What is the weather like in different regions of Australia during December?

December marks the start of summer across Australia with temperatures varying by region. Sydney sees average temperatures of 25°C (77°F) while Cairns in the north reaches 31°C (88°F) and gets occasional tropical rain. The Red Centre near Uluru can hit 35°C (95°F) making early morning activities ideal. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "The weather was perfect for outdoor activities in Byron Bay though we needed to stay hydrated during the midday heat when hiking in Uluru."

Which coastal destinations are best to visit in Australia during December?

The Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef and Byron Bay provide excellent beach conditions with water temperatures around 25°C (77°F). The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are at their prime for water activities. Beachfront stays like the Beachcomber Resort in Byron Bay or Rainbow Getaway Apartments give direct beach access. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Byron Bay in December was absolute paradise - perfect weather for surfing and beach activities."

What wildlife experiences are unique to Australia in December?

The summer month brings peak wildlife activity. Kangaroos are active at dawn and dusk at places like Daisy Hill Koala Centre near Brisbane. The east coast sees whale migrations while Queensland beaches host turtle nesting. Port Macquarie offers wild dolphin sightings and Tasmania's Devils @ Cradle showcases native species. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Seeing wild dolphins play in the harbor at sunset was magical and the koalas were especially active in the cooler morning hours."

How crowded are major tourist attractions in Australia during December?

December brings peak tourist numbers especially during the Christmas and New Year period. Sydney Harbour Bondi Beach and Great Barrier Reef tours see high visitor counts. Book stays at places like Holiday Inn Potts Point Sydney or Aurora Hotel Alice Springs several months ahead. A TourRadar traveler advised: "The crowds were manageable early in December but it got much busier closer to Christmas - book activities in advance."

What are the best places to visit in Australia during December?

The summer season makes coastal areas and the Great Barrier Reef ideal destinations. The Whitsundays offer clear conditions for water activities while Tasmania provides mild weather for hiking trails. A TourRadar traveler noted about their December reef experience: "The water visibility was excellent and we saw amazing marine life including turtles and colorful coral." Key spots include Bondi Beach the Gold Coast's entertainment district and Port Douglas beaches.

Australia Tours in December 2026

10 best Australia trips in December 2026

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Explorer
Tasmania Adventure
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"They covered a lot of places on this trip."
Sumalee, traveled in September
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Hobart, Richmond, Bicheno, Freycinet National Park,Sheffield,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Tullah,Strahan,Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park+5 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$1,745per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Aussie Icons Fly Stay Tour
4.2 (9 traveler reviews)
"Blue Mountains, Cairns Great Barrier Reef and Daintree RainForest trips were the highlights."
Rajah, traveled in October
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Daintree National Park,Great Barrier Reef,Melbourne,Phillip Island,Great Ocean Road,Apollo Bay+5 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd
20% Off
From $2,971
US$2,377per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"We had a great time & it went very smoothly. I appreciate also that she would contact us to see how things were going."
Stanley, traveled in March
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
5% Off
From $2,475
US$2,351per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
4.8 (13 traveler reviews)
"The 10-day trip through Tasmania was perfect for us to get to know the country. I can only recommend it."
Lutz, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Hobart, Queenstown, Tullah, Stanley, Devonport, Launceston,Bay of Fires Conservation Area,Bicheno,Freycinet National Park,Richmond,Bruny Island,Port Arthur+6 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Under Down Under Tours
5% Off
From
US$2,130per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
14 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
4.7 (6 traveler reviews)
"Very good itinerary. Mostly good lodging."
William, traveled in December
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie,Byron Bay,Noosa,Rainbow Beach,Fraser Island,Brisbane,Airlie Beach,Whitsundays,Mission Beach,Atherton,Cairns,Great Barrier Reef+11 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Via Travel Australia
15% Off
From $5,695
US$4,841per person
Price based on Shared Room
6 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
20 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
Tasmanian Discovery - 6 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
4.9 (7 traveler reviews)
"Knowledgeable guide and great fellow."
Paul, traveled in November
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Hobart, Mount Field National Park, Queenstown, Strahan,Tullah,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Launceston,Bay of Fires Conservation Area,Bicheno,Freycinet National Park,Port Arthur+7 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Under Down Under Tours
15% Off
From
US$1,405per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
AUSTRALIA – 9 Days Highlights Cairns Barrier Reef Sydney
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"All tours and accommodations were amazing. I look forward to traveling with Tour Radar again!"
Holly, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park,Great Barrier Reef,Sydney,Bondi Beach,Blue Mountains,Kiama+5 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
15% Off
From
US$3,590per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Essence of Australia 14 Days
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sydney
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
5% Off
From $2,184
US$2,075per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Grand Tasmania Explorer - 7 days
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Hobart, Mount Field National Park,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park,Queenstown,Strahan,Sheffield,Launceston,St Helens,Bay of Fires Conservation Area,Bicheno,Freycinet National Park,Richmond,Port Arthur,Tasman National Park+13 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
5% Off
From
US$1,320per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
2 Day Melbourne to Adelaide Overland Escape (Accommodated)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Geelong, Anglesea, Apollo Bay, Otway,Port Campbell,Halls Gap,Adelaide+3 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
10% Off
From $386
US$347per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
7 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Famous 5 - 5 day Tour of Tasmania
4.7 (160 traveler reviews)
"The tour was very well managed, and we were able to see all the important attractions."
klaus, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Hobart, Mount Field National Park,Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park,Queenstown,Strahan,Henty Dunes,Tullah,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Sheffield,Launceston,St Helens,Bay of Fires Conservation Area,Bicheno,Freycinet National Park,Swansea,Orford+14 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Under Down Under Tours
10% Off
From
US$647per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
3 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Super 7 - Seven Day Tour of Tasmania
4.4 (90 traveler reviews)
"This tour gives you great value for the money you are spending. Tasmania is such a beautiful place and this tour shows you enough of the highlights that you don't want to leave."
Mieke, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Hobart, Mount Field National Park,Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park,Queenstown,Strahan,Henty Dunes,Tullah,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Dove Lake,Sheffield,Launceston,St Helens,Bay of Fires Conservation Area,Bicheno,Freycinet National Park,Swansea,Orford,Port Arthur+16 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Under Down Under Tours
10% Off
From
US$922per person
Price based on Shared Room
3 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great choice of cities in Australia. Tours in all three places were very good."
Catherine, traveled in October
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
5% Off
From $1,437
US$1,365per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Sydney to Brisbane – 8 Day Boutique Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"If you are looking for a stress free introduction to the Australian East Coast, this is it!"
Bryan, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie,Byron Bay,Noosa,Rainbow Beach,Fraser Island,Brisbane+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Australia East CoastEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Via Travel Australia
15% Off
From $3,076
US$2,614per person
Price based on Shared Room
6 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
20 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
4.6 (54 traveler reviews)
"Had an fantastic time, incredible places and a lovely group of ladies."
Caroline, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Perth, York, Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park,Bremer Bay,Albany,Walpole,Hamelin Bay,Margaret River,Busselton+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Western Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Untamed Escapes
15% Off
From
US$909per person
Price based on Shared Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
14 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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