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The Best Things to Do in Spring in Australia
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
From wine tastings and farm-to-fork degustations to whale-watching cruises and indulgent spa treatments, this is our pick of the best things to do in Australia this spring.
No matter whether you’re travelling locally or interstate, Australia’s jam-packed full of experiences that make for a perfect weekend away – from indulgent food and wine tours to bucket-list journeys above the clouds.
Read on to discover our pick of the best things to do in Australia this spring.
The Best Things to Do in Spring in Victoria
Relax at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Mornington Peninsula
Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul after winter with a visit to the stunning Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. With 22 unique hot springs – including secluded forest pools, a botanical pool and rooftop salt pool – it’s the perfect place for a day of pampering. Heighten the luxury with a two-course meal at onsite restaurant Thyme, paired with a glass of local beer, wine, cold-pressed juice or herbal tea blend.
Feast on Japanese fusion, Malvern
Indulge in an elegant degustation at beloved Hakone Japanese Fusion in Malvern, where a generous five-course menu awaits. Savour Japanese favourites like fresh sashimi, crispy tempura, crunchy edamame and miso-marinated seafood, accompanied by a glass of sake – you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the streets of Tokyo.
Captain a boat on the Yarra River, Melbourne
Take to the water this spring by captaining your own electric boat on the Yarra River – no license necessary! With room for up to 10 people, you can invite your entire friendship group or celebrate a special family occasion in style. Bring a picnic lunch and connect your phone to the onboard speakers for an unbeatable riverside experience.
The Best Things to Do in Spring in New South Wales
Feast on Japanese delights at a teppanyaki banquet, Sydney
With nights warming up, spring is the best time of year to enjoy dinner at one of Sydney’s best restaurants. Book a table at The Rocks Teppanyaki for a special seafood or wagyu banquet starring fresh Australian delicacies from land and sea, cooked to perfection directly in front of your eyes. Favourites include wagyu tataki, AA9+ grade wagyu steak and crêpes suzette – a modern take on this classic French dessert.
Take to the skies in a hot air balloon, Hunter Valley
Experience the beauty of one of Australia’s most spectacular wine regions from the sky with a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Take in spectacular views of rolling hills and look out for centuries-old vineyards as you float above the trees, before touching back down for a delicious breakfast at a local winery. A glass of sparkling wine is the cherry on top.
Indulge in a spa and high tea experience, Sydney
Treat yourself to a blissful afternoon at Shangri-La Sydney’s luxurious Chi, The Spa – the perfect antidote to winter. Unwind with an aromatherapy massage and body brush exfoliation or lush facial, followed by a hot towel foot infusion before heading to the 36th floor for an indulgent high tea, surrounded by sweeping views and accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine.
The Best Things to Do in Spring in Queensland
Ride the Kuranda Skyrail, Cairns
Soak up the breathtaking beauty of Far North Queensland on a Skyrail adventure tour. Glide over the world’s oldest tropical rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, explore the charming village of Kuranda – including its famed Heritage Markets – on foot, and ride the Kuranda Scenic Rail in a gold class carriage, sipping sparkling wine as you journey through this stunning region.
Cruise the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas
No trip to Far North Queensland is complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re departing from Port Douglas or Cairns, spend a full day exploring this oasis of coral gardens and tropical marine life. Admire the underwater world from a semi-submersible or get up close and personal with the reef on a snorkelling or scuba diving adventure.
Set sail on a whale watching tour, Gold Coast
Spring is the best time to witness the annual humpback whale migration off the coast of the Gold Coast. Embark on a scenic cruise aboard a luxury superyacht to see these majestic creatures frolicking in the waves. You might even be lucky enough to spot a mother and baby swimming along together!
Dine at a revolving rooftop restaurant, Gold Coast
Admire panoramic ocean, hinterland and city views over lunch at Gold Coast’s only revolving restaurant, Horizon Sky Dining. Located on the 26th floor of Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, an IHG Hotel, the restaurant’s sumptuous buffet menu spans locally sourced seafood, grilled meats, charcuterie, antipasto and desserts.
The Best Things to Do in Spring in South Australia
Admire glass artworks at Chihuly’s Garden Cycle, Adelaide
Launching in late September 2024, Garden Cycle art exhibition is set to be a highlight of Adelaide’s spring calendar. Making its Australian debut in Adelaide, this exclusive installation showcases a selection of large-scale glass sculptures by celebrated artist Dale Chihuly across two kilometres of lush parkland. Visit during the day to admire the artwork in the sunlight or see the sculptures lit dramatically on an evening visit.
Take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight, Barossa Valley or Adelaide Hills
Admire the scenic beauty of one of South Australia’s iconic wine regions from above on a scenic helicopter flight. Whether you prefer a short and sweet 10-minute flight over the Barossa Valley or an epic 30-minute journey across the Adelaide Hills, you’ll soar over rolling hills, sprawling vineyards and charming towns.
Graze and sip your way across South Australia’s best wineries, Barossa Valley
Gather up to seven friends and head into the picturesque Barossa Valley region for a private full-day wine tour packed with great food and incredible wine. Customise your itinerary or let your expert driver whisk you away to four of the region’s best wineries, stopping for lunch at a renowned local restaurant to refuel between tastings.
