Life in Australia

Australia is a beautiful country with diverse geography and climate. 

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which means its seasons are reversed than the countries in the Northern Hemisphere. 

In Australia, you can experience all the four seasons (Well, in most parts) – Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring. 

The good news is that Australia’s climate is generally pleasant throughout the year.

But weather patterns and temperatures can vary widely across the country due to its vast size and different geographical regions.

This article will provide detailed information about the different seasons in Australia. 

Climate Zones In Australia   

Now before we discuss about the seasons in Australia, it is important to understand different climate zones.

Climate zones are regions or areas with distinct climate characteristics. 

Australia, being a large country with diverse nature, has a wide range of climate zones. 

The main climate zones in Australia are equatorial, tropical, subtropical, desert, grassland, temperate and mediterranean. 

The two seasons patterns in Australia include:

• Dry and Wet patterns
• Typical four season patterns

We will explain about these patterns in the next section.

But first, let’s check the climate zones. 

The image below gives you a better understanding of the climate zones in Australia:

• Equatorial: The equatorial climate zone is located in the extreme north of Australia. The region is characterised by hot and humid weather conditions throughout the year. The average temperature in this region is about 30°C, and the rainfall is heavy, averaging between 2,000-3,000 mm annually. 
• Tropical: The tropical climate zone is located in the northern part of Australia, just south of the equatorial climate zone, including the northern parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. This region is characterized by hot and humid weather conditions, with an average temperature of about 25°C. The vegetation in the tropical climate zone is mainly savanna woodland and this region is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including crocodiles, kangaroos, and wallabies.
• Sub-Tropical: The subtropical zone includes parts of Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. This climate zone is charactersied by mild climates with low rainfall in winter and decent rainfall in summers. The average temperature is below 30°C for most parts of the year. 
• Grassland: The area covering Grassland is around central parts of Australia. These areas are characterised by large open spaces with grass cover rather than tress or shrub cover. The area typically receives a rainfall of between 25 to 75 cm. 
• Desert: Desert covers much of the interior and is located in the central part of Australia, covering almost 70% of the country, including parts of Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, The Northern Territory and Queensland. This region is characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and arid vegetation. The average temperature in the arid climate zone is about 35°C, and the region receives less than 250mm of rainfall annually.
• Temperate Climate Zone: The temperate climate zone is located in the southern part of Australia, covering most of the eastern and southeastern coasts, including parts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. This region is characterised by mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and a variety of vegetation. The average temperature in the temperate climate zone is about 20°C, and the region receives an average of 700-1,500 mm of rainfall annually.
• Mediterranean: The Mediterranean climate zone is known for its mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. This climate zone is typically found along the parts of the western and southern coasts of Australia, including in areas such as Perth etc.

What Months Are Summers In Australia?

In Australia, Summer usually runs from December to February, with some regional variations. 

As Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are completely opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that while countries in the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing winter, Australia is in the summer season. 

Summer in Australia is usually known for hot temperatures and sunny days, with temperatures often reaching well above 30 °C. 

And that’s why it is the perfect time for outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, and barbecue. 

Summers are also a popular time for tourists to visit Australia. (And that’s why you are probably reading this article too, isn’t it 😉

It is important to note that Australia is a vast country, and the climate can vary greatly between different regions. 

As mentioned earlier, there are 2 main season patterns we observe in Australia, including: Dry and Wet patterns and four season patterns.

The northern parts of the country typically have wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from May to October and the wet season usually runs from November to April.

The temperatures are quite hot during wet season and regular rainfall during this season can also cause flash flooding.

Dry season is typically less warm with clear skies and average temperature around 20 °C.

However, southern parts of the country, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and parts of Queensland and Western Australia, experience four seasons in a year.

Therefore, it is always important to check the local weather before planning any activities or travel during summer.

What Months Are Spring In Australia?

In Australia, spring typically falls between the months of September to November. 

During this time, the weather starts to warm up, and the days begin to get longer. 

Spring is known for its pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and occasional rainfall. 

The flowers begin to bloom, and the countryside becomes covered in colourful wildflowers. 

It’s also a time for many birds and animals to start their breeding season, adding to the vibrancy of the natural environment. 

Spring in Australia is a popular time for outdoor activities like picnic, hiking, and camping. 

It is also the time when many festivals and events take place such as The Melbourne Cup, The Spring Racing Carnival and many more, celebrating the season and the new growth it brings.

What Months Are Winter In Australia?

In Australia, winter typically falls between the months of June to August. 

