Perhaps the most sophisticated understanding of Australian seasons comes from the continent's Indigenous peoples, who have inhabited the land for over 65,000 years. Indigenous calendars vary significantly across the continent, reflecting the deep connection between the land, the climate, and the flora and fauna. Unlike the rigid Gregorian calendar, Indigenous seasonal calendars are based on environmental indicators. For example, the Jawoyn people of the Northern Territory recognize six seasons, marked by the flowering of specific plants, the breeding cycles of animals, and the movement of stars. Similarly, the Noongar people of South Western Australia identify six distinct seasons—Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba, and Kambarang—each defined by specific weather patterns and biological events, such as the flowering of the red gum or the migration of birds. These calendars offer a nuanced, ecological approach to timekeeping that is far more relevant to the Australian environment than the imported four-season model.
In the southern states, such as Victoria and Tasmania, summer temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), while in the northern states, like Queensland and Western Australia, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F). The summer season is also a time of increased risk of bushfires, particularly in the southeastern regions. when are the seasons in australia