Best time to visit Australia

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Australia

Best time of year to visit Australia

In Southern hemisphere summer runs from December to February, and winter is generally from June to August. Australia is a country of two climates. Northern territories around Darwin and Cairns experience the best climate conditions from April to September. The best time to visit Australia's top destinations in the south is during late spring, summer, and early autumn. October to April are great months to watch wildlife such as the world's smallest penguins, koala, Tasmanian devil and mountain pygmy possum. Summer months from December to February are most suitable to enjoy Australia's top beaches in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and southern parts of Queensland and Western Australia, where the scenic coast stretches for thousands of kilometres. In October and November you can see a unique coral reef spawn at the Great Barrier Reef. Spring and autumn are a peak time to explore Australia's outback and mountains, like Mount Kosciuszko or other New South Wales peaks.

39 THINGS TO DO IN AUSTRALIA (SEPTEMBER 01 - SEPTEMBER 10)

Southern Lights or Aurora Australis

Southern Lights or Aurora Australis

May–September  • nature

Southern parts of Australia are lucky to witness the glowing aurora australis

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

September • nature

Enjoy the beauty of hanami season in Victoria

Whale Watching in Victoria

Whale Watching in Victoria

May–early October • nature

You will definitely meet humpback and blue whales during the migration period off Victoria coast

Quokka, the World's Happiest Animal

Quokka, the World's Happiest Animal

April–December • nature

The world's smallest marsupial, the quokka, lives on the Rottnest Island and is considered to be the world's happiest animal

Field of Light Uluru

Field of Light Uluru

all year round • event

In the middle of the desert, a new sparkling life is bursting with colors as soon as the sun goes down

Koalas

Koalas

December–February (all year round) • activity

While these small grey creatures sleep in eucalyptus branches, tourists have one calling–to see koalas and be touched!

Kangaroo Watching

Kangaroo Watching

all year round • nature

Charismatic kangaroos are the most popular wild animals in Victoria

Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road

June–November  • nature

Drive along one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world and enjoy the nature

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

all year round • nature

The world-famous Penguin Parade on the Phillip Island is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Australia

Hutt Lagoon

Hutt Lagoon

June–November  • nature

These red and pink fields look unreal, but in fact, it's a farm producing algae

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

all year round • activity

The Sydney Opera House is one of the 20th century's most famous and distinctive buildings

Horizontal Falls

Horizontal Falls

May–September • nature

Nature doesn't stop amazing us. If you have never heard of Horizontal Waterfalls before, it is the right time to find out

Bondi Icebergs Pool

Bondi Icebergs Pool

all year round • activity

Enjoy a swim in Sydney's most famous pool and get covered by giant ocean waves

Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora)

Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora)

April–October (all year round) • nature

One of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in Australia

Whale Watching in Tasmania

Whale Watching in Tasmania

May–November • nature

The annual migration brings whales to Tasmania waters

Skiing

Skiing

mid-June–September • activity

Did you know that the State of Victoria boasts the largest number of ski resorts in Australia?

Flying Duck Orchid

Flying Duck Orchid

September–January • nature

Tiny flower resembling a flying duck lures insects into its arms, captivates, and enslaves them

Bruny Island Neck

Bruny Island Neck

September–February  • nature

A beautiful nature reserve and isthmus connecting north and south parts of the Bruny Island

Hiking in NSW

Hiking in NSW

March–November • activity

Satisfy your inner explorer with some of the most scenic hiking trails around New South Wales

Surfing Off Victoria Coast

Surfing Off Victoria Coast

September–May • activity

The wild coast of Victoria may offer the best surfing in the world, among the densely overgrown hills and cliffs

Baby Kangaroos (Joeys)

Baby Kangaroos (Joeys)

June–August • nature

Find yourself in a zoo with no borders on Kangaroo Island

Pacific Oysters

Pacific Oysters

April–September • food

Often called the best oysters in South Pacific, the Pacific oysters are al​so available mostly in Tasmania

Mitchell Falls

Mitchell Falls

March–October • nature

This sight is the highlight of the Kimberly National Park. A true oasis in a deserted savannah

Whale Watching in NSW

Whale Watching in NSW

May–November • nature

Witness northern or southern migration of these majestic mammals from land or boat

75 Mile Beach Road

75 Mile Beach Road

year round • activity

Buckle up for an iconic adventure on the largest sand island in the world

Surfing Around Sydney

Surfing Around Sydney

March–September • activity

Learn the art of riding a surfboard on high-quality waves!

Stuart Highway

Stuart Highway

May–October • activity

A legendary historic route that runs through several climate zones of Australia

Diving and Snorkelling

Diving and Snorkelling

May–November • activity

Great Barrier Reef is more than famous for its diving experience. With the biggest reefs and most unique fish and animal, your dive here will be more than perfect!

