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Best Time of Year to Visit Australia

Explore > Travel Planning Articles > Best Time of Year to Visit Australia

Date published:
2023-05-07


Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru
Ayers Rock, photo courtesy Pete Edgeler on Flickr.


Michael Cottam  

About the author, Michael Cottam


Founder of Visual Itineraries, Michael lives in Bend, Oregon. He's an avid traveler, scuba diver, photographer, and a private pilot, and also the founder of Bright Yonder, which offers marketing tools to travel agents. He's been to Fiji, Thailand, Vietnam, Seychelles, Kenya, France, England, New Zealand, Jamaica, Belize, Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos, British Virgin Islands, Mexico, and the major islands in French Polynesia. He's been in Rotary for 22 years, currently on the board of the Greater Bend Rotary Club. Here's his LinkedIn and Pinterest.

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Australia is enormous, with a wide range of climates. The northern states are typically warm year-round, while the southern states have cooler winters. December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Sofitel Brisbane Central


Sofitel Brisbane Central 5 nights from 725 per person
Sofitel Brisbane CentralHotel Sofitel Brisbane Central
French luxury and local cuisine in the worlds most exciting cities

Located within walking distance of the city centre, Eagle Street Pier, South Bank Parklands and the Convention Centre, Sofitel Brisbane Central also offers direct access to Central Station, with easy transportation to the airport and Gold Coast. Its many attractions include 433 elegant rooms, a fitness centre, heated pool and spa, plus delicious restaurants and bars. Sofitel Brisbane Central is the largest meeting facility in Brisbane with 11 conference rooms accommodating up to 1,000 people.

With its exceptional location in the heart of the city, Sofitel Brisbane Central offers access to many of Brisbane's finest attractions. Guests staying at this spectacular Brisbane hotel have Central Station on their doorstep, allowing them to explore the city, and access its surrounding suburbs and Brisbane Airport. Guests are within easy reach of many of Brisbane's excellent restaurants, bars, cafés and shops, as well as attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, Treasury Casino and Suncorp Stadium.
Learn more about Sofitel Brisbane Central

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
Outdoor pool
Rooftop terrace
Breakfast available
Fitness center
Valet parking
Self parking
24-hour room service
Coffee shop/cafe
In-room childcare





Typical airfares from LAX to Sydney, Australia




Airfares vary by season, but also day of week, and are definitely affected by holidays. The chart above shows the typical minimum and maximum fares for a economy class ticket from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD), by month.

 
TRAVEL SPECIAL: Spicers Clovelly Estate


Spicers Clovelly Estate 5 nights from 1,600 per person
Spicers Clovelly EstateHidden on a hill in the lush hinterland lies a place that is part retreat, part European estate, part luxury lodge and part home away from home. With 10 exclusive suites and the private 3 bedroom French Cottage, this is Spicers Clovelly Estate, your intimately unique Sunshine Coast hideaway.

Spicers Clovelly Estate was recently voted the Best New Tourism Development at the 2010 Tourism Queensland Awards. It is also one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia and is in the same company as such other esteemed properties as Qualia, Southern Ocean Lodge, Emirates Wolgan Valley and Spicers Peak Lodge.

From the moment you drive through our gates, you know you've arrived somewhere truly special. The stately 22 acres of grounds filled with grand figs, shaded jacarandas and groves of magnolias and gardenias will soon make you forget that you are just 90 minutes from Brisbane, while the stunning French-provincial architecture of the main house will not just invite you in, but tempt you to stay forever. Here, you could be in the heart of Provence instead of 30 minutes from the beaches of Noosa. An intimately unique oasis in the hinterland? Oui.

Every one of Spicers Clovelly Estate's ten luxurious suites has been designed with comfort as the first priority. From beautiful modern French furnishings and luxurious linens, to simple conveniences such as iPod docking stations, every one of our rooms is an oasis of calm so captivating you'll almost never want to step outside your door.

George Bernard Shaw once said that there was no love more sincere than the love of food, and that is certainly true at Spicers Clovelly Estate. Our seasonal, produce-driven menus designed by chef Cameron Matthews are driven by the region's abundance of fresh local produce combined with classic European flavours. From coffee and cake on the terrace, to dining in our in-house French restaurant, The Long Apron, or simply an old-fashioned Pimms in front of the fire, Spicers Clovelly Estate truly is a feast for the senses.