Weather in winter season in Australia can vary greatly across different regions,

Some areas can experience cool, crisp temperatures and occasional snowfall, while others remain relatively mild. 

Winter in Australia is a popular time for skiing and snowboarding. There are many ski resorts located in the alpine regions of New South Wales and Victoria. 

As a tourist or student, you can attend many winter festivals and events that are held across the country. 

What Months Are Autumn In Australia?

In Australia, autumn generally falls between the months of March to May. 

During this time, the weather starts to cool down, and the leaves on the trees change colour, creating a beautiful natural display of reds, oranges, and yellows. 

The autumn months in Australia are known for their mild temperatures and clear skies, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing. 

In many parts of Australia, autumn is also the season for harvest festivals and agricultural shows, featuring festivals and events, such as the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.

What Is The Best Season To Travel To Australia?

Australia is a huge country, with six distinct regions, each with its unique climate and natural beauty. 

As such, the best season to travel to Australia can vary depending on the region or areas you plan to visit.

We will make it easier for you to understand the best season to travel across all the regions in Australia.

Western Australia 

The best time to visit Western Australia is between September to November and March to May. 

This is the ideal time to explore Perth, Margaret River, and Broome as the weather is mild, and there is minimal rainfall.

Northern Territory 

The ideal time to visit Northern Territory is from May to October as they are considered dry season. 

This is the perfect time to explore the rugged landscapes of the Outback and visit the iconic Uluru as the weather is dry, and the temperatures are mild.

Other half of the year known as “wet season” is not ideal due to the rainfalls.

Queensland 

For Queensland, the best time to visit is from June to November. 

This is a good time to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands as the weather is dry, and the temperatures are pleasant.

New South Wales

New South Wales is best visited from September to November and from March to May. 

During these months, the weather is mild, and there is minimal rainfall, making it the perfect time to explore Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Hunter Valley.

Victoria 

For Victoria, the best time to visit is from September to November and from March to May. 

This is the ideal time to explore Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, and the Yarra Valley as the weather is mild, and there is minimal rainfall.

Tasmania 

Tasmania is best visited from December to February. 

During these months, the weather is mild, and it is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the island, including the stunning Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay.

Overall, the best time to travel to Australia will depend on your preferences, interests, and the region(s) you plan to visit. 

It is important that you do some research and plan accordingly to make the most out of your trip to Australia.

Facts About Climate In Australia

Here are some interesting facts about climate in Australia:

• Australia is known for its unpredictable weather patterns, with everything from extreme heatwaves to sudden rainfalls.
• Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world.
• Australia is home to some of the world’s unique and diverse landscapes, from tropical rainforests to vast deserts.
• The country’s capital city, Canberra, has one of the largest temperature ranges in the world, with temperatures often dropping below freezing in winter.
• The Australian Alps receive more snowfall than the Swiss Alps, making it a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
• Australia is home to the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef.
• The city of Melbourne is famous for experiencing four seasons in one day, with rapidly changing weather patterns.
• The Nullarbor Plain (located in South Australia) is the world’s largest single piece of limestone and experiences some of the most extreme temperature fluctuations in Australia.
• Australia is home to some of the world’s unique and fascinating wildlife.
• Drought is a frequent occurrence in many parts of Australia, leading to water shortages and challenges for farmers and communities.
• The Southern Ocean is home to the world’s largest marine reserve.
• The Australian government has set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable future.
• Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due to the exposure to strong UV radiations.
• Australia is prone to natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, and cyclones.
• Australia is home to over 500 national parks and over 2,700 conservation areas.

Conclusion

When it comes to seasons in Australia, there is no one size fits all theory.

The season varies from region to region. But to give you an overall summary, here is what the various seasons in Australia look like:

Summer – December, January and February

Autumn – March, April and May

Winter – June, July and August

Spring – September, October and November

So, that’s all about seasons in Australia. Hope you find the guide useful.

If you liked this article, you might want to check our guide on pink lakes in Australia.

Apple is one of the most popular brands among students in Australia, for both domestic and international students alike.

As Apple products aren’t among the cheapest in the market, that’s why many people, specifically students, look for discounts and special offers.

In this guide, we will talk about how to get an Apple student discount in Australia.

What is Apple’s education pricing?

Apple has a special pricing for university going students and staff working at the university in Australia.

There is a special portal/landing page for Apple’s education pricing. You can check it here.

It gives students a 10% discount on their normal retail pricing. So an example, M1 MacBook Air which normally starts from $1499, is priced at $1349 in the education store, which is a savings of $150.

