Khaizuran RashidAustralia is a holiday for all seasons, where you can hunt for jacarandas in spring and go snorkelling in winter. Here Down Under, the seasons flip the script, offering a unique mix of adventures that’ll have you rethinking what a holiday getaway can be.
From the coral reefs brimming with marine life to iconic landscapes that look straight from a movie, Australia’s diverse playground is bursting with experiences all year round. Read on to discover the best of each season!
Things to do in Australia during Summer (December – February)
1. Greet the whales and other marine marvels in Bremer Canyon, Western Australia
Image credit: Bremer Bay, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Bremer Canyon is a summer must-visit. This underwater canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA, is where multitudes of orcas, great white sharks, sperm whales, and other marine predators gather in the summer to hunt and breed. If you’re lucky, you may even spot adorable baby orcas!
Speaking of adorable sights, summer is also a good time to visit Rottnest Island and snap a selfie with a quokka, the “happiest animal in the world” that always seems to put on a smile.
2. Stroll through lavender dreams at Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Tasmania
Image credit: Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Badowla, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania / Luke Tscharke
Immerse yourself in the scent of fresh lavender at Bridestowe Lavender Estate. This historic farm is one of the most photographed destinations in Tasmania, with rows and rows of immaculate purple blossoms stretching into the horizon.
Wander through the fields to your heart’s content (remember to grab a picture for the ’Gram!) After that, visit the onsite cafe for some lavender tea, lavender scones, and even lavender-infused ice cream.
Besides that, there are lots more stunning summer activities on offer in Tasmania. From hiking the Three Capes Track to walking the white sand beaches of the Bay of Fires with an Aboriginal guide, there are gorgeous trails dotted around the state. Don’t forget to take part in the fun summer festivals that are on in Tassie – including the Taste of Tasmania food festival and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, both of which happen over the New Year.
Things to do in Australia during Autumn (March – May)
3. Go wreck snorkelling and conquer sand dunes on Moreton Island, Queensland
Image credit: Moreton Island, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland / Phil Warring
Just a day trip away from Brisbane lies Moreton Island – A massive sand haven in Queensland perfect for an autumn escape. This rugged island offers a welcome break from the city’s pace, where expansive golden dunes and a wild, windswept coastline set the scene for unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re planning a laid-back getaway or a day of thrills, Moreton Island is the perfect natural playground waiting to be explored.
Here, trade your city schedule for an adventure-packed day. Snorkel among The Wrecks, a fascinating cluster of 15 sunken ships now teeming with marine life, or hit the dunes at Tangalooma Desert for some exhilarating sand boarding. You can also hop on a quad bike for a wild ride across the rolling sandhills.
4. Revel in Adelaide’s Autumn festivals, South Australia
Image credit: Tainmuntilla, Adelaide, South Australia © WOMADelaide / South Australian Tourism Commission
As the temperatures drop slightly in autumn, the city of Adelaide lights up with colourful festivals, such as the Adelaide Fringe Festival (Australia’s biggest arts festival) and WOMADelaide, a vibrant celebration of music, arts, and dance from around the world. For the foodies, autumn is also when you’ll find events like Tasting Australia and Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, which proudly show off the world-class culinary scene of South Australia.
For those seeking peace and quiet, head to the Adelaide Hills for a romantic stroll underneath the fiery autumn foliage. You could also head to the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens for even more romantic autumn scenery and blooming autumn flowers.
5. Embark on the iconic Ghan Expedition in the Northern Territory
Image credit: Katherine Rail Passenger Terminal, Northern Territory © Tourism NT / Annie Nguyen
Autumn is the start of the dry season in the Northern Territory where weather conditions improve and there is less rain, making it the ideal time for an excursion to the Australian outback. While you could plan your own itinerary and visit multiple locations separately, for an extra memorable experience, we recommend joining the Ghan Expedition, an epic luxury train journey that’s considered one of the best in the world.
Travelling between the cities of Darwin and Adelaide in South Australia, this 2,979km, four-day trip takes you on a journey to some of the most remote and captivating parts of Australia. Along the way, you’ll stop at Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, Manguri, and Nitmiluk Gorge, among other locations where you can enjoy the sights of the outback whilst also learning about the rich history and culture of Australia’s Aboriginal peoples.
Things to do in Australia during Winter (June – August)
6. Go skiing in the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales
Image credit: Charlotte Pass, Snowy Mountains, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Winter in New South Wales is the best time to visit the Snowy Mountains, also known as “The Snowies,” for a thrilling experience. During the winter, the region transforms into a winter wonderland offering exciting activities like skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities and scenery. One popular activity is snowshoeing – walking over heaps of snow while taking in the mesmerising scenery.
