Considering that Australia is a remarkably beautiful and enormously large country, there is no such thing as the best time to explore Australia. It all depends on the destination you choose.
In other words, the best time to explore Australia should depend on which part of the country you are planning to visit.
When’s the best time to explore Australia?
When compared to the countries in Northern Hemisphere, the seasons in the land down under are opposite. For example, in Australia, the summer season is from December to February, a time when Northern Hemisphere countries such as United States, Canada, China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, etc. experience winters.
Similarly, the winter season in Australia is from June to August; it’s a time when countries in the Northern Hemisphere experience winter. So, if you are a non-Australian, it’s essential for you to gather as much information as you can about the seasons, and the kind of weather people experience in each season in different regions.
It will give a comprehensive idea of when you should avoid exploring which part of the country and vice versa.
Given below are recommendations for the best time to explore Australia in several popular travel destinations.
Australia in Summer
Australia has several beautiful holiday destinations that you can explore in the summer season. Exploring outdoors is an activity that every Australian loves to carry out in hot weather. From awe-inspiring beaches and picture-perfect national parks to unique outback destinations, you have a lot of options when it comes to discovering outdoors in summers.
Here are the top-rated destinations if you consider summer the best time to explore Australia:
Mornington Peninsula in Victoria
A two-hour drive from the city of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is best for families, groups, and solo travelers. Packed with unbelievable attractions such Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens, Enchanted Adventure Garden, Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, Mornington Peninsula National Park, and Fort Nepean, it’s the best weekend escape from Melbourne.
It’s an excellent place for exploring local Australian arts and crafts.
Apart from the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne is also an exciting place in Victoria that you can explore in summers.
Sydney in New South Wales
Located on the east coast of Australia, Sydney is one of the most vibrant cities in the country that you can explore in summers.
Brimming with mindblowing attractions such as Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, Port Jackson, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo Sydney, The Rock, and Sydney Opera House, it’s a city that’s not only a melting pot of cultures but also talks volumes about the Australian history.
Albany in Western Australia
A five hours drive from Perth, Albany is a beautiful coastal city that’s known for its awe-inspiring beaches, historical places, and rich and intense wines.
Torndirrup National Park, King George Sound, West Cape Howe National Park, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Strawberry Hill, Eclipse Island, and Shelter Island, are some of the most significant attractions in Albany that will keep you occupied.
Other crucial holiday destinations to explore for those who think that summer is the best time to explore Australia are Robes in South Australia, 1770, and Fraser Coast in Queensland, and Jervis Bay in New South Wales.
Australia in Autumn
There is little doubt that Autumn is one of the best seasons to explore the beauty of Australia. It’s the time of the year when you can enjoy the beauty of the Australian landscape in the real sense.
Here are the top-rated Australian Autumn destinations:
Orange in New South Wales
A three and a half hours’ drive from Sydney, Orange, the city which is known for its greenery and mouthwatering food, is one of the most exciting places to visit if you think Autumn is the best time to explore Australia.
Brimming with attractions like the Orange Botanic Garden (packed with exotic plants), Cook Park, and Robertson Park, Orange is the destination that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Apart from these attractions, you can also visit Philip Shaw Wines, Lake Canobolas, Mount Canobolas, and Borenore Caves, etc.
Blackwood River Valley in Western Australia
Located at a three hours’ drive from the city of Perth, Blackwood River Valley is the best place to explore in the Autumn season. You can carry out a road trip from Perth to Blackwood River Valley, to enjoy beautiful places on the way.
You can discover the Golden Valley Tree Park to experience Autumn foliage. Apart from that, you can also explore Sunnyhurst Winery, Chudacud (which is also a winery), and Bridgetown Pottery (an art gallery).
High Country in Victoria
Known for the Great Dividing Range and its rugged mountains, the High Country in Victoria is an excellent destination for Autumn season. You can explore picture-perfect villages like Harrietville, Myrtleford, and Wandiligong, etc. Apart from that, you should also visit Bright, which attracts a wide range of people during Autumn.
Other crucial Autumn destinations are Bowral in New South Wales and Tasmania.
Australia in Winter
Most of the places in Australia experience mild winters, so it is also the perfect time to explore this country. You have a lot of options so you can choose the destinations based on your interest.
Here are some stunning winter destinations:
The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales
If you want to experience the winters at its best, the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales is without a doubt the best place for you. All you need to do is pack woollen clothes, and have the activities listed down that you want to perform once you reach your destination.
Victorian Alps in Victoria
Apart from that, the Victorian Alps is also an ideal destination for winters. You will have an excellent time with your loved ones exploring it if you are someone who loves connecting with nature.
However, if you are someone who wants to know more about the history and culture of Australia, then you can also visit cities like Sydney and Melbourne. You can explore museums and art galleries to get a better understanding of Australian culture.
Bunya Mountains in Queensland, the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Barossa Valley in South Australia, and Broome in Western Australia are also great places if you think winter is the best time to explore Australia.
The winter season is also the perfect time to explore the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the most iconic destinations in Australia.
Australia in Spring
From September to November, Australia experiences the Spring season, which is one of the best times to explore this magnificent country. Whether you talk about exploring beaches or carrying out road trips to discover the Australian outback, Spring is the best time to meet your travel goals.
Here are the destinations that you can explore in Spring season:
Hunter Valley in New South Wales
Known for its rich wines, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales is a must visit place in Australia. Although you can explore it at any time of the year, but Spring season is a remarkable time to explore its beauty.
You can attend the Spring Festival of Flowers that showcases exotic flowers. Apart from that, you can visit wineries for wine tasting.
Kangaroo Island in South Australia
If you want to explore the local wildlife, then Kangaroo Island Australia is without a doubt, one of the best places for you. You can discover animals like Koalas, sea lions, penguins, kangaroos, and wallabies, etc.
Apart from that, other vital Spring destinations include Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Margaret River in Western Australia, Katherine in Northern Territory, and Cradle Mountain in Tasmania.
Ruby Daub is an Australian solo travel addict who has been traveling by herself for several decades. Besides Australia, she’s mainly traveled around Europe and South-East Asia.
You too can become a guest blogger on The Travel Bunny. Just submit a free guest post.
You should also read these articles on The Travel Bunny blog
Give some love to Australia’s hidden gems!
Travel adventures you can’t turn down
5 Amazing gap year travel ideas