Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Sydney and Melborne in August

I have a chance to make a first visit to Australia in late August. Will weather be disappointing? I am a daily swimmer and wonder if I'll find places to swim laps this time of year. What else is happening during winter in OZ?

September is the absolute best time for weather in SYD, IMO.
August while a little cooler in the mornings, is still warmer than SF most of the time! At least in SYD, you will have many options to swim. North Sydney pool, overlooking the 'coathanger', is heated and open, with a good cafe as well as million dollar views and location. ^

As BiziBB said September is a great time to visit Sydney before it starts to heat. It's the reason the 2000 Olympics were held in September.

As for swimming in August you should be able to find somewhere to swim although it may still be a little chilly in the sea or outdoors, a great option is Cook Phillip Park (http://www.cookandphillip.com.au/) located near Hyde Park in the CBD underground with indoor pool lap pool.

You will find winter in Sydney is really not that bad and even night temps are fairly high (near the coast) if you goto the Western suburbs the temperature difference can be as much as 10-12 degrees. On the plus side the cooler weather means you can get out and about on foot without finishing up soaking wet from sweat.

You could also try heading upto the Blue Mountains for Yulefest (http://www.bluemts.com.au/yulefest/), and even if you don't get there for Christmas in July celebrations, the blue mountains must be visited. If your lucky you'll get snow too. If you want ideas on where to stay have a look at these Fairmont (http://www.peppers.com.au/fairmont) or the legendary Hydro Majestic (http://www.hydromajestic.com.au/).

Apart from that just enjoy the cool weather to find a good pub and settle in for a few beers. Which is best for you will depend on what your looking for of course.

Melbourne will be colder than Sydney and more likely to be more damp (although they will say its just as bleak as Sydney in Winter, which we know is a lie ;) ) but is still a great place to visit and has more of a winter feel to it than Sydney does.

Either way Winter is a great time to visit.

You will find winter in Sydney is really not that bad and even night temps are fairly high (near the coast) if you goto the Western suburbs the temperature difference can be as much as 10-12 degrees. On the plus side the cooler weather means you can get out and about on foot without finishing up soaking wet from sweat. As a resident of the western suburbs (Glenmore Park) I have to concur with this, although we get very hot during the days.

You could also try heading upto the Blue Mountains for Yulefest (http://www.bluemts.com.au/yulefest/), and even if you don't get there for Christmas in July celebrations, Which is now so popular that it starts right after Winter Magic and goes through until the middle of August!

the blue mountains must be visited. If your lucky you'll get snow too. If you want ideas on where to stay have a look at these Fairmont (http://www.peppers.com.au/fairmont) or the legendary Hydro Majestic (http://www.hydromajestic.com.au/).

Fairmont is a dump - it is a real slur to the Peppers name, and is a mix of four-star and three-star rooms. The Hydro is pretty over-rated as well, although if you are looking for "olde world charm" then it will fit the bill.

*IF* you decide to visit the Blue Mountains, PM me and I will give you a HUGE amount of local info about where to go and where to stay.

Dave

Fairmont is a dump - it is a real slur to the Peppers name, and is a mix of four-star and three-star rooms. The Hydro is pretty over-rated as well, although if you are looking for "olde world charm" then it will fit the bill.

Dave

I used to go to the Fairmont on long weekends with the family when I was still at school I havent been since. so probably 7-8 years since I have been. It wasn't to bad then I guess things have changed......

I agree with the comments that Sydney is best in September. August is lovely too, so long as it's not raining, but most of the rain is usually gone by the end of July. Melbourne will be *cold* in August.

I have been to Sydney the past two Augusts, and the weather has been wonderful - except for a brief hailstorm this year!!!!! Melbourne is COLD. Not my preference for an August visit.