Stargazing

Stargazing

all year round (but the best time is mid-February through October) • nature

If you want to go stargazing surrounded by beautiful nature, Australia is your destination

Kayaking

Kayaking

April–September • activity

Give your body the ultimate workout while kayaking in the most picturesque areas of Sydney

Bicentennial National Trail

Bicentennial National Trail

April–November (southbound) | September–May (northbound) • activity

Thousands of miles winding through the wildest corridor along Australia's east coast was once passable by horse riders only

Captain Cook Highway

Captain Cook Highway

all year round • activity

A scenic drive along the east coast of Queensland

Simpson, the World's Largest Sand Dune Desert

Simpson, the World's Largest Sand Dune Desert

mid-March–November (best in May–October) • activity

Hundreds of kilometres of sand dunes, vast salt flats, and boundless open spaces astonish with unexpectedly rich wildlife

Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)

Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)

all year round (best May–August) • nature

Bizarre boulders mark an ancient aboriginal meeting point in the Barkly Tablelands

Minke Whale

Minke Whale

June–August • nature

Your most precious experience watching dwarf minke whales on their way to the Pole

Sydney Rock Oyster

Sydney Rock Oyster

September–March • food

Are you ready to taste these fancy little bivalves with a glass of Champagne?

Asparagus

Asparagus

September–November • food

In most refined dishes, asparagus should maintain its taste and structure: it should be slightly soft, but not too much

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

March–May | September–November • activity

Victora offers endless climbing opportunities including beautiful cracks, ledges, and spectacular peaks

Pumpkin Season

Pumpkin Season

March–August • food

Pumpkin seeds were brought to Australia on the First Fleet back in 1788

78 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

AVALON Australian International Airshow

AVALON Australian International Airshow

out of rangeINDUSTRY: March 25–28, 2025 | GENERAL PUBLIC: March 28–30, 2025 • event

The greatest achievements of modern military aviation—world's pride and menace at the same time

Lavender Season

Lavender Season

out of rangeDecember–early February (best in mid-December–mid-January) • nature

Breathe in sweet, fresh lavender at one of the world's largest lavender plantations!

Dark Mofo Festival

Dark Mofo Festival

unconfirmedJune 2023 • event

Feel the Power of Myth merged with the contemporary art at Dark Mofo Festival

Melbourne Music Week

Melbourne Music Week

unconfirmedAugust 17–September 2, 2023 • event

Melbourne Music Week creates a leisurely summer mood

Midsumma Festival

Midsumma Festival

out of rangeJanuary 21 - February 11 • event

This festival has been a leading global LGBTQI+ celebration since 1988

Watching World Smallest Penguins

Watching World Smallest Penguins

out of rangeOctober–April • nature

It is a lifetime experience at the edge of the world

Pilwarren Maslin Beach Nude Games

Pilwarren Maslin Beach Nude Games

on holdJanuary 17, 2021 • event

Nudist community of Australia organizes a large sports competition, which attracts hundreds of enthusiasts

Coral Polyps Spawn

Coral Polyps Spawn

out of rangeOctober–November • nature

Witness the birth of coral reef—a recently discovered phenomenon that sparks with bubbles and colour!

Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney

out of rangeMay 24–June 15, 2024 • event

An award winning festival and the best tourist event in Sydney

Lake Hillier

Lake Hillier

out of rangeOctober–April • nature

This is a marvelous pink lake surrounded by the lush green narrow coastline and washed by the deep blue ocean waters. Is this a sight from a dream? No, it's definitely real and should be put in your must-see list

Tasmanian Beach Season

Tasmanian Beach Season

out of rangeDecember–February • activity

Enjoy the heat and quietness of Tasmanian top beaches

Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devil

out of rangeOctober–December • nature

Don't miss a chance to meet Tasmania's most dangerous and well-known animal—the Devil

Pademelon

Pademelon

out of rangeApril–June • nature

Tasmania's special small and cute kanragoo-animals

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeJanuary–February, 2024 • event

Huge celebrations in Sydney, Melbourne and other cities last for several weeks and attract millions

Halloween in Melbourne

Halloween in Melbourne

out of rangeOctober 27–31, 2023 • event

Cemetery tours, spooky attractions, a scary maze and other fun things to try

Perth Winter Lights Festival

Perth Winter Lights Festival

out of rangeAugust 24–September 3, 2023 • event

Get the real Australian vibe at this lights festival

Jacaranda Trees in Bloom

Jacaranda Trees in Bloom

out of rangemid-October–November • nature

Every spring Sydney shows off its beauty due to lavish jacaranda tree blooms

Climbing Mount Kosciuszko

Climbing Mount Kosciuszko

out of rangeNovember–May • activity

Australia's top summit might be called the smallest largest mountain in the world, four times less than Everest

