Staycation Delights for Aussies Seeking Winter Sun
- Written by April Rose
For sun-loving Aussies across the south-east, winter can be tough as temperatures plummet. Yet, the colder months provide the ideal conditions to experience some of Australia’s hottest climates, at bearable temperatures.
Claudio Saita, Deputy CEO and Executive Director in Australia for Tokio Marine, underwriters for World2Cover travel insurance, said 10.3 million Australians chose to stay on home soil for their last holiday1 and an Australian staycation makes for a perfect winter warmer.
“It is recommended 50 per cent of leave should be taken by the end of financial year to maintain positive wellbeing in the workforce, but research shows over 79 per cent of Aussies don’t take all of their accrued annual leave.2 Aussies are also contributing more than $2.1billion in unpaid overtime every week,3 so now is a prime opportunity for Aussies to unwind at some iconic local hot spots.”
To help inspire an Aussies seeking a winter getaway experience, the team at World2Cover has provided these top ideas and destination tips:
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Uluru is one of the natural wonders of the world, famous for its vibrant red earth. Located near the centre of a semi-arid desert, temperatures can reach a scorching 40°C in summer. In June and July, the mercury can still reach over 20°C in the day and drop to 5°C at night.4 Be sure to stay well hydrated and pack a variety of clothing to stay comfortable throughout your excursions.
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Driving the Nullarbor in winter is a great way to experience an authentic outback adventure without frying in your car. However, roos are most active at dawn and dusk and can cause serious damage to your vehicle if hit. Stick to driving during the day when they are easy to spot (and it’s easier for them to spot you). Parts of the road trip are also very isolated at quieter times of the year, so make sure you have adequate water supplies and a satellite phone in case of emergency.
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Australia has some great hiking options, including McPherson Range in Queensland. Mt. Maroon offers the best views, however the challenging terrain should not be underestimated. The six hour trek is exceptionally steep and almost vertical at times, so invest in the right footwear and equipment as you work up a sweat.
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If you are seeking adventure, try croc-spotting in Kakadu National Park, which is warm all year round. Just remember to stick to designated observation areas and be aware that there is risk of these prehistoric predators whenever you are near water in the park.
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Port Lincoln is another great spot for thrill seekers looking to try shark cage diving, as the giant mature female sharks (over five metres length) are most likely to be seen between April and September.5 Be sure your insurance policy includes adventure-sports cover so you are fully protected should anything go wrong.
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The Daintree, just north of Cairns, is the oldest rainforest in the world and houses an array of Australia’s unique flora and fauna. Our nation is well-known as home to some of the most venomous snakes and spiders in the world, so be sure to pack insect repellent, a first aid kit, and wear enclosed walking boots to protect against unwanted bites.
“It’s important to be fully protected, even whilst travelling domestically where it naturally feels safe as it’s close to home. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of things that can go wrong, including delays, cancellations, and lost or damaged luggage. Domestic cover can help protect against the impact of these potential nasty surprises.”
For more information on the comprehensive range of coverage options from World2Cover, visit www.world2cover.com.au.
About Tokio Marine:
Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (TMNF) was founded in 1879 as The Tokio Marine Insurance Company, Ltd. and has been operating in Australia since 1963. TMNF is Japan's largest non-life insurance company and is placed in the top ranking of non-life insurance companies worldwide. The Company began its operations in the marine insurance field, where it has long been recognised as a world leader with a long history of financial stability and an excellent security rating. They are now present in over 39 countries around the world with more than 40,000 employees globally.
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