Every corner of Australia has something to offer the curious traveller – it’s simply a matter of choosing when you want to visit.
From the overflowing waterfalls of Kakadu in the wet season to swimming with whale sharks off Western Australia’s coastline, Australia’s wide plains, dense rainforests and spectacular coastlines are brimming with adventure, no matter the season. Beyond the classic itineraries sit a whole set of emerging experiences just waiting to be explored – read on to discover our pick of the best of the bunch.
Where to holiday in January
See Kakadu National Park in the wet season
It’s normally said that the best time to visit Kakadu is during the calm dry season, but fortune favours those bold enough to visit in January. Open year-round, Australia’s largest terrestrial national park is at its least congested in the wet season, meaning you could spend hours without seeing a soul. Animals, on the other hand, are everywhere; in response to the rain, wild berries, plums and white apples come alive.
The foliage is supercharged with shades of green you may not have known existed, while waterfalls are in full flow. Daily activities such as river cruises and scenic flights also operate year-round, giving you multiple opportunities to admire the monsoonal magic from every angle.
Where to holiday in February
Discover Kangaroo Island at its most serene
Discover one of Australia’s most spectacular stretches of sand on Kangaroo Island, located just a 45-minute ferry ride from the coast of South Australia. A little quieter now that schools are back in session, February is the perfect time to explore this rugged island paradise.
Beeline for Vivonne Bay, located on the island’s south coast, for crystal-clear waters and Little Sahara dunes, or head north to Stokes Bay for an abundance of rock pools and boogie-board-friendly waves. Keep an eye out for friendly dolphins cruising past, or watch local seals establish their territory ahead of mating season from the shore at Seal Bay.
Where to holiday in March
Swim alongside whale sharks at Ningaloo Marine Park
Forget following the crowds to the Great Barrier Reef – March is all about Western Australia and the awe-inspiring Ningaloo Reef. This month is the start of the whale shark season, when these gentle giants migrate to enjoy warmer waters and feast on small fish and zooplankton. With several tour companies operating throughout the season from Coral Bay and Exmouth, it’s easy to hop into the water of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef and swim alongside these majestic animals, watching as they harmlessly filter-feed. A March visit also means you catch the tail end of turtle season and admire the first of the humpback whales coming to visit, knocking a number of sightings off your bucket list.
Where to holiday in April
Experience Parrtjima in Mparntwe (Alice Springs)
As the temperature lowers across the country, venture to the Red Centre to experience Parrtjima, a 10-night light festival celebrating Australia’s oldest continuous living culture through cutting-edge technology. Cast on the 300-million-year-old canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia, this Indigenous-backed celebration is spread over 10 days and features artworks, light shows, performances, interactive workshops, music, films and talks from emerging and established Indigenous artists.
The 2024 festival featured Arelhe Urrperle, a six-metre-high puppet featuring layers of colour, sound and light, and Tjoritja Cockatoos, where visitors were immersed in Country through animation and sound, including the chatter of black cockatoos. These one-of-a-kind activations were paired with the large-scale light installations – the Ranges Light Show and Grounded.
Where to holiday in May
Check out Darwin's Street Art Festival
Come May, Darwin’s streets are awash with colour with the arrival of the Street Art Festival. Up to 20 brand-new murals pop up throughout Darwin and the Northern Suburbs over three weeks, transforming streets into a one-of-a-kind outdoor art gallery. Now’s your chance to watch both local and international graffiti artists at work as they take inspiration from the Top End’s landscapes, people and stories.
Visit from mid-May to discover Shadforth Lane, a locals-only laneway, or simply choose a corner – it’s likely an artist will be creating a masterpiece. There are also drawing and graffiti workshops, exhibitions and free parties to attend – what more could you need from the tropical Top End?
Where to holiday in June
Watch humpback whales frolic at Jervis Bay Marine Park
In the middle of each year, humpback whales make their annual migration north to mate and give birth, before returning back to their summer home in the Antarctic. The Jervis Bay Marine Park is one of the few places you can swim with these gentle giants – as well as fur seals and dolphins – and June is the best time to knock it off your bucket list. Join one of the local operators running respectful tours of the park to learn about the whales’ behaviours, the history of the area and local Dreamtime stories, before hopping in the water to get up close.
