When the sun beats down on Australia, Aussies travel for winter to the northern hemisphere for cold-season fun! For some Aussies, it’s a chance to enjoy snow sports with their fellow mates, for others, it’s a mission to find some alpine pleasures without being surrounded by their Down Under neighbors. We’ll let you decide which group you’re in. However, if you’re looking for thrills – and a few frills – follow their lead because, let’s face it, Aussies totally know how to travel!
1. Aussies travel for winter to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland; avoid them in Thingvellir National Park
Best places to spot Aussies in Reykjavik: Hallgrimskirkja Church, National Museum of Iceland, Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, Laugavegur shopping street
Best places to avoid Aussies: Join a tour of The Golden Circle to view volcanoes in Thingvellir National Park, geysers in Haukadalur and The Geothermal Energy Exhibition in Hellisheioarvirkjun.
Wondering about the winter weather? January sees the most snow, but it’s the wind that nips at your nose. Bundle up, hit the spa, and expect temperatures to hover around 32°F (0°C).
Check In to a hotel or apartment in Reykjavik
Step Out to Hallgrimskirkja
2. Aussies travel for winter to ski at Everland in Seoul, South Korea; never hear ‘g’day mate’ in Bukhansan National Park
Best places to spot Aussies in Seoul: Everland, Dragon Hill Spa, Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Best places to avoid Aussies: Bukhansan National Park contains the highest peak in South Korea. Reach the summit at 2,746 feet (837 meters) via Bukhansan Dulle-gil Trail.
Wondering about the winter weather?
For Seoul: It’s cold. It will snow. Wear warm clothing.
For trekking in Bukhansan National Park: Buy a pair of crampons at the park entrance to tackle the packed snow trails you’re bound to encounter. From mid-December to mid-February, mountains are blanketed, less crowded and positively gorgeous.
Check In to a motel or guest house in Seoul
Step Out to Bukhansan National Park
3. Aussies travel for winter to Aqua Planet on Jeju Island; hide from Aussies in lava tubes in Hallasan National Park
Best places to spot an Aussie on Jeju Island: Aqua Planet Jeju, Teddy Bear Museum, Dongmun Market
Best places to avoid Aussies: Ok, Hallasan National Park and Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes are one of Jeju’s biggest tourist areas, but the crowds drop drastically during winter. You might actually run into lots of Aussies here, but the experience will be worth it.
Wondering about the winter weather? Temperatures on Jeju Island rarely drop below freezing in winter. Of course, mountain temperatures tend to be cooler, but the view from the peak is rumored to be most beautiful in winter.
Check In to a guest house or resort on Jeju Island
Step Out to Hallasan National Park
4. Aussies travel for winter to Harbin, China; ski Aussie-free in Changshou National Forest Park
Best places to spot Aussies in Harbin: Harbin Ice and Snow World, Sun Island, Zhaolin Park
Best places to avoid Aussies: Enjoy less-crowded slopes in an out-of-the-way setting at Harbin Jihua Ski Resort at Changshou National Forest Park.
Wondering about the winter weather? Wear layers, and pack an extra wool sweater (or two), as Harbin is famous for its face-numbing temps.
Check In to a hostel or capsule hotel in Harbin
Step Out to Harbin Ice and Snow World
5. Aussies travel for winter to Las Vegas, Nevada; bet on hiking alone in Antelope Canyon
Best places to spot Aussies in Las Vegas: Las Vegas Strip, Peppermill’s Fireside Lounge, Hoover Dam
Best places to avoid Aussies: Antelope Canyon features spiral rock arches and historic treks through a Navajo Tribal Park. Book a licensed guide at Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours.
Wondering about the winter weather? You probably won’t see any snow in the Las Vegas valley, but mountain peaks surrounding the area will be white-capped, and a heavy coat and hat are highly recommended.
Check In to a 5-star resort or cheap motel in Las Vegas
Step Out to the Las Vegas Strip
6. Aussies travel for winter to Hokkaido, Japan; get toasty on your own at Asahidake Onsen
Best places to spot Aussies in Hokkaido: Daisetsuzan National Park, Mount Kurodake, Sounkyo Onsen
Best places to avoid Aussies: Warm up in a cozier and smaller hot spring at Asahidake Onsen, which sits at the base of Mount Asahi.
Wondering about the winter weather? Winter gets real in Hokkaido, with snow falling almost eight months of the year. Strong winds and snow-packed trails in mountainous regions require proper winter clothing and a good pair of hiking boots.
Check In to a resort or ryokan in Hokkaido
Step Out to Daisetsuzan National Park
7. Aussies travel for winter to Christchurch, New Zealand; trek in peace and quiet at Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Best places to spot Aussies in Christchurch: Canterbury Museum, Ko Tāne at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Best places to avoid Aussies: Westland Tai Poutini National Park features glow worm caves, hot springs and Lake Matheson, but the real adventure begins at Fox Glacier.
Wondering about the winter weather? You won’t find the chilliest weather in New Zealand from December to February, but you might experience heavy rainfall. Warm jackets and rain gear are recommended.
Check In to one of the 10 Best Hotels in Christchurch
Step Out to Westland Tai Poutini National Park