Sample local food and wine, Adelaide
Adelaide’s gourmet food and wine scene is an absolute treasure trove. Whether you’re looking to eat your way through Adelaide Central Market, sample award-winning drops at a cellar door like Penfolds Magill Estate or indulge in a three-course dinner at the city’s iconic Skyline Restaurant, there is something to suit any food and wine lover in the city (and beyond) this spring.
The Best Things to Do in Spring in Western Australia
Journey through the hills on horseback, Perth
Set off on a scenic journey through native jarrah forest via horseback in Jarrahdale, just a 50-minute drive south of Perth. Your noble steed will carry you through green hills, past fertile farmland and into verdant bushland as you make your way to Bald Hill, where breathtaking views of the surrounding area await. Finish your experience with a homemade grazing platter and glass of local wine in the sun.
Sample local wine or craft spirits, Swan Valley
Spend a balmy springtime afternoon exploring some of the Swan Valley’s award-winning wineries, craft breweries and boutique distilleries. Visit Sin Gin Distillery and taste your way through the distillery’s devilishly delicious range of small batch gins or craft your own bottle of wine with an interactive blending experience at Mandoon Estate. Whether you prefer grenache, gin or golden ale you’ll find the perfect drop this magnificent corner of Western Australia.
Take a scenic cruise on Roebuck Bay, Broome
Explore the Dampier Peninsula in true style on a scenic cruise, complete with gourmet grazing platters and sparkling wine. Sail across the hypnotic red and blue waters of Roebuck Bay, admiring rich sandscapes, mangrove forests and powder-white beaches. Look out for native wildlife – on and off the shore – as you soak up the spectacular beauty of this rugged coastline.
Cruise along the Swan River on a gondola, Perth
Admire some of Perth’s most iconic sights on a private gondola ride along the Swan River. Each gondola is fitted with plush velvet seating, intricately carved cabins and mandolin music for an experience designed to transport you to the canals of Venice. Add a bottle of French champagne to heighten the indulgence as your gondolier gently steers you past Perth’s best sights.
Zipline over the Swan River, Perth
Soar over the Swan River at speeds of up to 75 kilometres per hour on a thrilling zipline adventure. Climb 150 steep stairs up the Matagarup Bridge to the launch platform before taking off across the river, soaking up panoramic city views as you go. Digital photos are available to take home afterwards as a reminder of your adrenaline-pumping adventure.
The Best Things to Do in Spring in Tasmania
Sample Tasmanian wines at Josef Chromy, Launceston
Sample the best of Tasmanian food and wine with a delicious afternoon at Josef Chromy Wines. Start with a guided tasting through four estate wines at the stunning cellar door, before moving to the onsite restaurant for a produce-driven lunch with paired wines. Choose from delectable dishes like seared kingfish with eggplant crème paired with a rich pinot gris and Cape Grim eye fillet, paired with a spicy pinot noir, for a taste of the Apple Isle on a plate.
Enjoy a scenic cruise to Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay
Spring brings clear, sunny days to Australia’s most southern state, making it the perfect time to explore rugged Wineglass Bay. This untouched gem, located on the east coast of Tasmania, boasts dramatic granite cliffs, white-sand beaches and remote islands, best explored on a half-day scenic cruise. Soak up panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows as you tuck into a ploughman’s lunch or watch out for fairy penguins and short-tailed shearwaters from the boast’s viewing deck.
Savour local food and wine, Hobart
With so many incredible food and wine options, a guided tour is the best way to explore Tasmania’s gourmet offerings. If you’re short on time, focus on the Coal Valley wine region, located just 30 minutes from Hobart. On this full-day tour, a local guide will chauffeur you to a selection of family-owned wineries, boutique cheesemakers and local providores for a taste of the region’s incredible produce.
The Best Things to Do in Spring in the Australian Capital Territory
Go on a mystery picnic date, Canberra
There’s no better way to celebrate spring than with a picnic! Invite a special someone to embark on a mystery picnic date with you through Canberra’s southern suburbs – from Manuka to Kingston. Start with an empty picnic basket and solve a series of curated clues to collect your gourmet feast bit by bit. Your last clue will take you to a stunning picnic location where you can enjoy your collected spread.
Spend a day at Floriade Flower Festival, Canberra
The highly anticipated Floriade Flower Festival returns this spring, with the 2024 event set to showcase more than 300,000 blooming bulbs across the city. Explore installations at the National Arboretum and the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection at your own pace or opt for a full-day guided tour through the colourful city-wide exhibition. Whatever you choose, don’t miss Tulip Top Gardens, a private estate featuring a fabulous display of brightly coloured tulips.
The Best Things to Do in Spring in the Northern Territory
Tour Kata Tjuṯa at sunset, Uluru
Kata Tjuṯa should be on every Australian’s bucket list. The iconic ochre rock domes are best visited at sunrise or sunset, when the sun illuminates the formation in striking hues of red and orange. Sip a glass of sparkling wine as you learn about the history, flora and fauna of this unique corner of the outback on what’s certain to be a soul-stirring adventure.
Embark on a Territory pub crawl… by helicopter, Darwin
Take your next day drinking session to new heights on a helicopter pub crawl. Visit four of the Territory’s most iconic pubs, including Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin River Tavern and Goat Island Lodge, on this fit-for-a-celebrity outback adventure. Travel via helicopter between pubs, admiring the spectacular landscape and looking out for native wildlife down below.
Looking for more inspiration? Read 12 Bucket-List Experiences in Australia (That Aren’t Just the ‘Big’ Things).