It is obviously a big deal for students as every single dollar counts in student life.

Who can get Apple’s education pricing?

You are eligible to get this special education pricing if you are a:

• Current university student aged 18 or above
• New university students aged 18 or above
• Parents buying for university students
• Teachers
• Staff in education at all levels

What can you buy under Apple’s education pricing?

There are various products that are eligible under Apple’s education pricing that include:

• Macbooks
• iMac
• iPads
• Mac Mini
• Apple Accessories

There is also a limit on the quantity of each of these items you can buy under Apple’s education pricing per year as well. Here is a list of items and the quantities you are allowed to buy with education pricing each year:

• iMacs: One
• Mac mini: One
• Notebook: One
• iPad: Two
• Accessories: Two

When is the best time to buy Apple’s products in Australia?

So, if you are after the best deal to buy Apple products, we say that the best time to buy is during the start of the new uni year in Australia, which runs from the end of January to the start of March.

At this time, Apple is running a very special promotion for students starting their university or just returning students, for parents buying for their children, teachers and staff in education.

This usually includes an offer of free AirPods or other headphones and other discounts in addition to the education pricing.

In 2024, Apple is running a promotion for education pricing which includes buying an eligible mac or iPad can get you a Apple gift card up to the value of $240 and 20% discount on Apple Care+. The offer is valid from 04th January 2024 to 13 March 2024 at Apple stores, online or via their call centers.

Here is a list of available Apple gift cards with eligible product purchases:

A$120 Apple Gift Card

• iPad (10th generation)

A$160 Apple Gift Card

• Mac mini
• iPad Pro
• iPad Air

A$240 Apple Gift Card

• iMac
• MacBook Pro
• MacBook Air

Steps: How to get an Apple student discount in Australia?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get student discounts on Apple’s website in Australia.

Step 1: Go to Apple’s Education website. You can directly go there from this link: https://www.apple.com/au-hed/store

Step 2: Select to buy any eligible products under the education pricing.

Step 3: Customise the item as per your requirements

Step 4: Add other accessories or bonuses/ promotions (if available).

Step 5: Review your order

Step 6: Sign in with your Apple ID or do a guest checkout. Choose pick up or delivery option.

Step 7: Confirm details. Pay the money and enjoy your discount.

In the past, Apple used the services of UNiDAYS to verify the student’s identity. But it is no longer required to verify for using education pricing in Australia, especially for buying products.

However, if you are keen on getting a subscription to Apple Music and Apple TV+, then you will be required to go through UNiDAYS student verification process.

Can you save more on Apple’s education pricing in Australia?

The short answer is Yes.

There are few more ways you can save further on the education pricing.

This includes:

• Discounted Gift Cards: Yes, it sounds too good to be true but from time to time various retailers launch discount on the Apple Gift Cards. You can get discounted gift cards from supermarkets, online retailers or through partner programs of various organisations in Australia. These discounts are not available on a daily basis. So we suggest you stack up these gift cards as soon as you see the deal for them. (Of course only if you are planning to buy Apple products)
• Cashback Offers: Many cashback retailers also usually offer cashback on Apple products. Sometimes it can be as low as 1% cashback while at other times, it can be up to 10%. Usually, there is a maximum cap on how much money you can claim under the cashback scheme. Also, sometimes, you can’t use gift cards for payments to be eligible for cashback. So make sure to check the terms and conditions clearly.

P.S – If you signed up for these cashback services, you could get some referral sign-up bonus as well (and we too ;))

Sign up for Cashrewards here and Shopback here.

What if I am not eligible to get Apple’s education pricing?

Tried hard but still didn’t get the discount?

No stress. We have you covered too.

There are many other ways to score a deal for Apple products.

• Check other retailers: Many retailers usually run a special promotion for Apple products. That usually includes 10% to 15% on various Apple’s products. Some of the popular retailers include Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, Bing Lee and Amazon.
• Stack up gift cards and cash back offers: As mentioned in the previous section, you can buy those discounted gift cards and use the cash back offers from online cashback platforms like Cashrewards and Shopback.
• Go for refurbished products: Did you know that Apple actually has an official store for refurbished products? You can get up to 40% off on Apple certified refurbished products to sweeten up savings. Refurbished products are usually pre-owned devices that were returned for any reason. These products are tested thoroughly before selling, and they are usually backed by the warranty as well.

We hope you find this quick guide on how to get an Apple student discount in Australia useful. If you liked this article, then you might find information for other students discount in Australia useful as well. Check it out here.