Australia is a mystical place, so it’s perhaps no wonder that it’s inspired many myths.
But while you probably already know it’s not overrun by giant spiders, you might find some surprises around the corner as the cooler weather hits.
To help you get ahead, we’ve unpacked some of the top misconceptions about winter in Australia.
It doesn’t get cold in Australia
Australia is the land of sun, surf and soaring temperatures, so it can’t possibly get that cold, right?
Well, while some areas of Australia stay pretty warm year-round — looking at you, Darwin, Cairns and Broome — you’ll find it gets at least a little chilly anywhere south of the tropics.
Some places can get exceptionally cold, especially those inland or in the south. For example, Melbourne averages lows of 6.5°C, Hobart can get to 3°C, and Canberra’s temperatures can dip below zero overnight. Perth, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane enjoy milder winters with warmer days and average low temperatures between 8°C and 11°C.
…and it certainly doesn’t snow!
While it’s true that most of Australia is made up of low coastlines and arid deserts, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t also enjoy snow!
Especially in highland and mountainous areas of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking powdery snow, creating some of the best winter scenery you can find anywhere on the planet.
And, if you’re partial to snow sports, you can even get out and about on the slopes! Australia has loads of world-class ski resorts to explore, offering everything from simple slopes to challenging runs.
You can drink less water in the cold
You probably know it’s a good idea to stay hydrated during Australia’s warm summer months, but did you know it’s just as important in winter?
Even though you sweat less when it’s cooler out, you can still lose moisture due to factors like dry air, heating, or simply drinking less water. In fact, the Australian Government recommends that adult men drink just over 2.5 litres of water every day, while adult women should have just over 2 litres.
…and skip the sunscreen altogether
Colder weather means more time indoors, more clothes and less time outside — so surely it’s safe to skip the sunscreen?
Absolutely not! Even in winter, much of Australia experiences high UV exposure during the day. This makes sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and shade an absolute necessity all year round.
Remember, it’s not just about avoiding a nasty burn. Even a mild sunburn can cause long-lasting damage to your skin cells and put you at risk of skin cancers and melanoma, so make sure you take every precaution to protect your skin, even when it’s cold.
Cold weather and wet hair can make you sick
No matter where you’re from, it’s likely you grew up hearing that getting cold or going to bed with wet hair was a fast track to colds, flu and other winter illnesses. However, research shows that this isn’t true — but don’t fling open the windows just yet!
The truth is actually a bit more complex. While being cold or wet itself cannot make you ill, it does have an impact on your immune system’s ability to fight off any viruses it comes into contact with, including colds and flu. It’s also more likely that you’ll come into contact with these viruses during winter when more people are indoors.
So, even if they may not hold the key, it’s probably still a good idea to stay toasty warm and dry throughout the winter.
…but you don’t need a flu shot
If you’re young and healthy, you might be fooled into thinking you can go without your annual flu shot.
However, the flu can be truly debilitating — and sometimes deadly — so it’s well worth taking the time to protect yourself with a simple flu shot. Indeed, the government recommends flu shots for anyone over six months of age. It’s also a good time to get your COVID booster, which you should try to get every 12 months.
Getting vaccinated doesn’t just reduce your risk of getting ill, but can also help protect more vulnerable members of your community — truly a win-win!
