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)

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park — Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation — Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.

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