Pine Mushrooms (Saffron Milk Caps)

Pine Mushrooms (Saffron Milk Caps)

out of rangeMarch–May • food

These grow in places where the soil is densely covered with old coniferous needles, and often hide under them

Beach Season in Victoria

Beach Season in Victoria

out of rangeNovember–March • activity

Spend your vacation on one of Victoria's beautiful beaches from which you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Southern Ocean

Halloween in Sydney

Halloween in Sydney

out of rangeOctober 20–31, 2023 • event

Get into the holiday spirit with magical cruises, houses of horrors, and a zombie walk

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

out of rangeAugust 26–October 22, 2023 • event

This is the only photographic biennale in Australia that attracts a huge number of elite and new photographers from different countries

Melbourne Marathon Festival

Melbourne Marathon Festival

out of rangeOctober 13, 2024 • event

Challenge yourself and join Australia’s largest marathon

Winter Magic Festival

Winter Magic Festival

unconfirmedJune 24, 2023 • event

Celebrate winter solstice in the beautiful Blue Mountains

Ferrython

Ferrython

out of rangeJanuary 26 • event

You can't fully feel the spirit of Australia Day celebrations without the traditional Ferrython

Budgie Tornado

Budgie Tornado

out of rangeNovember–February • nature

A rare spectacle of thousands of budgies flocking in huge swarms

Electric Gardens Festival

Electric Gardens Festival

out of rangeMarch 30–April 7, 2024 (March 30—Melbourne, March 31—Sydney, April 6-7—Perth) • event

Electronic-centric music festival in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth

Boxing Day

Boxing Day

out of rangeDecember 26 • event

One of the best days to go shopping or enjoy a family BBQ

Canowindra Balloon Festival

Canowindra Balloon Festival

out of rangeApril 20–28, 2024 • event

Rejoice in this amazing balloon show, the Cabonne Community Glow, and the night markets with local crafts & food

Australian Cruise

Australian Cruise

out of rangeOctober–April • activity

Immerse yourself in a completely different way of exploring this world

Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

out of rangeDecember 26–December 31 • event

One of the world's most anticipated race that has a long history and offers some spectacular sights!

Drunken Parrot Season

Drunken Parrot Season

out of rangeOctober–December • nature

A mysterious natural phenomenon leaves vets puzzled

New Zealand Cruises

New Zealand Cruises

out of rangeOctober–April (December, January, and February are peak months) • activity

Get the ultimate "Lord of the Rings" experience while cruising along New Zealand

Quince

Quince

out of rangeMarch–July • food

One of the latest fruits of the year that will brighten up any dessert!

Australian Jazz Convention

Australian Jazz Convention

out of rangeDecember 26–31, 2023 • event

Jazz festivals in Australia have a very special tropical vibe to them. Check it out for yourself!

Great Ocean Road Running Festival

Great Ocean Road Running Festival

out of rangeMay 18-19, 2024 • event

A unique running event which offers the best coastal views of Victoria

Grape Harvest in Yarra Valley

Grape Harvest in Yarra Valley

out of rangeMarch • activity

Yarra Valley is a real paradise for wine lovers, this region produces excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines

Mountain Pygmy Possum

Mountain Pygmy Possum

out of rangeNovember–February • nature

A rare kind of possum once considered an extinct species is now found in a decent population of some 2600 individuals, yet only within 10 km radius of Australia's highlands

Festival of Sails

Festival of Sails

out of rangeJanuary 26 - January 28 • event

The festival in Geelong is the most ancient sporting event of Victoria, as well as the largest annual regatta of keel yachts in the southern hemisphere

AFL Grand Final

AFL Grand Final

out of rangeSeptember 28, 2024 • event

Even if you are not familiar with the rules of Australian football, don't miss this greatest sports event in the country

Perth International Jazz Festival

Perth International Jazz Festival

out of rangeNovember 3–5, 2023 | November 11–12, 2023 • event

Australians surely know a little something about jazz music, and this festival is living proof of it

Beach Season in Sydney

Beach Season in Sydney

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

Sydney has no shortage of places to swim or simply relax with a good book

Wombat Watching

Wombat Watching

out of rangeApril–July • nature

This is another of Australia's miracles

Truffle Season

Truffle Season

out of rangemid-June–July • activity

Hunt for the world's finest truffles in Tasmania's rainforests

Ampol Wynnum Halloween Parade

Ampol Wynnum Halloween Parade

out of rangeOctober 28, 2023 • event

A favorite spooky family-friendly festival near Brisbane

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

out of rangeOctober 18-20, 2024 • event

Phillip Island offers a superb circuit for one of the most exciting motorsport events in the world

