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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 23 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: COMO The Treasury, Perth


COMO The Treasury, Perth 5 nights from 4,830 per person
COMO The Treasury, PerthCOMO The Treasury is housed in Perth’s 140-year-old State Buildings, which form part of the Cathedral Square development located on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street. This is one of the most significant heritage precincts in Western Australia, recently revitalised by leading architect, Kerry Hill.

There are 48 elegant guest rooms and suites featuring original high ceilings, cornicing, balconies and cupolas. Facilities open to Perth residents include two restaurants, a bar, lounge and library, which together provide a social hub for the city. Holistic therapies are available at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, as well as a gym and 20m indoor pool.

<b> Accommodation</b>

Conceived by designer Kerry Hill, all 48 contemporary rooms and suites project a sense of COMO serenity. Grand Posture king-size beds, handcrafted European furnishings and oversized windows deliver comfort, personality and light. Bathrooms include showers, German deep-form Kaldewei Duo bathtubs, twin vanities, travertine stone tiles, heated floors and towel rails, and aromatherapy-based COMO Shambhala at Home amenities.

Room Facilities:

<li>Custom-made king or twin beds with Grand Posture natural firm mattresses featuring dual posture pocket-spring technology
<li>Egyptian cotton bed linen
<li>Individually controlled air conditioning
<li>Complimentary in-room private bar replenished daily
<li>Samsung LED television / IPTV
<li>Multi-line VoIP phone with voicemail
<li>Laptop-size private safe
<li>Multimedia hub
<li>In-room technology with dual built in USB ports
<li>Complimentary Wi-Fi
<li>Tea/coffee making facilities on request
<li>Illy coffee machine on request
<li>Oversized opening windows
<li>Motorised translucent Roman blinds and blackout blinds or curtains
<li>Built-in wardrobe and luggage rack

Bathroom Facilities:

<li>Natural light and opening windows
<li>German deep-form Kaldewei Duo free-standing oval bathtubs
<li>Walk-in showers
<li>Twin travertine stone vanity basins
<li>Heated travertine stone floors
<li>Heated towel rails
<li>COMO Shambhala at Home amenities
<li>Bathrobes and slippers
<li>Hairdryer

Guest Services:

<li>Manager on duty 24 hours
<li>Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
<li>Valet parking
<li>Airport transfers
<li>Airline reservation service
<li>Babysitting services
<li>Laundry service, dry cleaning and pressing service
<li>Daily housekeeping and turndown service
<li>Complimentary fruit and water each day
<li>24-hour in-room dining
<li>Foreign exchange
<li>Multilingual hotel staff
<li>Travel and tour assistance

<b>Dining</b>
In addition to Wildflower and Post, for ultimate intimacy when dining with friends, family or colleagues, COMO The Treasury offers a number of private dining rooms for your events, seating eight to 20 guests and with catering provided by either Wildflower or Post.
Learn more about COMO The Treasury, Perth

Free breakfast
Parking available
Pool
Free WiFi
Gym
Non-smoking





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: DeVere Hotel


DeVere Hotel 5 nights from 435 per person
DeVere HotelLocated in the trendy bay side suburb of Potts Point, our accommodation hotel is 2 km from Sydney CBD and 10 km from the airport. With 117 well appointed rooms and family studio apartments, the DeVere Hotel offers convenient location, modern facilities, friendly and professional services and good value and comfort for leisure and business travellers. Book online now to check out our Best Available Rates and pay No Booking Fees.

This 3.5 star budget hotel in Sydney is within easy reach of major attractions such as the Sydney's Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum, Wooloomooloo Bay and Sydney's night entertainment capital - Kings Cross and very close to the Oxford Street Precinct.

For guests travelling on business, our hotel in Potts Point is within 15 minutes walking distance to destinations such as the Garden Island Naval Headquarter, the Office Towers along William Street and the St. Vincent's Hospital complex. DeVere Hotel is perfect for low cost accommodation near Sydney CBD.
Learn more about DeVere Hotel

Weekly housekeeping
Restaurant
Room service
Babysitting
Conference center
Business center
Airport shuttle
Air conditioning
Front-desk safe
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Meeting room





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: The Sebel Harbourside Kiama


The Sebel Harbourside Kiama 5 nights from 640 per person
The Sebel Harbourside KiamaOverlooking Kiama Harbour, this stylish 4.5 star South Coast resort reflects both the modern and the historic aspects of Kiama. By combining the beautifully restored 1871 heritage-listed bluestone Infants' School building as a conference and meeting centre, with a sleek resort building of contemporary waterfront accommodation, the resort is the perfect year-round holiday, recreational and event getaway.

Offering 88 beautifully detailed guestrooms over 3 levels including 77 king rooms, 8 two bedroom, fully self-contained apartments and 3 disability guestrooms, all apartments offer a delightful choice of ocean, garden or town views.

