The mornings are dark. It was just last week I could paddle out for a surf and soak up the morning’s warmth at 6am. Now it is almost pitch black. A tell-tale sign that autumn is on its way.
Fall colours are lacking, those iconic shades of orange and yellow that signify the end of summer don’t extend to this part of the world. However, for us early risers we know it is upon us. Yes, in a few weeks time daylight savings will start and we can hold onto our early morning surfs for a little bit longer, but winter is definitely on its way.
You’re probably thinking that this girl is crazy, Australia doesn’t have a winter. I agree our winters are milder than our northern friends, with temperatures barely dropping below 10°C on the east coast of New South Wales where I’ve parked my travel backpack for a while. But you’ll quickly learn Australia has a winter once you live through one!
Australian winters may not be plagued with snow storms (which does limit us to one small ski and snowboard area – the Snowy Mountains) but we have our own style. Savage storms with torrential rain and frightening winds blast up the coast uprooting trees, houses and destroying your chances of a surf every single day. A nightmare for those of you searching for an endless summer: autumn is your enemy, the gateway to the dreaded winter.
But autumn is the best time of year here. Why?
Not only do the tourists thin and beaches empty, but the surf picks up! The change of season swells hold throughout most of autumn with bountiful uncrowded waves to choose from. My current home break thrives this time of year. With constant downpours, our lagoons break and deposits sand to its starved banks providing an abundance of lefts and rights to pick off.
There’s always something to be said about travelling off season and Australia is no different. This is without even considering the savings you make travelling outside of peak season anywhere in the world.
What’s your favourite time of year to travel?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below