Festival of the Winds

Festival of the Winds

unconfirmedJuly 14, 2023 • event

Great fun on one of Sydney's most famous beaches

Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Cup

out of rangeNovember 2-9, 2024 • event

This horse race is one of Australia's most prestigious thoroughbred horse races

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

out of rangeMarch 1-11, 2024 • event

One of Canberra's most photographed annual events

Australian Grand Prix

Australian Grand Prix

out of rangeMarch 21-24, 2024 • event

Witness how the first Formula 1 race of the year speeds up from 0 to 200mph in a flash

Noosa Festival of Surfing

Noosa Festival of Surfing

out of rangeMarch 8-17, 2024 • event

Men, women and dog surfers of all ages master the waves in Noosa

Byron Bay Bluesfest

Byron Bay Bluesfest

out of rangeMarch 28-April 1, 2024 • event

One of the leading contemporary blues and roots music festivals in Australia

Hunter Valley Air Show

Hunter Valley Air Show

on holdMarch 25–26, 2023 • event

Become a part of this blockbuster-like event!

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

out of rangeMarch 26-April 5, 2024 • event

This surf competition is so fascinating that it cannot be missed even if you are not a fan of this sport

Australian Open

Australian Open

out of rangeJanuary 12-26, 2025 • event

The famous Australian Open Tennis Championships is among the four Grand Slam tournaments

Dugong

Dugong

out of rangeDecember–February  • nature

Most extravagant residents of Austalia's offshore waters that can be spotted all along the Great Barrier Reef

Injidup Natural Spa

Injidup Natural Spa

out of rangeNovember–May • activity

Secluded beach heaven in the heart of the Margaret River wine region

Easter

Easter

out of rangeMarch 29–April 1, 2024 • event

Easter Bilbies, shows, and festivals—there's something extraordinary about Easter celebrations in Australia

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day

out of rangeMarch 14–17, 2024 • event

Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne boast impressive celebrations of the Irish culture

Frankston Festival of Lights

Frankston Festival of Lights

unconfirmedNovember 24, 2024  • event

The start of festive season in Frankston

Diving in Gordon's Bay

Diving in Gordon's Bay

out of rangeOctober–April • activity

Discover a fantastic underwater world in the most stunning diving spot in Sydney

Australia Day

Australia Day

out of rangeJanuary 26 • event

Despite some controversy, this holiday plays a consolidating role, celebrating everything about being an Aussie

Sydney Marathon

Sydney Marathon

out of rangeSeptember 15, 2024 • event

The largest and most popular running event in New South Wales

Fur Seal Breeding Season

Fur Seal Breeding Season

out of rangeOctober–December • nature

At the rookery of fur seals, there is constant turmoil: some pups sleep, some get food, some play, some snarl at neighbours or even climb the rocks

Venison

Venison

out of rangelate February–March • food

One of the world's rarest and most delicious meat that you may try in the most pristine courner of Australia

Macadamia

Macadamia

out of rangeMarch–June • food

Taste the nut which is worth going nuts for

Quiksilver Pro & Roxy Pro Gold Coast

Quiksilver Pro & Roxy Pro Gold Coast

overApril 3–13, 2019 • event

Meet the world's best board riders at the stunning southern Gold Coast of Australia

Kaleidoscope Festival

Kaleidoscope Festival

overNovember 1–4, 2018 • event

One of the largest free family-friendly festivals in Western Australia

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

out of rangeOctober–March • activity

Find out why Australia is one of the best countries in the world for wind sports

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

One of first countries to ring in the New Year

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

out of rangeAugust 16–18, 2024 • event

A popular Californian aerial event expands to Australia

Generations in Jazz

Generations in Jazz

unconfirmedMay 3–5, 2024 • event

A popular music event and competition in South Australia

Cricket

Cricket

out of rangelate December–February • event

There were references to the first Australian cricket matches as early as in the 18th century

Big Red Bash

Big Red Bash

out of rangeJuly 2-4, 2024 • event

Visit the world's most remote music festival at the Big Red desert dune

Gold Coast Marathon

Gold Coast Marathon

out of rangeJuly 6-7, 2024 • event

Australia's premiere road race with beautiful and flat course

Australian Outback Marathon

Australian Outback Marathon

out of rangeJuly 27, 2024 • event

The most authentic running experience in Australia

Big City Lights

Big City Lights

unconfirmedearly July 2024 • event

A contemporary festival of audio-visual activations, large-scale digital works, and 3D-mapping

Capsicum

Capsicum

out of rangeDecember–May • food

This glossy and brightly colored fruit will be a good addition to your meal

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