Snowbirds: Escaping the Canadian Winter With a Sunny Australian Summer

For many snowbirds, winter isn’t about braving the cold weather, it’s about chasing summer on the other side of the world, where the sun never stops shining. Lucie and her husband Alain, a couple from the Laurentians, took the plunge and spent three months travelling along Australia’s east coast. 

Their journey took them from Melbourne all the way up to Cairns, with stops in Canberra, Sydney, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Fraser Island and Airlie Beach.

For snowbirds, Australia really has it all, if your budget allows. While Canada is buried under snow, you can be soaking up the warmth of the Australian summer. The landscapes are breathtaking, urban life is vibrant, and nature is infinite. 

Between trendy cafés, getaways to paradise beaches, and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, Lucie and Alain enjoyed an active and rejuvenating winter.

Discover why Australia could be your next winter destination on the other side of the globe.

Why Did You Choose Australia for a Long Stay as Snowbirds?

"It was circumstances that brought us there. My partner, Alain, who wasn't retired yet, unlike me had a work project that took him to Australia. His plane ticket was covered by his contract, so we jumped on the opportunity to go together. 

Australia had intrigued us for a long time, as it's not a destination you choose on a whim, precisely because it's not nearby. We landed in Melbourne and spent six weeks there. It was a way for him to combine work and for both of us to explore.

Plus, while Canada was freezing under the snow, we were enjoying the Australian summer. All the more reason to make the leap."

Before travelling to Australia, How Did You Research and prepare?

“As always, my first step is to buy a Lonely Planet guidebook, which I read from cover to cover to get a feel for the country. 

Then I spend a good amount of time searching the internet. I look for things like ‘Australia east coast itinerary 2–3 days’ or ‘30-day itinerary’ just to get some inspiration and see the must-see attractions.

Apart from driving on the other side of the road (which is surprising!), I didn't feel too out of place before we left for Australia. I didn’t feel the need to join Facebook groups or ask questions on forums before leaving.”

Where Did You Stay in Australia?

“To plan our trips outside Melbourne, I often used Booking.com. I especially like to rent a place with a kitchen.

 In Australia, I knew I’d find products similar to those at home, so cooking there seemed easy, convenient, and much cheaper than eating out every day.

In Melbourne, we had an apartment for our six weeks there. I spent a lot of time researching which neighbourhood to choose. There’s a lot of content online that helps you get an idea. We wanted a quiet area, well-connected, not too busy. In the end, we settled in Fitzroy, a very lively neighbourhood full of small cafés and bars, with a very young, very LGBTQ crowd... we weren't expecting that! We lived a fairly quiet life, so it was a bit of a contrast, but ultimately, the neighbourhood was charming.”

What Is the Weather Like in Australia in Winter? Is the Water Warm Enough to Swim In?

"In Melbourne, you can expect to experience all four seasons in a single day. I quickly realized that the weather could change dramatically: 35 degrees one day, 15 the next. The temperature differences are striking, especially when you're not expecting them. 

Ideally, you should pack a good mix of light clothing for hot days, but also something to protect you from rain and wind. We had torrential downpours followed by a day when the sun was so strong that doing outdoor activities was unbearable.

At St Kilda Beach in Melbourne, the water was warm enough to swim in, but it was more pleasant during our trips further north on the east coast." 

Did You Feel Safe in Australia?

“We always felt safe, even in Melbourne, where there is graffiti everywhere in the alleys. It gives character to the city, but we never felt in danger. The atmosphere is relaxed, and people are inclusive. We were able to enjoy ourselves without worrying about anything.

Once, while bar-hopping, we ended up at a techno club. We were standing in line (two grey heads in a sea of young people), and the two bouncers looked at us and said, very kindly: ‘This bar isn’t for you. We want satisfied customers… You should try the Lame Duck, that’s more your vibe.’ Basically, we had just been labelled ‘too old’ to get in.

At the time, we laughed. It was a little ridiculous, but not mean at all. Even when we were refused entry, it was with a smile. That's also what it means to feel safe: being able to experience these kinds of funny situations without feeling uncomfortable.”

How’s the Food in Australia? Any Local Dishes or Flavours That Stood Out to You?

"When it comes to food, you eat well in Australia. It's a bit like California: lots of healthy options, fresh produce, and a real focus on eating well. You don’t feel out of place, since the food is similar to what we have at home. There isn't a national dish as such, but you can find everything: Italian, Thai, Japanese... a bit like in Montréal.

