You aussies don't know what real winter is like. The average winter in the northern part of the U.S. is very cold and snowy. Chicago where I live is typical. From December through March the average amount of snow that can fall is anywhere between 25 and 60 inches(except during the milder El Nino winters), and temperatures can range from -16 degrees F up to 45 degrees F. Be glad you live in Australia, but stay in Victoria. This state seems to have the best weather.