Winter in Australia is the ideal time to go on holiday, and August is one of the cheaper months to fly.
Residents in cooler states will want to seek warmer weather; while travellers in the north may look for a cheaper time to travel to the coast or further down south.
A recent report from Skyscanner Australia compared flight prices in August with the average airfare throughout the rest of the year and compiled a list of domestic destinations with the best flight savings. In some cases, you can save up to 32 per cent on domestic flights.
At these prices, it’s not too late to plan a quick trip this August – in fact, some may say it’s the perfect time!
From Sydney to Hobart (32 per cent saving)
Sydneysiders can save up to 32 per cent on flights to the Apple Isle, as flights this time of the year are much cheaper than normal.
Maybe it’s because Tassie is host to one of the cooler climates in the country, but anyone who’s visited the ‘wonder under down under’ will know that the weather doesn’t detract from this island’s beauty – in fact, it adds to its already rugged, rustic charm.
Boasting some of the oldest colonial architecture in the country, Tassie is also the home to some of the most modern museums: specifically, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). To walk into this unusual and spectacular gallery will simply ‘floor’ you.
A visit to Salamanca Place on a Saturday is a must: check out the famous market and stop in at one of the wharf-front bars for a bite and a brew. On Sundays is the Farmgate Market, where you’ll meet the growers and artisans at one of the top ten farmers’ markets in the country. Outside of Hobart, you could head out to Freycinet for a breath of fresh air, climb Mount Wellington, wander through the botanic gardens or take a day trip out to Launceston. Whatever your fancy, you’re spoiled for choice in Tasmania.
From Melbourne to the Gold Coast (23 per cent saving)
Melburnians may be keen to escape from the winter squalls to the sunny Gold Coast for a dip in the warm waters or brunch in a seaside café at Surfers Paradise. There are beaches galore and more than enough stores to keep your purse worn out with business. If theme parks are your thing, you certainly have a range from which to choose, or maybe a hinterland getaway is on the cards, or an indigenous experience. Most who escape the cooler weather down south will relish wandering around the warmer climes of Queensland and, right now, they’ll save up to 23 per cent on airfare there.
From Perth to Adelaide (28 per cent saving)
Adelaide is an open, green space ready to be explored by foot or bike, with more churches than you can poke a stick at and city centre parklands the envy of the nation. Also known as the Festival State, South Australia’s capital boasts quite a few in August, namely the South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA) all month, and the Winter Lantern Festival on 26 August.
A city exploding with culture, Adelaide also boasts arguably the best wine region in the country, as well as a vibrant café, bar and food scene. And if you’re one for museums, check out the Art Gallery of South Australia, with its expansive collection of Indigenous art, and the South Australian Museum, which is devoted to natural history.
Western Australians who book flights in August will save up to 30 per cent on airfare.
From Adelaide to Port Lincoln (25 per cent saving)
South Australians needn’t go far for one of the nation’s top holiday spots and, with a quarter off the price of flights to Port Lincoln, August is the best time to venture across the Spencer Gulf for a getaway.
Anyone in love with the sea (and seafood) will relish a short stay at ‘The Port’ – known as the seafood capital of Australia. It’s also home to fabulous fishing opportunities, boat tours aplenty and other marine and maritime attractions. Try a day-long fishing adventure or brave the cold waters and snorkel with sea-lions. Hire a car for the day and drive along the Whalers Way, where you’ll experience scintillating coastal views, nature, and ocean and native wildlife.
From Brisbane to Sydney (23 per cent saving)
Queenslanders looking to escape the humidity for a little less humidity will save 23 per cent on flights to Sydney in August.
A weekend at the ‘Harbour’ could see you checking out a show at the Opera House, climbing the Harbour Bridge, heading out on the water for a whale-watching cruise or just sitting and watching the boats go by from a café, bar or restaurant on the shore. There’s no shortage of galleries and museums, and August is also a time for special events, namely, the Sydney Science Festival (7–19 August), the Bledisloe Cup (18 August) or the Ferris Wheel High Tea (Saturdays from 5–16 August).
Or, if you’re inclined to head a little further south, you’ll save 19 per cent on flights to Melbourne and for those heading west, 15 per cent savings on flights to Perth.
For cheap flight deals, head to www.skyscanner.com.au
Will you be travelling in August? Where are you headed?
Related articles:
Big savings, warmer weather
The wonder under Down Under
Where to go to warm up this winter