This South Coast resort is located just a short stroll from the famous 'blowhole', the stunning Bombo Headland and historic terrace shops, and is surrounded by magnificent examples of Victorian architecture. This wonderful recreational region also provides several well-known surf beaches and coves, and the spectacular Carrington Falls, Seven Mile Beach and Minnamurra Rainforest are in close proximity.


<b>Destination</b>
The Sebel Harbourside Kiama is characterised by the regions dramatic coastline, pristine beaches, beautiful harbour and Kiama's natural unspoiled environment.


Kiama Blowhole:

The Kiama Blowhole is a blowhole in the town of Kiama, It is the town's major tourist attraction. Under certain sea conditions, the blowhole can spray water up to 25 meters in the air, in quantities that thoroughly drench any bystanders.


Markets:

Kiama Seaside Markets - held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9am – 3pm at Black Beach with a fantastic array of local arts, crafts and collectables. For Stall bookings please phone 0457 773 063 to book your stand or for further information contact Kiama Visitors Centre on 02 4232 3322

Kiama Produce Markets - held on the 4th Saturday of each month at Black Beach from 8am – 1pm with delectable gourmet food and produce. Phone for stall bookings on 02 4232 0464


Kiama Coast Walk:

A stunning 22km pathway accompanying our sparkling coastline! With its spectacular ocean views, inviting detours and proximity to amenities and public transport, the Kiama Coast Walk is the perfect way to explore and enjoy our region.


Wineries & Food Tours:

The Shoalhaven Coast wine region has been strongly developing over the last 15 years, with 15 vineyards scattered over the area.

Crooked River Winery in Gerringong is a great place to start, with it's favourite Chocolate Pajama Wine (Port) it can be found just off the Princes Highway on Willow Vale Road. Roselea Vineyard on the Princes Highway at Gerringong invites visitors to enjoy private wine tasting by appointment. If your heading further south, pop into the award winning Coolangatta Estate Winery.


Jamberoo Action Park:

Splash into Jamberoo Action Park , for a slipping and sliding day of fun of jam-packed, heart racing water rides and attractions.


Illawarra Tree Top Walk:

The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk is the only one of its kind in New South Wales and one of only a handful of steel canopy walks in the world. Located just outside the village of Robertson, a trip to the Fly is a perfect day trip. The gentle walk commences on the rainforest floor and continues onto the steel walkway and into the rainforest canopy (averaging 30m from the forest floor) offering a unique experience that captures the beauty of the regions native fauna and flora.


Minnamurra Rainforest Centre:

The Minnamurra Rainforest is a multi award winning attraction located in Budderoo National Park, a short fifteen minute drive west of Kiama past the village of Jamberoo. Visitors can experience the spender and beauty of this rare remnant of subtropical and warm temperate rainforests which is representative of the once extensive rainforests of the Illawarra region.
Learn more about The Sebel Harbourside Kiama

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
24-hour fitness center
Room service
UNESCO Sustainable Property
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Garden
Snack bar/deli
ATM/banking services





 



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: Mantra on View Hotel


Mantra on View Hotel 5 nights from 440 per person
Mantra on View HotelPositioned right in the heart of Surfers Paradise just 160m from the beach, Mantra on View Hotel is an ideal choice when visiting Queensland's famous Gold Coast. Every room within this Surfers Paradise accommodation provides all of the facilities you need to make yourself at home.

All guest rooms feature high-speed internet (fee applies) and cable TV. Relax on your own private balcony as you take in the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning Gold Coast skyline. There’s plenty to do at this Surfers Paradise hotel which features a resort style outdoor swimming pool and children's pool, along with a fully equipped gymnasium and tennis courts.

If you’re planning business in Surfers Paradise, Mantra on View Hotel offers a great choice of Gold Coast conference facilities with nine conference rooms to choose from. Mantra on View Hotel’s Gold Coast conference and event facilities are suitable for business meetings, banquets, weddings and a variety of events whether you are planning a working meeting for 20 team members or a seminar for 600 delegates.
Perhaps a Gold Coast wedding is on the horizon, Mantra on View Hotel has a choice of beautiful venues for your ceremony, including the beach, the resort-style pool, and the gorgeous Boulevard boardroom offering a variety of wedding styles. Our team of wedding professionals is available to assist with all of your wedding plans and the Ocean Day Spa and Hair Salon is a wonderful place to make yourself feel extra special on your big day.

While staying at Mantra on View Hotel, dine onsite at NOSH Pan Asian Restaurant, or wander into the nearby heart of Surfers Paradise for a great choice of Gold Coast bars and eateries. With excellent shopping, famous beaches, the natural wonders of the hinterland and Gold Coast theme parks nearby, Mantra on View Hotel is the ideal Surfers Paradise accommodation.
Learn more about Mantra on View Hotel

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurant
Full-service spa
Breakfast available
Health club
UNESCO Sustainable Property
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Car rentals on site
Front-desk safe
ATM/banking services





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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