Our weather and seasons significantly influence recreational activities and people’s relationship with nature. Australia’s diverse climate zones, ranging from temperate coastal areas to alpine regions, create various opportunities and challenges for outdoor activities throughout the year. Examples include:
Spring– With the weather starting to warm up and the days getting longer, many people are attracted to and motivated by participating in more outdoor activities. This can mean a big increase in the numbers of people engaged in outdoor recreation such as hiking, surfing etc as they enjoy the improved weather.
In Australia, this is also the time where many native plants are in full bloom. Many tours and activities have evolved as a result of this. For example, in WA this is a major drawcard for tourists, enhancing local economies. Click here to see more.
Summer: Summer is prime time for beach-related activities like swimming, surfing, and snorkelling, especially along the NSW coastline. However, inland areas may become quite hot, limiting some outdoor activities. The high temperatures also make water-based activities like kayaking and fishing on rivers such as the Murray or Hawkesbury River popular.
For coastal towns such as Forster- Tuncurry, this is the time of year that the local economy relies on with increased tourism and visitors to the beautiful beaches and waterways. Poor weather or an unusually wet summer season can dramatically impact small businesses.
Autumn: This is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. As the weather is cooling but the water is still warm, it is the perfect time to enjoy the coastal areas of NSW. Inland, the cooler temperatures make it attractive to partake in the beautiful natural environments. For example, bushwalking and cycling are seeing huge booms in towns across Australia as tourists continue to search for new experiences and access to new hotspots. This has led to an increase in events and festivals to cater for these active tourists. Click here for an example.
Winter: In a diverse country such as Australia, winter offers a huge variety of experiences. From skiing to exploring the tropical waters of the barrier reef, there is something for everyone. Along the coast line of NSW, there is also the added opportunity for tourism activities such as the annual migration of whales. This has a huge added benefit for the local economies in these towns. Click here to see an example of whale watching tours in Forster.