Australia in July: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

July is a great time for you to visit Australia as the dry season brings cool days and fewer crowds to popular cities and sites. The conditions are ideal for you to explore the country’s vast landscapes, including the Australian Outback. Popular routes include driving from Adelaide to Perth or heading north to Darwin via Uluru and Alice Springs.

The cooler weather makes long drives more enjoyable, allowing you to experience the vast landscapes and unique wildlife of the region. If seeing animals is on your list of experiences when you visit Australia in July, the dry season allows for better visibility, including of bird species around the billabongs in national parks such as Kakadu and Litchfield.

When you visit Australia in July, you will be able to choose from a menu of adventures, from cultural celebrations to tropical escapes and winter sports.

July is the coldest month in Australia, particularly in the south, where winter conditions prevail, while the north remains warm and inviting. July in Australia falls in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter season, with temperatures varying depending on where you visit.

In the southern cities of Melbourne and Canberra, the weather is quite chilly, with daytime highs averaging 59°F. Regions like Darwin in the north enjoy warmer temperatures of around 77°F, making it a great time for outdoor activities and beach excursions.

July sees a stark contrast between the dry conditions in northern and central Australia and the wetter conditions in southern and southeastern parts of the country. The east coast tends to have moderate rainfall, while the southwest experiences its wet season.

Sydney • Best Place for Sightseeing

With iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney offers a mix of city life and coastal beauty. Winter is a great time for you to explore indoors and outdoors, with guided experiences on offer to enhance your sightseeing experience.

Take a tour or catch a performance at the iconic opera house, where you can enjoy its stunning architecture and the captivating views over the harbor. The cooler weather makes it more comfortable for walking and we recommend you enjoy a coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi, offering stunning views of the coastline, beaches, and park.

Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer stunning scenery, hiking trails, and the opportunity to relax in thermal baths. It’s a perfect winter getaway for you to immerse yourself in nature.

Northern Queensland • Best Place for Great Weather

In Northern Queensland, the weather in July is characterized by warm and dry conditions. Average daytime temperatures typically range from 77°F to 86°F, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and beach visits. Nights are generally mild, with temperatures dropping to around 59°F.

July falls within the dry season for Northern Queensland, meaning there is minimal rainfall and the humidity is lower compared to the summer months. This makes it a perfect time to explore attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world.

The Kimberley • Best Place for Families with Children

The Kimberley in July offers your family a chance to experience Australia's rugged Outback in comfortable conditions, with a mix of adventure, nature, and cultural experiences suitable for children and adults. The region offers stunning natural landscapes, including gorges, waterfalls, and unique geological formations like the Bungle Bungles.

Embark on a guided family adventure covering several days in the Kimberley or consider a self-drive option, where you would travel in convoy with other families and guides. You and your family will have the opportunity to engage with indigenous people through guided tours and visits to art sites.

Activities you can enjoy in this region include exploring national parks, hiking and nature walks, visiting waterfalls and gorges, and taking boat rides. The Kimberley region is known for offering a real wilderness experience that can help families reconnect with each other away from technology and everyday distractions.

The Southern Highlands • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

The Southern Highlands offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, gourmet experiences, and cozy accommodations, making it an ideal romantic getaway in July. Whether you're sipping wine by the fire, exploring waterfalls, or enjoying a fine-dining experience, this region provides numerous opportunities for couples to create lasting memories together.

Visit cool-climate wineries, where cozy tasting rooms with roaring fires create a warm and intimate atmosphere. Book a charming country inn and pamper yourself with a spa treatment at a wellness center. You can wander around quaint towns such as Bowral and Berrima for a relaxed ambiance.

Some outdoor activities you can enjoy include taking a leisurely walk along accessible trails, admiring the incredible views, picturesque landscapes, and lush gardens. Take in the natural beauty of the region when visiting a waterfall or, for a unique experience, go platypus spotting along the Wingecarribee River.

Tasmania • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Tasmania provides a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, allowing you to enjoy Australia in a more peaceful setting during July. The cooler weather is perfect for hiking and the stunning landscapes provide a peaceful retreat.

Tasmania, particularly areas like Freycinet National Park and Cradle Mountain, tends to be less crowded in July. Its winter charm, festivals, and outdoor activities make it an appealing destination, offering you a quieter, more intimate experience.

The cooler weather makes it a great time for wildlife observation. You can see unique Tasmanian animals, including the Tasmanian devil, in their natural habitats without the crowds.

Indulge at the Coonawarra Cellar Dweller Festivities

Savor flavors of the Coonawarra Wine Region throughout the month of July, where you will have the rare opportunity to taste and buy “back-vintage” cellared wines. Wineries in the region will be dusting off prized wines that are not available on daily tasting menus, while you will have over 40 events and activities to choose from during this time. Enjoy exclusive wine tastings, chocolate and wine pairings, long lunches, and exquisite dinners. Cooking classes and wonderful views are all served to you during your visit.

Gear Up for the Quirky Jumpers and Jazz Festival

The Jumpers and Jazz Festival in Warwick is a delightful celebration of winter, combining art, music, and community engagement. With its colorful yarn-bombing displays and lively jazz performances, it offers a unique experience for families, art enthusiasts, and music lovers. If you're looking for a charming winter festival, Jumpers and Jazz is a fantastic option to consider in July. Marvel at the quirky “tree-jumper exhibition,” when trees in Warwick CBD are adorned with colorful knitted jumpers, transforming the town into a colorful winter spectacle. Jazz festivals showcase local and national musicians, and the festival offers you a variety of workshops, markets, and family-friendly activities.

Celebrate Aboriginal and Islanders’ Culture and History

NAIDOC Week is a significant cultural event in Australia, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures among all Australians. Held on the first Sunday of July each year, this event is a celebration and commemoration, and honors the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Celebrations are held across Australia, including in cities, regional areas, and local communities, and include cultural performances, art exhibitions, workshops, markets, and community gatherings.

Explore Australia in July to enjoy the cooler temperatures welcoming you to the vast Australian Outback, uncrowded cities, and welcoming towns. Make the most of the beautiful beaches, where milder winter weather makes conditions for walks and water experiences pleasant, and attend myriad popular festivals.

For more ideas for your trip, find inspiration with our Australia tours or explore the possibilities of when to visit, where to go, and more with our Australia travel guide.