How To Spend An Aussie Summer If You Don't Like The Beach

Wave goodbye to hot sand and overcrowded beach parking – instead, check out these alternatives for having fun this summer.

Has your dislike of the beach got you feeling like the odd one out in summer? Sunburn and water rips aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out when the temperature rises.

It turns out there is plenty more to do in Australia this summer than lie on a towel.

See Top End waterfalls during Wet Season

Skip the Northern Territory’s winter high season and book yourself in for some spectacular sites all at once when you visit the Top End in summer. Rivers swollen by the monsoon season in beauty spots like Kakadu or Litchfield National Park mean some parts of the parks are inaccessible, but it does mean you get to see the waterfalls raging in all their glory. Book in to see them on a scenic flight, stat.

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

Sit under the stars at an outdoor cinema

From perching on a chair on a rooftop to relaxing under a tree in a park, there are plenty of options come summertime to watch the big screen en plein air. Moonlight Cinema operates in most of the country’s state capitals, with the opportunity for BYO picnics on the grass, while in the CBD of Melbourne you can check out options like Rooftop Cinema at the Curtin House .

people sitting at an outdoor cinema — Spend your summer nights watching films under the stars.

Tick off as many of NSW ocean pools as you can

From pools dug out of rock by convict hands, to oh-so-Instagrammable Bondi pools, there are around a hundred ocean pools to discover in NSW alone.

swimming in Bondi Icebergs Pool, NSW — Bask in the infinity-edged glory at Bondi Icebergs Pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

They are simply brilliant for those who have a dislike of the open ocean – or simply the gritty feeling of sand everywhere – and a cherished part of any Australian coastal summer.

an aerial view of Cronulla Rock Pool in Cronulla — Cronulla Rock Pool is fronting the grandeur of the dreamy, turquoise waters. (Image: Destination NSW)

The famous BBBB – Bondi Icebergs Pool, Bermagui Blue Pool and Bronte Pool – are gorgeous places to start your ocean pool journey of discovery.

Bronte Pool at sunrise — Take a refreshing morning dip at Bronte Pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

Picnic at the night markets

As the temperature rises, the time for perusing favourite Australian delicacies moves to the cooler evening hours. In Melbourne, there is the Summer Night Market at the Queen Vic Markets , while in Adelaide, the famous Central Market is open till 9pm. Out west, Perth’s Twilight Food Market also has a massive array of global cuisines. No need to tell us twice…

a man shopping at Adelaide Central Market — Go shopping for fresh produce at Adelaide Central Market. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Party at MONA FOMA

While Dark Mofo might usually hog the spotlight (not in 2024, as it has been cancelled), its summertime variation, MONA FOMA is a must-do for cultural lovers Down Under.

Australia’s largest contemporary music festival, held by the Museum of New and Old Art , is hosted across Hobart and Launceston, with delights that include Faux Mo warehouse parties, odd and thought-provoking performance art, and local and international music acts.

two people facing each other with colourful lights as a backdrop at MONA FOMA — The bright lights at MONA FOMA make the perfect backdrop. (Image: Jarrad Seng)

Feast on oysters and white wine

Australians arguably love seafood all year round. But slurping an oyster with a cold sauvignon blanc hits differently on a summer road trip.

Get Shucked oysters with a bottle of sauvignon blanc on Bruny Island — Freshly-plated oysters at Get Shucked with a chilled wine are the perfect pair. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Take a tour at Coffin Bay Oyster Farm in South Australia , drop by one of the many suppliers at Batemans Bay in NSW for a seasonal Sydney Rock Oyster, nab some Albany Rock Oysters for a picnic overlooking the magnificent Western Australian southern coastline, or do a drive through oyster pick up at Get Shucked on Bruny Island.

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

Hike to a waterhole

Love to swim, but hate the scorching sand and general lack of shade? Check out what water hole hikes you can do near you, instead. In the Blue Mountains, just an hour out of Sydney, the hike to the Glenbrook Gorge and kid-friendly Jelly Bean pool is perfect for a hot day.

Down in Launceston, you can take a dip in the Cataract Gorge Reserve after a walk, while an hour out of Melbourne, you can swim and hike at Werribee Gorge. You might even spot a resident platypus while wild swimming!

the crowded pool at Cataract Gorge — Soak up the natural scenery as you dip in the pool at Cataract Gorge. (Image: Jarrad Seng)

Walk Tasmania’s Overland Track

Take advantage of mild, long days and a blessed lack of icy snow to do one of Tasmania’s most famous walks – the Overland Track. An alpine trek of 65km through Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area, walkers get to take in Tassie hard hitters like Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, as well as spot cuties like pademelons, wombats or a Tasmanian Devil (if you’re lucky).

Tasmania’s Overland Track at Mt Olympus — Traverse the scenic Overland Track. (Image: Blake Lisk – Pillar Creative)

This is one of the most popular times to do the trek, so make sure to book in advance . Want to find out more? We’ve lined up everything you need to know before you go on the Overland Trek, here.

panoramic views of Cradle Mountain's Peak at Overland Track, Barn Bluff — Take in panoramic views of Cradle Mountain. (Image: Matty Eaton)

Laugh at Adelaide Fringe Festival (then dance at WOMADelaide)

Down in South Australia, they don’t call it Mad March for nothing. Each year from mid-February to mid-March, the world’s second-largest Fringe festival (after Edinburgh, of course) comes back to wreak creative havoc over Adelaide – and this time will be no different.

crowds of people at the Adelaide Fringe Festival — Adelaide Fringe Festival is the world’s second-largest Fringe festival. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Edgy explorations of digital immersive art, incredible pyrotechnics, comedy shows flooding out the Garden of Unearthly Delights, and general tomfoolery in hundreds of venues across the state will be capped off by the internationally-minded music festival of WOMAD(World Of Music Arts and Dance)elaide in the Botanic Gardens.

crowds of people participating WOMADelaide — Cap off your night watching electrifying performances at WOMADelaide. (Image: Jack Fenby)

Watch turtles hatch at Bundaberg

From November to March, a very special animal encounter can be had at Mon Repos, Queensland. It is here in Bundaberg that nesting marine and loggerhead turtles pull themselves up the sand, to lay their eggs between November and January. These then hatch out tiny baby turtles between January and March.

a tiny baby turtle walking at Mon Repos Turtle Centre — Mon Repos Turtle Centre facilitates annual turtle nesting and hatching tours. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

To watch either of these spectacular sights in person at the Mon Repos Conservation Park, you can book a park ranger tour (or join the waitlist). We’ve reviewed what it is like to visit at this magical time, here.

baby turtles heading to the shore at Mon Repos Turtle Centre — Cheer baby turtles as they head to the shore. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Have a game of Barefoot Bowls

Once considered an activity less cool than socks and sandals, a game of barefoot bowls is now an extremely acceptable way to spend a Saturday afternoon in summer (the jury is still out on the socks combo).

Clovelly Bowling and Recreation Club in Sydney has particularly gorgeous ocean views at the edge of a cliff, while down in Melbourne, St Kilda Sports Club might be one of the country’s oldest bowlos – but it still has vibes in spades. So what are you waiting for? Call your friends, grab a cheap pint and chuck away the shoes for an hour or two of fun in the sun.

friends having fun at Burleigh Heads Bowls Club — Go barefoot bowling for a fun outdoor activity. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten , the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery , a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades .

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho , José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits . At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial , which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections .

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle , ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

How to spend an Aussie summer if you don’t like the beach