We even had our little favourite spots, but what we liked most of all was the diversity. No matter what we felt like eating, we could find it."

If English Is Not Your First Language, Is It Possible to Travel There?

"I speak English, so it was fine, but honestly, the Australian accent... phew! Even when you understand English, it takes a little while to get used to it. So, for someone who doesn't speak English at all, I would say it's possible, but you have to be resourceful."

What Did You Like Most About Australia?

"The cafés and bars in Melbourne. They're everywhere, the cafés are full of people, there's lots of chatting, and it's lively. We always found a nice place to stop.

On the east coast, we were particularly impressed by landscapes such as the Twelve Apostles, all the sunny beaches, and the spectacular cliffs.

We also really liked the oyster bars. They’re huge compared to the ones in Canada!"

What Are Some Things That Shook Up Your Routine During the Trip?

"In Australia, there isn't any culture shock; it's quite similar to North America. But we still experienced things we weren’t used to.

Australia promotes inclusion a lot, but sometimes, in real life, it doesn't always follow through. For example, we were refused entry to two bars, perhaps because of our age. That surprised us, especially since it had never happened to us anywhere else in the world. "

Is the Cost of Living More Expensive in Australia or Less Than in Canada?

Transportation:

“To explore the East Coast, you need to budget for renting a car or camper. It's practically essential if you want to get out of the big cities. For a car rental, you should budget an average of $90–100 per day.”

Groceries and Restaurants: 

"Groceries are more expensive than in Canada. Restaurants too. A shot often costs $25, and a beer at least $15. But when you factor in the 15% tax and 15% tip added in Canada, the difference narrows. A $25 pasta dish in Australia may seem expensive, but at home, with the taxes and tip, you quickly end up paying close to $23-24."

Accommodation:

"Accommodation is really expensive. On average, we paid $200 per night. On the East Coast, I always looked for accommodation with a swimming pool, because you can't swim everywhere in the sea, depending on the region."

Did You Find Any Tips for Spending Less During Your Snowbird Stay in Australia?

"Yes, we would go out around 4-5 p.m. for a drink at a small neighbourhood bar, then come back to the apartment for dinner. That way, we could enjoy the happy hour vibe without spending too much.

We also used The Fork, a mobile app that gives instant discounts at restaurants, sometimes up to 50%. That made a big difference to our budget."

What Day Trips Do You Recommend in Australia?

"Going to see the penguins at Phillip Island at sunset is magical. We did it and would recommend it to everyone.

St Kilda, too, we went back there two or three times. It's lively, with the beach, the big Luna Park amusement park, and it's easy to get there by public transit.

On weekends, we rented a car from Melbourne to explore places like Port Campbell Bay, Torquay Beach, and Apollo Bay.

When we went to explore the east coast in the north of the country, the Whitsundays were a must-see. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are there. You absolutely have to snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Something to know before planning: between Cairns and Byron Bay, there is a period when you can't swim in the ocean because of jellyfish."

How Did You Stay in Touch With Your Family and Friends During Your Extended Stay in Australia? 

“We had a physical SIM card, so it was easy to get a local plan with data. 

Otherwise, the internet is accessible everywhere in Australia. We could call or text our loved ones without any problems, no matter where we were.”

Did You Have Travel Insurance for This Long Stay in Australia? Did You Ever Need to Use It?

"At our age, yes, we don't even ask ourselves that question anymore. We always take out travel insurance, especially for such a long stay. Fortunately, we didn't need it this time."

What Would You Say to Someone Who’s Thinking About Becoming a Snowbird but Still Hesitating?

"It depends on the type of trip you're looking for. Australia is ideal if you want to get around and discover different regions. A winter there can be like a three-month road trip: start in Melbourne, drive along the east coast to Cairns, then head back down to Adelaide. 

It's a country with magnificent landscapes and endless possibilities for getaways. If the idea of spending the winter exploring, rather than staying in one place, appeals to you, Australia is worth a visit."

Experience the Magic of Australia as a Snowbird

So, would you like to count kangaroos instead of snowflakes? It's easier than you think to travel to the other side of the world! Australia is practically Canada’s cousin. You’ll feel out of place, but still find good reference points and a familiar vibe.

If Lucie and Alain's story inspires you, why not turn your winter into an adventure in Australia? And don't forget to get your travel insurance with a quick quote from soNomad well before you leave, so you can cross that off your list of preparations!