When to Visit Where – The Ultimate Seasonal Travel Guide for Australia
Planning your lap around Australia? Knowing when to go is just as important as where. From tropical cyclones to snowy mountains and everything in between, Australia’s climate zones vary wildly – so a little forward planning goes a long way!
Here’s your go-to seasonal travel guide:
🌴 Northern QLD & NT
Best Time: May – September (Dry Season)
Think Again: November – April (Wet Season, cyclones, flooding)
Why: In the wet roads can close fast, humidity is intense, and some national parks shut during the wet.
🔥 Red Centre & Outback SA/QLD
Best Time: April – October
Think Again: December – February (Extreme heat, flies, limited services)
Why: Cooler temps = safer and more enjoyable travel.
❄️ Tasmania
Best Time: December – March
Think Again: June – August (cold, wet, unpredictable)
Why: Summer offers ideal hiking, camping, and festival vibes.
Hiking Dove Lake in spectacular Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in summer
🌊 Southern WA & SA Coast
Best Time: September – April
Think Again: May – August (wet, windy, some roads closed)
Why: Incredible weather, coastlines, and wildflowers in spring.
🌞 East Coast (QLD, NSW, VIC)
Best Time: All year (but avoid peak periods)
Think Again: December – January (crowds + price hikes)
Why: Shoulder seasons = less traffic, better weather, more serenity.
New South Wales is full of off-grid campground gems such as this one at Urunga on the mid-North Coast
⛰️ Alpine Regions (VIC/NSW High Country)
Best Time:
Hiking: November – March
Snow sports: June – August
Think Again: April – May (mud, snowmelt, closures)
Why: Choose your adventure – ski or hike, but plan smart.
Charlotte Pass, Kosciuszko National Park NSW. Photo by Ryan Cuerden on Unsplash
Pro Tip: Avoid travelling during major public holidays and school holiday periods if you can to dodge crowds, traffic, and inflated campground prices.
Final Thought:
“Chase the seasons, not the sales.” Travelling with the weather in mind makes for a more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience – wherever you’re headed next.