Thredbo is arguably the best location to start your snowshoe adventure as there are tours there that can bring you all the way to the peak of Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain Down Under.
7. Enjoy a husky sledge adventure at Mount Hotham, Victoria
Image credit: Mount Hotham, Victoria © Visit Victoria
Winter brings to Victoria plenty of snowfall in the mountains, making it the ideal time for a variety of winter experiences. Apart from embarking on guided tours along snow-capped peaks, one unique activity to try is husky sledding at The Stumpy Tailed Trail at Mount Hotham.
It is exactly how you imagine it: A group of adorable huskies pulling you through enchanting winter scenery across various backcountry trails, as you learn about the remarkable history of the area. For the romantic at heart, you could also go stargazing at night amidst the snowy slopes!
8. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Image credit: Michaelmas Cay, Queensland © Tourism & Events Queensland / Andrew Watson
You might be surprised, but winter is the best time to visit the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. That’s because humidity is low during this season, which makes the waters extra clear. Plus, this is when stinger season (when jellyfish converge in the waters of Queensland) has just passed, meaning you can go snorkelling amidst the majestic coral reef colonies without having to put on a wetsuit.
If you prefer to stay dry during the season, then we recommend signing up for a whale-watching cruise. Winter in Queensland is peak whale-watching season, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot humpback whales in Hervey Bay.
9. Chase the Southern Lights in Tasmania
Image credit: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania / Pierre Destribats
Much like during the autumn season, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a must-visit in Tasmania during winter because, during this time, you can chase the Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis. The minimal light pollution in the winter Tasmanian wilderness gives you the best chance to see this whimsical light show in the night sky.
Meanwhile, back in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, there are a multitude of festivals to enjoy. Festivals like the Winter Feast and Tasmanian Whisky Week are sure to warm you up with delicious food and drink as you fend off the chilly Tasmanian winter.
Things to do in Australia during Spring (September – November)
10. Hunt for jacarandas in Sydney, New South Wales
Image credit: Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Spring in New South Wales is synonymous with the vibrant hues of the jacaranda flowers in Sydney. As you explore New South Wales’ bustling capital during this time, you’ll come across jacaranda-filled streets, with the blooming flowers painting the city a lovely shade of purple. For the most Insta-worthy experience, head to the suburbs (Lavender Bay, Mosman, and Paddington are popular jacaranda spots) or out to the town of Grafton, which also hosts an annual jacaranda festival.
Take this chance to enjoy the pleasant weather and soak in the popular sights in the city, such as the Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House. Alternatively, you could join in the city’s racing carnival at Randwick Racecourse or take a day trip to Hunter Valley for a relaxing wine-tasting experience.
11. Visit Canberra’s Floriade Festival, Australian Capital Territory
Image credit: Floriade Gardens, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra
Springtime blesses Canberra with Floriade, the one event you should add to your travel list for Australia’s Capital Territory. This annual spring festival is held in Commonwealth Park where you can expect vibrant flower displays, live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
The event features massive displays of flowering bulbs, often integrated with sculptures and other artistic features, and garden bed designs inspired by various art forms like painting, music, or literature. More importantly, the event offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of spring flowers in full bloom, particularly the jacarandas along the shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin.
In fact, during peak bloom, the city streets of Canberra, namely the iconic Canberra Avenue, are lined with vibrant purple flowers, creating a magical and photogenic spectacle. Imagine posing for a photo beneath a canopy of purple blossoms as you enjoy the cool spring breeze. Such bliss!
12. Soak in the hot springs of the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Image credit: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria © Visit Victoria / Peninsula Hot Springs
Spring’s gentle warmth makes the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria an ideal spot for a day of indulgence. Start your afternoon with a leisurely stroll along pristine beaches or a visit to charming local wineries, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Victoria’s spring bloom. The peninsula offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and relaxed coastal charm, inviting you to unwind and explore at your own pace.
Later, as the day cools into evening, treat yourself to pure pampering at Peninsula Hot Springs. With over 70 globally inspired geothermal bathing experiences, from serene private baths to vibrant communal pools, this natural spa is less than 90 minutes from Melbourne and promises to melt away your stress. Embrace the rejuvenating warmth of natural thermal waters and let the soothing spa treatments help you reconnect and recharge.
Whether you’re visiting in winter, spring, summer, or autumn, Australia’s seasons are a kaleidoscope of experiences, offering something truly special no matter when you visit. There is always a good time to explore, so pack your bags for the trip of a lifetime to Down Under!
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Brought to you by Tourism Australia
