Summer in Australia runs from December to February, and the best part is that it doesn't take much to enjoy it. Salty hair, long evenings and good company are really all you need. Here are seven easy ways to make the season count.
1. Start the day at the beach
Early mornings are the sweet spot: cooler air, calmer water and a bit more space on the sand. Go for a swim, a walk along the shoreline or a quick paddle before the day heats up. If you're swimming, always stay between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are watching.
2. Fire up a backyard barbecue
The Aussie barbecue is less about fancy cooking and more about getting people together. Keep it simple: sausages, prawns, corn and a big fresh salad. Ask everyone to bring one thing, and finish with a pavlova topped with seasonal fruit.
3. Pack a picnic
Grab a rug, a cooler bag and head to the nearest park, riverbank or beachside lawn. Cold watermelon, cheese and crackers, and plenty of water make an effortless lunch. Pick a shady spot and stay as long as you like.
4. Chase the sunset
Summer evenings are made for golden hour. Take a walk along the coast or sit on the sand and watch the sky change colour. Bring a light layer, because the breeze can cool down fast once the sun disappears.
5. Cool down with something sweet
Freeze a tray of mango cheeks, grab an icy pole from the corner shop or treat yourself to a scoop of gelato after dinner. Little rituals like these are what make summer feel like summer.
6. Play backyard games
Cricket with a tennis ball, a game of totem tennis or a sprinkler run with the kids needs almost no setup. Bonus points if the rules change halfway through.
7. Slow down and stay up late
Long days mean you don't have to rush. Eat dinner outside, leave the fairy lights on and enjoy the warm night air. The season is short, so let a few evenings be completely unplanned.
Stay sun smart
- Slip on a shirt, slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen and slap on a hat.
- Seek shade between late morning and mid-afternoon.
- Slide on sunglasses and drink water throughout the day.
However you spend it, an Australian summer is best enjoyed the simple way: outdoors, unhurried and with people you like. Pick one idea from this list and try it this weekend.