Best destinations to visit in August in Oceania
Best destinations to visit in August in Oceania
August still counts as one of the better months for winter sports across Oceania, even as the tropical north holds onto its dry season.
Ski season remains strong across the Australian Alps and New Zealand's mountains, with late season snow often among the most reliable of the year. Northern Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef and Kakadu, stays dry and comfortable, keeping conditions ideal for diving and outdoor exploring. Southern cities remain cold and quiet, a world away from the busy beach season earlier in the year. Whale watching also continues to be popular along parts of the coast, as migrations remain active through the month. Prices in the ski regions tend to stay firm right through this stretch of the season, close to their yearly peak.
The destinations on our list for Oceania reflect that same split between late season snow and warm, dry tropical days.
Lists by region
City in Australia
Darwin
Tropical gateway to ancient wetlands and reefs
Relaxed and tropical, this northern Australian city is at its driest and most comfortable in August. Mindil Beach Sunset Market is held on Thursday and Sunday evenings in the dry season. The Darwin Festival takes place in August with music and theatre. Litchfield National Park is a day trip away.
Bay in New Zealand
Hawke's Bay
Sunlit shores and vibrant marine life
Wine and food are a way of life in this sunny region on the east coast of the North Island. Cellar doors stay open through winter and pour reds such as Syrah and Merlot. Napier has Art Deco buildings from the 1930s, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1931.
Landmark in Australia
Uluru
Majestic sandstone monolith under endless skies
Rising from flat red desert in central Australia, this sandstone monolith is about 348 metres high. It is sacred to the local Anangu people. Climbing has been banned since 2019. August days are mild and clear, but nights can drop near freezing. Walks around the base and sunset viewing areas are popular.
Country
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
With more than 300 islands, this South Pacific country is easy to explore by ferry or boat. Most visitors arrive at Nadi and travel on to the Mamanuca or Yasawa islands. August is part of the dry season with sunny days and less humidity. Snorkelling and diving are popular on the coral reefs.
Town in New Zealand
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
Set on Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables mountains, this South Island town is a busy ski base in August. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are the nearest ski fields. Cardrona is about an hour away by road. Cafes and bars with log fires are common in the town centre.
Island in Australia
Whitsunday Islands
Paradise within Great Barrier Reef
Sailing is the local way to see these 74 islands off the Queensland coast. Charter yachts and day boats leave from Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Whitehaven Beach has soft white silica sand that stays cool underfoot. August is dry and mild with calm days and humpback whales passing by.
Town in New Zealand
Wanaka
Alpine Adventure, Lakeside Serenity
August is mid winter in this lakeside town, with frosty mornings and snow on the nearby peaks. Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone are the closest ski areas. Cafes and fireside pubs are a good break after a day on the slopes. The town is smaller and calmer than Queenstown.
Town in Australia
Broome
Pearl Coast Sunsets and Red Earth
Set on the Kimberley coast beside the Indian Ocean, this pearling town has warm dry days in August. Cable Beach has twenty two kilometres of white sand. Camel rides at sunset are popular. The Staircase to the Moon is seen over the mudflats on full moon nights between March and October.
Overseas Territory in France
French Polynesia
Paradise of Crystal Clear Lagoons
August is in the cooler dry season across these islands, with warm days near 28 degrees Celsius and less rain. Humpback whales visit the waters around Moorea and Tahiti from July to October. Bora Bora is known for overwater bungalows and a bright blue lagoon. The Marquesas and Tuamotus have fewer visitors.
Region in Australia
Ningaloo Coast
Australia's Accessible Underwater Wonderland
Compared with the Great Barrier Reef, this coral reef begins just meters from the beach in places. Humpback whales pass along the coast from June to November. Manta rays and turtles are seen year round. Days are dry and warm in August. Snorkelling and diving trips leave from Exmouth and Coral Bay.
National Park in Australia
Kakadu National Park
Ancient Rock Art and Wild Wetlands
Many roads close in the wet season, so this national park is much easier to explore in August. Daytime temperatures are around 33 degrees Celsius and most tracks are dry. Rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie is many thousands of years old. Yellow Water Billabong cruises show crocodiles and many birds.
Country
Cook Islands
Tropical paradise with year-round warmth
Polynesian voyagers settled these islands roughly a thousand years ago. Rarotonga and Aitutaki are the most visited islands. August is dry and mild, with sunny days near 25 degrees Celsius. Humpback whales pass close to shore from July to October. Aitutaki has a lagoon with pale sand islets and clear shallow water.
Country
Vanuatu
Tropical paradise with cultural diversity
With about eighty islands spread across the South Pacific, this small country has beaches, volcanoes and dense rainforest. Mount Yasur on Tanna is an active volcano with guided evening visits to the crater rim. August is part of the dry season, with warm days and lower humidity. Port Vila has markets and harbour cafes.
Country
Tonga
Tropical paradise with volcanic islands
Quiet and traditional, this Polynesian kingdom is one of the few places where licensed tours offer swims with humpback whales. The season runs from July to October around the Vava'u islands. Sundays are quiet because most businesses close and many people go to church. August days are warm and dry, with cooler nights.
Mountain in Australia
Snowy Mountains
Majestic peaks echo with crystal alpine silence
Workers from many countries built the Snowy Hydro scheme in this mountain region between 1949 and 1974. August is peak ski season at Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass. Mount Kosciuszko, at 2,228 metres, is Australia's highest peak. Snow is usually deepest from late July to early September.
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