First settled by the Brown family in 1908, Spicers Clovelly Estate's 22 acres offer a multitude of distractions for every guest. Each season brings a new mood here, where cosy winters, clear autumn skies, fresh spring days and sun soaked summers can be celebrated in their own distinctive way.

Lush gardens and manicured lawns provide the backdrop for boules with friends or an indulgent high tea. Breathe the fresh country air as you stroll through our terraced rose gardens and orchard to the swimming pool, set overlooking the rolling green hills. Alternatively, take a relaxing walk to the gazebo or find the perfect picnic spot overlooking beautiful Lake Baroon. Or, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, within walking distance of the main house there is a two-kilometre rainforest trail with tranquil waterfall and even a resident platypus.

The great outdoors not your cup of tea? Then spend a few hours in Spa Anise day spa or just relax inside and enjoy the French contemporary style with large Bordeaux arm chairs complete with alpaca throws, recliners, French Oak bookcases and sideboards adorning the lounge areas. Or wander out to the terrace where two wrought iron roosters stand guard while you enjoy coffee and Parisian pastries.

A gourmet's paradise, Spicers Clovelly Estate is also home to a fine dining restaurant called The Long Apron specialising in French-influenced cuisine, old-fashioned service and an innovative menu utilising fresh and simple local ingredients and an extensive wine list.

And of course, just minutes and hours away from our doors are some of the best Queensland and Australia has to offer.
Learn more about Spicers Clovelly Estate

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
Outdoor pool
Free use of bicycles
Room service
Business center
Airport shuttle
Area shuttle
Terrace
Coffee/tea in a common area
Garden





Best time of year to go to different parts of Australia



The famous Sydney Opera House
Photo courtesy Jon Haase.


Sydney, in New South Wales, is in Australia's temperate zone. The Great Dividing Range is a major climate factor, as it creates 4 distinct zones: the coastal strip, the highlands, the Western Slopes and the flat countryside to the west.

Sydney typically sees about 340 sunny days a year, with humidity in summer around 65%.

Pictured above is the famous Sydney Opera House.

Cairns, in Queensland, is pretty tropical--summers are hot and humid, and winters are dry and mild.

Along the coast, you can get cyclones from November through May.

Cairns is one of the places from which you can access the Great Barrier Reef, pictured at right.

Ayers Rock, seen at the top of this page, is in the Northern Territory (which isn't actually the northernmost part of Australia--that's referred to as the "Top End"), has a distinctly different climate, with a wet season running from October to April and a dry season May to September. In winter, nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing; in the summer, daytime temperatures can approach 100F, with cool, dry nights.

 

The Great Barrier Reef

Photo courtesy ynwa2005 on Flickr.

Barossa Valley, wine country northeast of Adelaide
Photo courtesy Amanda Slater on Flickr.
 

Adelaide, in South Australia, has mild, wet winters (averaging about 60F) and hot, dry summers (averaging 84F).

June is the wettest month, but still averages only a little over 3 inches of rain. In the summer, it's not uncommon to have months with no rain.

At left is Jacob's Creek vineyard in the Barossa Valley, one of the important wine regions of Australia.


Melbourne, in Victoria, has a reputation for changeable weather, but generally the climate is temperate with warm summers (averaging 77F), mild spring and fall seasons, and cool winters (averaging 57F).

Pictured are the limestone formations known as the Twelve Apostles, located on the Great Ocean Road about 100 miles west of Melbourne.

Perth, in Western Australia, the rainfall is greatest from May to September. The hottest month is February, averaging 88F; winter temperatures average about 65F. A cooling breeze known as "The Fremantle Doctor" blows in from the sea to keep the city comfortable.

  The Twelve Apostles, about 100 miles west of Melbourne
Photo courtesy Rich Mulvaney on Flickr.

Tasmania, the island southeast of the main continent, the climate is mild and temperate. With no part of the island more than about 75 miles from the water, the ocean has a big effect on the climate. Because it's much farther from the equator than the rest of Australia, the seasons are more distinct. January and February are pretty dry, with temperatures averaging about 70F.

See the Australia tourism website for a detailed description of the seasons in Australia.


TRAVEL SPECIAL: Quay West Suites Brisbane


Quay West Suites Brisbane 5 nights from 985 per person
Quay West Suites BrisbaneQuay West Suites Brisbane offers secluded Brisbane Accommodation in the heart of the city featuring a resort-style swimming pool, fitness facilities, business centre and contemporary dining.

