As the sun blazes across Australia and the smell of sizzling barbecues fills the air, summer 2024/2025 is set to be one of the most exciting yet. While much of the world celebrates the holiday season wrapped in jackets and battling cold weather, here in Australia, we’re swapping snow for sand, spending our days outdoors and enjoying long, hot afternoons under clear blue skies. Whether it’s catching waves at Bondi Beach, dancing under the stars at a music festival, or relaxing with the latest tech entertainment, there’s no shortage of ways for us Aussies to make the most of summer.

The Great Outdoors

For us Australians, summer and the beach go hand in hand. This year, coastal hotspots like Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, and Surfers Paradise are bustling with locals and visitors keen to soak up the sun. Surfing schools are seeing record enrolments, with both kids and adults taking to the waves, while early-morning yoga sessions on the sand are attracting those looking for a calm start to their day. If you’re visiting Byron, keep an eye out for beachside drum circles and fire dancing performances – a local favourite as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Beyond the beach, our stunning national parks are a haven for summer adventurers. Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, and Queensland’s Lamington National Park are seeing a surge in hikers and campers escaping the city heat. The summer nights also offer great stargazing opportunities. Look out for events like “Night Sky Walks” hosted in select national parks, where guides take you through constellations unique to the Southern Hemisphere. For wildlife lovers, eco-tours across Tasmania and Kangaroo Island provide unforgettable close-ups with kangaroos, wallabies, and nocturnal creatures in their natural habitats.

Music and Festivals

Nothing says Aussie summer like a music festival, and 2024/2025 is bringing the goods. The Falls Festival, running across Victoria and Byron Bay, promises another awesome lineup of international headliners and local favourites. Sydney’s Laneway Festival taking over inner-city parks, offers a mix of indie hits and fresh talent that’s sure to dominate playlists all summer long.

For country music fans, the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January remains a must-see, offering more than 700 performances over ten days. Meanwhile, smaller councils are stepping up with free live music sessions in local parks. Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands will host “Summer Sounds” – a series of free concerts paired with food trucks and pop-up bars for the ultimate summer evening experience.

Outdoor Cinemas

For us film lovers, outdoor cinemas are popping up everywhere, from Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens to Perth’s Moonlight Cinema in Kings Park. In smaller towns, inflatable screens are turning cricket ovals and parks into community hubs where families can enjoy movies under the stars. Expect screenings of recent blockbusters like Barbie and Oppenheimer, alongside classic crowd-pleasers like The Castle. Pair the experience with a picnic or grab a burger from local food stalls – the perfect recipe for a summer night out.

Tech-Enabled Summer Fun

While the classic summer activities are still going strong, many of us are also enjoying new ways to spend our downtime with technology. Online platforms offering virtual tournaments, trivia nights, and interactive games are booming, especially during heat waves when staying indoors is the best option. Gaming consoles are hosting exclusive summer challenges, and multiplayer digital games are helping us stay connected with mates, even if they’re far apart. For those looking to add a little thrill to their downtime, there are plenty of platforms offering free bonuses to locals, and skill-based competitions that bring excitement and rewards without leaving the house.

On the flipside, apps like Strava and MapMyRun are also encouraging Aussies to hit the trails, beaches, and parks to log their outdoor summer adventures.

Virtual Reality Experiences

Virtual reality (VR) experiences are also gaining ground. Escape rooms, interactive VR games, and digital challenges at centres like Sydney’s VR Kingdom or Melbourne’s Zero Latency offer a rush of excitement for those looking to try something new.

Sporting Fever

It wouldn’t be summer in Australia without sport. Cricket season hits full swing with the Boxing Day Test at the MCG – a bucket-list event for die-hard fans and casual spectators alike. The Big Bash League, with its fast-paced matches and family-friendly vibe, will see stadiums packed in cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide throughout January.

The Australian Open in Melbourne, running from mid-January, remains the highlight of the tennis calendar, drawing crowds eager to see the world’s best players in action. Don’t forget to check out the AO Festival outside the courts, where live music, food trucks, and big screens create a fun atmosphere for those who didn’t grab a seat inside.

Local Sporting Events

For those of us looking for more local action, summer is peak season for backyard cricket matches, lawn bowls tournaments, and beach volleyball competitions. Local sports clubs are thriving, with summer leagues offering Aussies a chance to get involved and enjoy some friendly competition.

The Social Connection

Summer is when our sense of community really shines. From neighbourhood street parties to beach bonfires and picnic gatherings, it’s a time to reconnect and make memories. Backyard barbecues remain a favourite tradition, with everything from sausages to seafood sizzling on the grill. January 26th’s Australia Day celebrations will see communities come together for outdoor breakfasts, citizenship ceremonies, and firework displays across the country.

Local Markets

Local markets, like Adelaide’s Twilight Markets and Hobart’s Salamanca Market, are perfect for grabbing handmade goods, local produce, and fresh summer treats. They’re also a chance to support small businesses while enjoying the relaxed vibe that defines Aussie summers.

Final Thoughts

As summer 2024/2025 gets into full swing, we Aussies have no shortage of options when it comes to entertainment. Whether it’s catching waves, dancing at a festival, or simply enjoying a backyard BBQ, there’s always something to do. This summer, get outside, connect with your mates, and make the most of every sunny day – because nothing beats an Aussie summer.

Weekender Newsroom

This post has been published by the team in our newsroom.