10 May 2023

Winter in Australia can be a mixed bag depending on which part of the country you find yourself in. From cool temperatures and rainy days in Melbourne and Sydney to balmy, tropical weather in Queensland, Australians experience winter in different ways. But no matter where you are, there are a few apps that can help you get through the colder months. Here are some of the best phone apps in Australia for surviving winter.

Survival tool number one - the weather forecast! You can't plan your daily activities without knowing just how icy the day is going to be. Thankfully the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is the Australian government agency responsible for providing weather forecasts and warnings, and they've put some real effort into making their app as accessible as possible.

The BOM Weather app is an essential tool for surviving winter as it provides up-to-date information on temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and other weather conditions right across Australia. If you know your postcode, you're pretty much good to go. You can also set up notifications for severe weather alerts and warnings, so you'll always be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. 

When it's cold and wet outside, there's always perfect choc-top weather at your local cinema. What we like about Flicks is its localisation capabilities, showing you all the cinema options around you and the screening times. It even pulls in reviews from Rotten Tomatoes and major publications to make sure your cinema experience is what you want (or just look like a cinephile legend in front of your friends). And just to add some icing on the entertainment cake, Flicks also has fantastic integration of streaming services as well. Which leads us to our next point...

When things get so cold you can't even fathom leaving your own house (or bed) for entertainment, Netflix has you covered. Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services in Australia, with a wide range of content available for all tastes and ages. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic comedy or a gritty crime drama, Netflix has got you covered. Plus, with the ability to download content for offline viewing, you can watch your favourite shows and movies even when you're not connected to the internet.

There are some foods that just taste like winter; I'm talking hot soups with crusty bread, roast dinners, hearty stews... drool! That's where Uber Eats comes in. With the Uber Eats app, you can order food from your favourite restaurants and have it delivered straight to your door. There's a huge range of cuisines, plus you can track your order from the kitchen to your door, ultimately ensuring you can keep your exposure to that frigid outside air limited to the absolute minimum time. 

Winter can be a challenging time for mental health, with shorter days and longer nights leaving us longing for the return of that glorious summer sun. To mentally get through the darker winter days, Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app that can help you manage stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, and boost your overall mental health. The app offers a wide range of guided meditations and mindfulness exercises, as well as sleep sounds and music to help you relax and unwind.

Don't just survive the winter, thrive in it! If you've got the spare time (and spare income), the Australian Snow Report app is a must-have for winter wonderland seekers keen to hit the slopes. The app provides up-to-date information on snow conditions, ski runs, lift statuses, and more for all of Australia's major ski resorts. You can also view webcams and check the weather forecast to plan your next skiing or snowboarding adventure.

Winter escapes don't all need to be alpine adventures. Winter is the perfect time for a cozy getaway, and the Airbnb app make it easy to find the perfect accommodation. Whether you're looking for a country retreat, a summer escape, or a luxury apartment in the city, you can browse thousands of listings and book your stay directly from the app. Plus, many hosts offer winter specials and discounts, so you can save money while enjoying a relaxing break.

Ah, the simple pleasure of reading a good book by the fireplace. This is the stuff of true winter relaxation. Excitingly in the modern age we can take that experience to the next level with audio books. If the idea of staying under the covers with some ear-warming headphones on listening to a story resonates with you, then Audible is the app you need. Audible provides a huge selection of audiobooks to suit any mood or genre, usually with fantastic narrators and quality audio production.

Winter can be a great time to learn a new skill or hobby, and learning a second (or third) language is thankfully something you can learn whilst wrapped in a snuggy with a hot water bottle! Duolingo is fun and well-produced app that aims to make learning a second language truely interactive. Duolingo provides lessons that are designed to help you learn a new language quickly and easily, with lots of opportunity to connect with friends or others who share a passion to improve their cultural conversation skills.

Staying active during the winter season can be challenging with the reduced daylight, the cold mornings and the abundance of delicious food. That's where MyFitnessPal can be a great companion. You can track your exercise and food intake to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. Unfortunately it won't scream at you to get out from under those warm covers at 6am, but it can help keep your mind and body in a good place through the winter months ready for a spring fitness revival.

So that's it! From weather forecasts to meditation exercises, these apps can help you stay safe, healthy, and productive during the colder months. Whether you're looking for a cosy restaurant or a new language to learn, these apps have something for everyone. So, download these apps today and enjoy the freedom of surviving and thriving in the winter season!