Quay West Suites Brisbane offers premium Brisbane hotel accommodation with daily servicing and is the perfect option for long stay guests in our spacious one and two bedroom serviced apartments.

<b>Accommodation</b>

Enjoy an oasis in the city with fully refurbished, luxurious Brisbane hotel accommodation opposite the Brisbane Botantic Gardens, close to QUT, Queensland Parliament and the government precinct. Quay West Suites Brisbane offers secluded Brisbane accommodation in the heart of the city featuring a resort-style swimming pool, recreation deck with outdoor hot tub spa and fitness facilities, as well as a business centre and guest lounge.

Guests enjoy premium hotel apartment accommodation in Brisbane with daily servicing, the perfect solution for long-stay guests in stylish serviced apartments. Apartment accommodation options include spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments including a choice of executive suites which feature open-plan living with stunning views, luxurious bedding, contemporary decor, modern furnishings, LCD flat screen TVs and in-room technologies.

Overlooking the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, McMahons Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, high tea & dinner 7 days, or for more relaxed dining a poolside menu is available daily until 10pm. For the ultimate in comfort and convenience, in-room dining is provided 24 hours, 7 days.

For a seamless door-to-door experience our Concierge can arrange for our driver to collect you from Brisbane airport or your point of arrival and transport you in style direct to the hotel. If arriving at the hotel by personal vehicle, full valet parking is available at the hotel entrance for a fixed nightly charge.
Learn more about Quay West Suites Brisbane

109 apartments
Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Indoor pool
Breakfast available
Fitness center
Steam room
Self parking
Spa tub
UNESCO Sustainable Property
Terrace
24-hour front desk





 



Storms in Australia

In Cairns, on the coast of Queensland, tropical cyclones can occur sometimes between November and May. Around Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, you can see thunderstorms, hail and dust storms in the spring months. In Western Australia, tropical cyclones can occur between November and April--most commonly though in January and February.




TRAVEL SPECIAL: The Westin Sydney


The Westin Sydney 5 nights from 1,400 per person
The Westin SydneyThe award-winning Westin Sydney delivers a true 5 star experience through our sophisticated rooms, amenities and services. Indulge at our signature restaurant and bar, relax with our in-room massages, or enjoy the exclusive designer shopping, restaurants, theatres and nightlife surrounding the hotel. For a truly unforgettable holiday, venture to nearby attractions such as Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

We offer two 5 star accommodation options at The Westin Sydney. The historic General Post Office building houses our elegant Heritage Rooms and the Tower offers a contemporary experience. No matter which room you choose, enjoy our signature Westin Heavenly® Bed to enhance your relaxation.

Feel well cared for with in-room spa treatments, well nourished by Mosaic Restaurant and relax with afternoon tea in The Bar. Or choose to energise at the Goodlife Health Club or follow a RunWESTIN™ map around our stunning city.

The Westin Sydney offers the most comprehensive banquet and catering facilities in Sydney, with seven meeting rooms, a boardroom and two unique ballrooms all with wireless internet access and advanced technology.

The Heritage Ballroom features the elegance of the historic General Post Office and can seat up to 250 guests on oval tables and the Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 1000. Both offer flexible space to create an personalised experience.
Learn more about The Westin Sydney

Parking available
Free WiFi
Gym
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Bathtub





Airfare and Resort Prices

High season is from about Christmas through the end of January, when children are on their summer holidays, and the popular resorts fill up with the locals. In the north, June through August is peak season as Australians from the southern areas travel north to escape winter. Typically the airlines will discount airfares April through June.

Water temperature, SCUBA diving and surfing in Australia

On the Great Barrier Reef, you can dive year-round, although the best conditions for diving are from late August to early December. For liveaboard diving, the best time to go is July through November. In the Coral Sea, the visibility is best in June and in September. If you want to see the Minke whales, they're seen mostly from June to August. From April through June, the whale sharks can be seen near Ningaloo, in Western Australia. Australia Tourism has an excellent reference on dive locations and regions here.




How we work with you to plan the perfect trip:

  • We'll talk with you to find out what you're looking for, what you like/don't like, etc.
  • We'll use our first-hand knowledge of the destination to pick out a handful of resorts we think you'd like
  • We'll create a custom mini website for you, with photos, videos, maps, etc. of the resorts we are recommending
  • We'll follow up with you to help you make your decision
  • We'll go to work with our suppliers to get you the best deal available on what you've decided on.
 

Map of all resorts in Australia



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