Soak up that sunshine and let the kids loose in the local theme parks.
The school holidays might be over but if you're searching for a local break that won't take up more than a weekend, the Gold Coast is where it's at. From blissful beaches to amusement parks to cater to any age and interest, this one's a no brainer really.
This is one for the sun worshippers, the adventure seekers and those looking for a more remote getaway. Darwin is the gateway to action-packed outdoor adventures. Spend a day (or 2, or 3) in Kakadu, Nitmulik National Park (Katherine Gorge)and Litchfield National Parks. Or, hop over to the Tiwi Islands to learn about this rich Aboriginal community.
Hamilton Island is a paradise off the coast of Queensland. On it you'll discover soft sand beaches, endless ocean views, top notch seafood and romantic bungalows. A boat ride away is the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach which has been called the best beach in the world. August is an eventful one with Hamilton Island Race week drawing in a crowd. If that's not your style avoid 15-22 August for relaxation unparalleled.
The sun's still up and shining in this coastal town.
A popular destination for hipsters, hippies and beach bums over summer, Byron gets quiet in August making it a steal for budget vacations. The weather's not too bad either, running in the low 20s. It's not hot enough for sunbaking but if you've got a board you can still hit the surf. Otherwise there's a sleepy town to unwind in and coastal walks to get stuck into.
Snow season is in full swing, so you'd better catch that powder while it's fresh.
Perisher and Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains are 2 of the most accessible snow resorts in New South Wales. July to August is peak season, so while prices may still be high, you have a greater chance of nabbing that precious powder.
As the school holidays have ended by August, you'll find the crowds thinning.
August weather: 7-13℃, winter
Best for: Snow sports, apres ski
Things to do: Ski or snowboard and check out the Winter Dinner Series.
Enough festivals and musicals to tide you over until summer.
Melbourne takes centre stage as the hub to gravitate towards in August for culture, festivals and celebration.
More than a handful of events occur throughout the city in August/September including White Night, Melbourne International Film Festival and Melbourne Writers Festival.
Whatever your artistic interests, they're bound to be met in Melbourne this month.
Truffle Festival: Winter is the truffle festival season in Australia's Canberra Region. It's a time filled with truffle-tastic events including truffle hunting and truffle-inspired meals in outstanding restaurants.
Hamilton Island Race Week: August is peak season on Hamilton Island for 1 reason: Race Week. It's a regatta that sees competitiors the world over line the island's shores to sail for the glory.
Sydney Science Festival: Clue yourself into the latest as leading experts, academics and researchers take to the stage in talks, workshops and symposiums. Free and ticketed events available.
When's the best time in August to take a holiday?
For Australians, August is one of the quietest travel months of the year and is a great time to holiday on the cheap whichever dates you choose. This is because the winter school holidays have come to a close and there is only one public holiday in the month across the nation, which is Picnic Day in Northern Territory.
However, prices do surge at ski resorts as August is peak snow season.
To avoid inflated prices and crowds to these locations, travel during the week or closer to the end of the month when the season starts to wind down.
Latest travel deals
Deal
$10 off 5 Day Theme Park Pass: Movie World, Sea World & Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast
Expires 1 Feb 2025
It includes any five-day entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet'n'Wild over 5 consecutive days from the first visit. Your 5 consecutive days start from the first visit and entry is valid for any 5 days in total during this period. T&Cs apply.
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Save on your next holiday and get up to $1,059 bonus value when you book your next trip on Flight Centre. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cook Islands, Bali, Fitzroy Island and more. Limited availability and for select dates only. T&Cs apply.
Available on selected accommodations in Cairns, Port Douglas, Gold Coast, Whitsundays, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney, Queenstown, Adelaide and Dubbo. Limited time offer. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Available on select stay dates in Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. Sample stay is for a studio apartment in Mornington Peninsula. T&Cs apply.
Up to $2,500 free in extras Queensland packages with flights
Available for travel on select 2020 dates for destinations like Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and more. Packages include accommodation, return flights, daily buffet breakfast, kids stay for free and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select stay dates until December 2024 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Darwin, Canberra and more. The sample rate is for a stay at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort in Cairns.
Book the best tours and activities and get huge discounts that will end soon. Travel destinations include Port Douglas, Cairns, Perth, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Member Price: 10% off or more on over 100,000 hotels
Available for travel on select dates across Australia at Expedia. Destinations include Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Available for booking from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 at Motorhome Rental using the code. Pick-up locations are Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth. T&Cs apply.
Available for booking from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 at Motorhome Rental using the code. Pick-up locations are Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates until 2024, including Easter and school holidays. Activities include whale- and dolphin-watching and lunch and sunset cruises in Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Sea World Gold Coast Helicopter Scenic Flights: $89
Soar over Sea World, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and more when you book a 5, 10, 15 or 20 minute helicopter flight from Experience Oz. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Up to 30% student discount on domestic & international flights
Get up to 30% off on flights + up to 45kg baggage with Malaysia Airlines and Firefly flights. Domestic destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Adelaide. International destination includes Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, and more. T&Cs apply.
Available for travel on select dates and locations at TripAdvisor. Experience activities like land adventures, wine tours, water sports, and more T&Cs apply.
Save $10 when you grab the 14-day Village Roadshow Mega Pass at Experience Oz. Enjoy 14 days unlimited entry to Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Paradise Country, and Wet'nWild at Gold Coast. T&Cs apply. Limited time offer.
Book a sightseeing buffet lunch cruise in Gold Coast through the Sea World Cruises for $89 per person at Experience Oz. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Book a sightseeing dinner cruise in Gold Coast through the Sea World Cruises for $199 per person at Experience Oz. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates at select KINTO locations around Australia including Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney, Hobart, Darwin and more. Distance fees apply.
Sign up with your email address and unlock Sneaky Saver deals. Activities include day tours, attraction passes and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar and more. Destinations include Brisbane, Toowoomba, Lamington National Park and more.
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include sightseeing cruises, surfing lessons, whale watching cruises, tandem skydives and more.
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $300. Activities include sightseeing cruises, surfing lessons, whale watching cruises, tandem skydives and more.
Stephanie Yip was the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday. See full bio
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