AUSTRALIA
There is no bad time to travel in Australia as climatic extremes aren't too severe. On the mainland temperatures rarely reach the freezing point anywhere except Canberra and occassionally Melbourne. But winters in Tasmania can be cold. It is possible to ski in the Snowy Mountains near Sydney in New South Wales and in north-east Victoria. Further north seasonal variations become fewer and in the far north for example near Darwin there are only two seasons - hot and wet, and hot and dry. This is the monsoon belt. In central Australia it is arid, hot and dry but winter nights can be cold. The wet season hits Australia from December-March. During this time it is almost impossible to travel north of Alice Springs, up the Queensland Cape and in northern Western Australia. Roads become simply impassable and are often officially closed for good reason.

The busiest time to travel is the summer period between Christmas and New Year, Easter and the school holidays in June and September (both 2 week periods). Prices are slightly more expensive and accomodation harder to find during these seasons. In fact a lot of families book their accomodation ahead from year to year. The other time to avoid certain coastal areas is Schoolies Week, the celebration of final year high school students in December when most head to beaches along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in Queensland for a week of mayhem.

NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand tends to have a fairly wet climate but that's also what makes it so beautifully green! The warmer months are November to April and the busiest with school holidays through December and January. Book ahead during these periods or the winter ski season. This is the best time to visit weather wise but be prepared that it can still be very wet during this time and snow falls on high mountain passes. New Zealand sits on a latitude lower than Australia with the swirly icy waters of Antartica coming from the south so it's a lot colder than people would imagine. If you're coming for skiing you're best to visit in August or September. Most of the walking tracks are closed during this time, you're best to attempt them in summer but even then snow and avalanches can be a concern on the higher altitudes.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PNG enjoys a moderate climate all year round with temperature in winter rarely dropping below 28 degrees celsius. Summer temperatures however hover around 30-35 degrees. Usually the best time to visit is considered June-September and most of the festivals take place around this time also. Hill areas are cooler even in summer months so pack accordingly.

Try and avoid the rainy season which differs across the country but is usually December - March. The dry season is May - October. April and November are the transition months and you can get either weather. Generally they are months best avoided. Lae and Alotau have a wet season from May to October.

FIJI
Fiji has a mild tropical climate and can be enjoyed all year round. It's cliamte makes it a popular escape from the winters of both hemispheres. The dry season or "winter" is May to October and would be the ideal time to go. The temperatures are usually cooler in this period, there is less rain and humidity and more importantly less chance of a cyclone!

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