Where to holiday in July
Snorkel off Lady Musgrave Island
Winter may be a popular time to head to the golden shores of Port Douglas and Tropical Queensland, but with popularity comes crowds. Beat the masses by staying south and escaping to Lady Musgrave Island, one of the Great Barrier Reef’s best swimming spots. Measuring just 19.45 hectares in size, this tiny coral cay is surrounded by a huge protected reef that’s brimming with marine life and technicolour coral. Throw on your snorkel to swim alongside 1,500 species of fish, manta rays, reef sharks and turtles.
Lady Musgrave is an untouched paradise, with a walking trail, composting toilets and small campsite the only signs of civilisation. Keen campers can extend the experience by staying overnight but a word to the wise – there is no fresh water, mobile reception, food or shelter so you’ll need to bring everything with you. If this is a little too rustic for your liking, venture back to the comforts of Bundaberg via ferry (the trip takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes).
Where to holiday in August
Road trip across the country
It’s time to cross the country! With no hot desert temperatures or rain-affected roads, August presents the perfect opportunity to hit the road and discover Australia’s hidden gems. Start in one of the country’s emerging capitals of cool, Adelaide, and head north to the Red Centre, via Port Augusta and Coober Pedy. Or from Adelaide head west to Perth, stopping first to sample some of the world’s finest red wines at the Barossa Valley, before continuing to Ceduna, Eucla, Coolgardie and finally, the Western Australian capital.
Where to holiday in September
Go hunting for Tasmania's aurora australis
Head south in September to see the incredible southern light show, aurora australis, from the natural wonderland that is Tasmania. With kilometres upon kilometres of untouched wilderness, plus pitch-black skies, Australia’s southernmost state offers the perfect stage to admire flickering shades of green, blue, purple and red as they illuminate the night sky.
Remote locations offer the best chance of spotting the light show, as they are less likely to be affected by light pollution. But that doesn’t necessarily mean long drives – Bruny Island, just 30 minutes from Hobart, is a popular vantage spot, especially from The Neck (the narrow strip of land connecting the island’s north and south). At the other end of the island, in the central highlands, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park has the potential for stunning views of the Southern Lights, with reflections off its series of flat, mirrored lakes. Sightings aren’t always guaranteed, but Tasmania’s rugged beauty and gourmet food scene offer plenty more to see and do.
Where to holiday in October
Fall in love with the Margaret River Region
With winter in the back window, Margaret River’s vineyards are now in bloom, making it the perfect time to visit the picturesque wineries dotted across the region. But that’s not all on offer come October – longer days and higher temperatures mean more time on secluded beaches, while breaching humpbacks appear as they journey south for the summer, along with blue, minke and southern right whales.
Margaret River Region’s cultural calendar flourishes throughout the month, with Museum Gala Day, The West Australian Guitar Festival and the exhilarating Cape to Cape mountain bike race all happening, as well as the Wildflower & Environment Show and Open Nature Gardens Weekend.
Where to holiday in November
Paddle the Murray River
Late spring is the perfect time to experience Australia’s rivers, so why not spend a few days cruising down one of the country’s best-known waterways, the Murray-Darling River? Go back in time with a multi-day journey on an iconic wood-fired paddle steamer, learning about the history of this famous waterway while keeping an eye out for native bird species and kangaroos. Discover the romance of river travel as you wind your way through diverse landscapes, disembarking to visit historic sites such as Perricoota Station and Ecucha.
Where to holiday in December
Tour the Great Alpine Road
The word ‘alpine’ may suggest a winter activity, but the Great Alpine Road is a stunner of a summer destination. Stretching from Wangaratta in Victoria's west to Metung in the east, this winding route travels through forest-covered mountains, plunging valleys, rolling vineyards and vibrant towns, including Bright and Omeo.
Epicureans will find treasures at the Milawa Cheese Factory, Bridge Road Brewers and Reed & Co (amongst many others), while warm-weather adventurers can explore the alpine resorts of Mount Buffalo and Mount Hotham on foot, bike or horseback.
Climb to the summit of Mount Feathertop, the second-highest mountain in the state, before heading down to the sparkling waterways of the Gippsland coast. Stop at Ensay or Swifts Creek for freshly baked treats and local wines or continue onto the lakes system for hours of water-based fun.
Looking for more inspiration? Discover 10 quintessential Australian experiences.
Feature image: Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory.
