pleasure in the simple things.

Couple having a schooner each at the Wye Beach Hotel on the Great Ocean Road — Stop by the Wye Beach Hotel on the Great Ocean Road.

From cabins to canvas, craft distillers to destination dining, Heathcote locals reveal their eco-savvy passions in ways that resonate with those seeking to travel lightly.

Heathcote , on traditional Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, is synonymous with its garnet-hued shiraz, but wine isn’t the only string to its bow. The town itself is sprinkled with heritage buildings from the gold rush era, and beyond that a growing collection of sustainable gastronomy and eco-friendly escapes. Nearby Bendigo, one of only 65 cities in the world recognised as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, plates up an astonishing calibre of produce, wine and food for its size. Increasingly the entire region is taking up the challenge, though Heathcote in particular shines with its focus on sustainability.

Pink Cliffs GeologicalReserve — The dramatic landscape of Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Goodfrey)

The eco-stays bringing sustainability to Heathcote

Yellow BoxWood’s safari-style tents — Yellow Box Wood’s safari-style tents are nestled on 40 hectares of bushland. (Image: Emily Goodfrey)

Andee and Lisa Davidson spent years working in southern Africa before settling in Heathcote. “We had a vision of how this could be,” explains Andee. “We wanted a retreat, but one that was off-grid and environmentally sustainable.” Now, at Yellow Box Wood , two luxury safari-style tents are at the heart of 40 hectares of rolling hills and native bush, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, goanna and birdlife aplenty. It’s all solar-powered, wood for the fire is mainly fallen timber, and water is collected on the carport roof. No lack of creature comforts though – en suite with rain shower, espresso coffee maker, comfy seating, wood-burning fire all set to go. There’s also a solar-heated, mineral salt pool in a bush setting, walking tracks, and even a mini bush golf course. On my visit, I put the vision to the test. Cocooned in the plush four-poster bed I can glimpse the stars, while the heater casts a golden glow on the canvas. In the morning, I wake to a blush-pink sunrise, kangaroos feeding and a soundtrack of magpies.

If a tent is not your style, Stephen and Cally Trompp’s carbon-neutral Mt Ida Eco Cabin might entice with its generous deck and farmland views. Inside the cabin, corrugated iron walls as rusty as a shearing shed, gleaming (recycled) floorboards, timber truss ceiling (crafted by Stephen), wood-fired heater and an old-school turntable with a pile of vinyls to spin. It’s fun, and a little boho. “Everything is recycled. The cabin takes maximum advantage of the sun in winter. It’s all solar-powered. Don’t panic, though,” says Stephen, “you can still charge your phone and get 4G reception!” Settle into an Adirondack chair on the deck or pedal off on a mountain bike to suss out the wineries.

A taste of Spain in Central Victoria

Another person with a vision is Evan Pritchard at his Three Dams Estate where the wines reflect his deep love of Spain and of Spanish-style grapes, such as tempranillo. Afternoons in the ‘wine shed’ or cantina are matched with music (flamenco is a favourite), Spanish bites from tapas to paella (with Evan on the pans!) and views to Mount Alexander. Sustainability is also a passion. “You don’t need to buy anything. We decided to be off-grid from the start, but it is a lifestyle change,” he says. “You need to think about it and be careful.” Everything here is recycled, reassembled, refurbished. Evan has an electric car (with solar-powered charger), solar-power for the winery, and even a jaunty little electric tractor/forklift. “I love the idea of all the things you can do using the sun.” Sipping a crisp rosado (a Spanish rosé) with Evan in the sunshine, I couldn’t agree more.

The vineyard redefining sustainable winemaking

Silver Spoon winery — The Silverspoon Estate winery is completely off-grid. (Image: Graham Hosking)

On the other side of Heathcote, Silver Spoon Estate demonstrates sustainability on a more extensive scale. Tracie and Peter Young’s winery, cellar door, award-winning restaurant and their own house are all solar-powered and off the grid. Sustainability is intrinsic to everything they do. The property sprawls across 100 hectares, with 20 hectares under vine – shiraz, viognier, grenache, tempranillo. As the climate has changed, so too has the approach. These are dry-grown vineyards. “We prune for drought. That means lower yields but more intense flavours,” says Peter. The fine-dining restaurant offers sweeping views, a wood-burning fire and a deck for languid lunches. Head chef Ben Hong sources regional, sustainable ingredients and weaves estate wines into the menu – think crispy wild mushroom arancini, viognier-infused chicken breast.

Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant.

Heathcote’s other hidden gems

Not all local wineries have a cellar door, but I find local treasures at the Heathcote Wine Hub , a petite 1855 timber church in the main street, lovingly returned to life by Karen Robertson and Carey Moncrieff. “Carey is a scrounger,” says Karen. “He doesn’t throw a single thing away.” He does, however, craft things into something quite special. Heritage floors, light-filtering lancet windows and shelves of regional wines create the perfect ambience for wine tasting. Or order a glass and linger over a cheese platter.

Heathcote is not all wine, of course. Nathan Wheat and partner Vanessa Curtis run Envy Distilling with a committed sustainable ethic – and a serious love of gin. Their small-batch distillery produces grape-based gin, and soon brandy. Distilled water is reused in an ingenious cooling system. All waste is treated on site. They buy excess wine from winemakers to distil and buy recycled barrels. “Distilling with the sun,” as Nathan says. Each Envy gin has its own story. Spicy, award-winning The Dry, is designed to capture the region’s dry, rugged nature. Pull up a stool at the bar (reclaimed timbers and tiles, of course), order a Gin Flight, or kick back with a cocktail and let Nathan share his eco journey.

Envy gins — Sample gins at small-batch distillery Envy.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne. The scenic route we take goes past Sunbury, then along a splendid country road through Romsey and the magic, boulder-strewn landscape of Lancefield. Watch for kangaroos on the road!

Staying there

Go off-grid in style at Yellow Box Wood for glamping or try Mt Ida Eco Cabin for a couple’s weekend hideaway.

Eating there

French dishes at Chauncy — Award-winning French restaurant Chauncy.

At award-winning Chauncy , French chef Louis Naepels and sommelier wife Tess Murray have created a tiny, elegant pocket of rural France. Meticulously restored 1850s sandstone building, sun-drenched dining room, impeccable service, a menu suffused with local flavours and thoughtful wine pairings.

Fodder is both cafe and social hub. Chef Mo Pun and sister Lalita serve classic Aussie breakfast-to-lunch fare, though their Nepalese heritage sneaks through.

Playing there

Sanguine Estate ’s cellar door and terrace overlook bucolic vineyards. Its award-winning, dry-grown wines include the distinctive D’Orsa Blanc dessert wine, reflecting the family’s Swiss-Italian heritage. Order a charcuterie board and stay a while. Keep it carbon neutral by cycling some (or all) of the 50-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail to Bendigo.

At Bridgeward Grove , learn about the property’s Old Mission Grove heritage olive trees, do a sommelier olive oil tasting, and stock up on sustainably grown olives and oil. Explore the unique landscape, wildflowers and wildlife of pink cliffs geological reserve.