How far north do I need to travel in Winter to get some warmer (beach) weather ?

[Me+3]

I'm ordering a new Cub Spacevan this saturday.

Should have it within 6-8 weeks, so planning a week long trip with the family (2A & 2C 4 y/olds) - and was thinking of the Gold Coast.. that way we have the option of beach plus theme parks etc ... but not sure if the wearther will be warm enough ?

Thoughts and comments please myswaggers !

We are based in Newcastle NSW

[muzza01]

[Bird]

Does it have to be coastal beaches/ some nice waterholes and hidden places inland...
http://www.matarankahomestead.com.au/main/page_attractions.html



or you could just head to darwin Its always beach weather up there.
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/nt/darwin-daly/darwin

[chester ver2.0]

Find the tropic of capricorn and go above it. It is so freaky that in the morining you are wearing a tracksuit on the day you cross and that arfternoon you are in shorts and a singlet

[Beachman]

July/August is still cold on the Gold Coast, so not sure if you would want you kids swimming that time of the year.

I've been swimming at Cairns this time of the year. Cool when you first get in, but swimmable.

[edz]

Been holding around the low teens for night time temps most days some times lower, Around the  SE QLD  atm, days around the low to mid twenties with either a light to moderate Northerly or Sou easter breeze most days, water temps around 22 ..

[Taz64]

I think you'll want to go further north than the Gold Coast unless your rug rats like the cold water.  It's currently 19 degree in Brsbane at midday !!!!

[BernieS]

August is usually the coldest month of winter. Having said that I've been on 4 mile beach at Port Douglas in July and was cold.... mainly due to the wind.  No swimming that day.

[Alan Loy]

As it looks like you're up for a 2 day drive I'd go inland then head north.  Yeppoon or Airlie beach or somewhere in between them. 

[Jeepers Creepers]

As it looks like you're up for a 2 day drive I'd go inland then head north.  Yeppoon or Airlie beach or somewhere in between them.

Airlie is nice anytime.

If ya from Victoria, anywhere north of Coffs will be swimmable for ya's.

We're doing 1770 in July, but a bit early for you i think.

[chisel]

Our kids will swim at the beach just about year-round here in South-east queensland.  Don't think they'd go in an unheated pool or any creek - but the beach water is usually a bit warmer.  Ok for splashing on a sunny day.
That said, I'd probably suggest north of Rockhampton for the best winter beach weather.  The beaches up that way are different to south-east beaches though ... no real surf north of Rocky and combination of large tides and flat beaches can make things difficult at low tide.

Bit hard to get from Newcastle to Rocky and back in a week, and still have relaxation time, though. 

[gclan]

The water down here's not that cold Me+3

Does it have to be a beach holiday? As chisel said, to head far enough North for beach weather, you'll be on the road for most of the week with only a day or two to relax.
Maybe you could do the theme park thing for the kids this trip, and enjoy our beautiful beaches down here when it warms up?

I just had a look at the Wet'n'Wild website and this is what they have to say about the water temps there in the park:
http://wetnwild.com.au/

"Is the water heated in winter?

Between May and August, we endeavour to maintain an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius in all pools and slides however this can vary dependant on wind chill and overnight temperatures. The Whirlpool spas are heated to 35 degrees Celsius. Wet'n'Wild is the perfect place to make a splash all year round"

And Whitewater World:
http://www.whitewaterworld.com.au/

"Is it too cold to come in winter?

WhiteWater World's rides, slides and pools are heated during winter. Wind structures have been included on all ride queues providing extra comfort for guests"


Sounds ideal. Whitewater World is so much fun! Our kids(big ones too ) loved it, and best of all, you can walk straight through to Dreamworld 

Otherwise, you basically have to head North until you start seeing crocs and jellyfish. That's where the water is warm enough for me to swim

Congratulations on the camper trailer, and enjoy your trip wherever you end up!


Cheers
Karen

[fishfinder]

Exmouth

[Matto]

It's been freezing here lately. Down to 17 degrees overnight, 28 during the day. No way I'll be taking off my tracksuit to go near a pool/beach.

Cheers,
Matto