Snow in Australia, away from alpine regions and elevated highlands, is a rarity but has been recorded in every state and territory. Even the NT, known for its warm conditions, has had the odd dusting of snow in its history, with the last snowfall recorded at Uluru in July 1997. Among the nation’s capital cities, only Canberra, Hobart and Melbourne have reported snowfall in their metropolitan area.

Many people must rub their eyes in disbelief that one of the world’s hottest countries can also see snow. So, why does it snow in Australia? The Antarctic oscillation allows belts of strong winds or low pressure to move north to locations including Australia. It is largely associated with storms and cold fronts.

Wednesday, June 11 marked 61 years since The Beatles started their three-week tour in Australia in 1964. Beatle-mania was the rage at the time, with 300,000 turning out in Adelaide to see the musicians arrive into the city.