When travelling Australia’s rugged land, it is essential to consider the weather patterns you will be travelling in. Across eight states and two territories all experiencing the four seasons and tropical north also experiences a dry and wet season.
December to February is Summer
Should you be planning on travelling during Summer consider a destination with stunning beaches, learn to surf at Bondi Beach, kayak with dolphins at Byron Bay, enjoy sundowners at Noosa. If you enjoy the great outdoors, summer is the perfect time to explore Tasmania. Located at the bottom of Australia, Tasmania experiences a comfortable summer season ideal to explore and enjoy its outdoor nature activities: mountain biking, hiking, ziplining, motor homing.
Tip: If travelling to Tasmania in Summer, travel towards the change of season (Summer into Autumn) to experience the trees changing their leaves.
March to May is Autumn
After a long hot summer, Autumn’s cooling seasons are most welcome across all States and Territories. Autumn marks the end of the Tropical Wet Season and commencement of the Dry Season. If snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland, getting lost in gorges in Kakadu, cruising the Kimberley’s or 4wd adventures in Western Australia’s Gibb Road are your thing, now is the time. The days are warm, but not too hot not enjoy them. This season is ideal to visit anywhere in Australia, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Tasmania and their surrounding areas. Tree leaves are starting to change colour, as Australia prepares for the cooler months ahead.
Tip: This is an excellent time of year to travel, book ahead to avoid disappointment.
June – August is Winter
Winter continues to be an ideal time to visit The Top End, Kimberley’s and Tropical North Queensland as the dry season continues. Southern Australian States experience a cold winter, that is right! Time to hit the ski fields. Australia has 16 national parks & reserves across New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. The best way to reach the snow fields: From Sydney drive to Jindabyne, Thredbo’s Perisher and Charlotte’s pass Gateway. From Melbourne travel to Mount Hotham, Mount Buller, and Falls Creek and from Canberra Australia’s Snowy Mountains. Over in Western Australia the Wildflowers season commences July concluding in October, a spectacular display. Do not miss an opportunity to experience the whale migration from July – October in Hervey Bay, Queensland.
September – November is Spring.
As we say goodbye to Winter the states and territories emerge with new life. Traditionally this time of year can be slightly cheaper to travel as the European/American enjoying their Summer break have now returned home. Carnival of flowers in Toowoomba offers a stunning display of flowers across the city, Tasmania starts to defrost, welcoming motor homers, mountain bikers, trekkers and food and wine enthusiast. Any travel to Tropical North Queensland, Top End & the Red Centre needs to be completed no later than November as chance of rainfall increases and heat intensifies. All other states provide an ideal time to travel and explore.
November to April is the Wet Season for Tropical North (North Queensland, Northern Territory).
Above there was mention of the Wet Season, the wet season brings heavy rains, storms and chance of cyclones which can: wash out roads, cause flooding, cancel your tour and have a major effect on your holiday. Within Tropical North Queensland, the wet season also brings Stingers into the waters, should you want to snorkel you need to wear a full body wet suit. In the Top-End (Darwin) the heat combined with the rain can cause reduction of day tours as unpredictable wet weather causes many cancelations. Whilst you travel into the Red Centre the long hot days can make it extremely uncomfortable to enjoy activities.
Any Season
Regardless of any weather pattern always be sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, appropriate clothing, umbrella, waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses and always carry a bottle of water.
It is essential to consider the travel season you are travelling in. Australia has a vast landscape with weather to match.