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Exploring Australia Holidays

When to go

Australia is located in the southern hemisphere and its season’s run opposite to the UK. Climate varies greatly through the eight states and territories; there are four seasons across most of the country and a wet and dry season in the tropical north.

When to travel depends on what part of  the country you plan to visit. Temperatures will be cooler the farther south you go, and vice versa.

The northern states are typically warm year-round but are at their best in spring (September-November), after the winter rains and before the extreme summer heat.

Southern regions have colder winters with temperatures averaging 14 C, and are optimal during summer months (Dec-March). Tasmania has a climate similar to England.

Best time to visit Australia’s top cities:

Cairns and Darwin: These areas have tropical climate. Summers are hot and humid (32 C) and winters are dry and mild (26 C). Rainfall is highest during January and February, a consideration if you plan to explore the Outback. Winter (June-August) is the most popular time to visit as temperatures are mild and dry. 

Sydney: Weather is pleasant year-round with nearly 360 days of sunshine a year. Summer temperatures average 26 C and winter temperatures are relatively mild at 17 C, average. The best times to visit are September- November and March-May (“off seasons”), as temps are mild and tourists crowds are typically more manageable. You’re likely to find lower flight and hotel rates during these times.

Byron Bay and Brisbane:  These southern Queensland cities experience hot summers (30 C) and mild winters (21 C). Bring a coat for winter and spring months (June to October) as temps can drop to 10 C in the evenings.

Melbourne: This cultural city is most popular during summer (December-March) with temps averaging 26 C. Winter (June to August) is ‘off season” with maximum temps of 13 C, getting as cold as 5 C at night. Spring and autumn are also popular months to visit, as temperatures will be pleasant and comfortable.  

Perth: The west coast can be enjoyed anytime of the year with the sun shining 300 days, even during winter months. Perth has a Mediterranean climate, with hottest months between December and February (27 C). The best time to visit is spring (September to November) as temperatures are pleasant and dry. Autumn (March to May) is also brilliant. Winter months (June- August) are a mix of sunny days, occasional storms and heavy downpours.

Uluru/Ayers Rock/Central Australia: The best time to visit is May to October when daily temperatures are more mild. Temperatures average 23 C during the day and lows drop to 7 C, average, in the evenings. June and July are the coolest months with nighttime temps dropping to 3 C. Uluru experiences extreme dessert-type heat in summer months (December to February) of 38 degrees.

 

Sydney
The capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Explore the famous coastal beaches like Bondi, Bronte, Coogee and Palm Beach. Explore the jungles of Sydney Harbor National Park, dine in world-class restaurants, visit Blue Mountai
Melbourne
Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. Explore the hidden halls and rooftops of Melbourne, Federation Square cultural hubs, bars, boutiques and restaurants, as well as the iconic MCG. Visit St Kilda, Royal Botanic Garden, Brunswick Street bohemian style, and the Spring Horse Carnival.
Cairns
Located in the tropical Far North Queensland, Cairns is considered the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Stunning beaches, spectacular hinterland, local and organic produce, delightful cafes and bars, a hustle and bustle market and its friendly and relaxed community make Cairns a favorite holiday destination.
Perth
The capital of Western Australia, Perth, is known for its exquisite beaches. However it also has bustling city areas filled with amazing shopping, nightlife and dining. Discover stylish bars in Northbridge or visit theater along streets of Subiaco.
Brisbane
Brisbane is Queensland's vibrant and elegant capital and gateway to major tourist destinations. It's a large city on the Brisbane River and is a blend of cultural institutions and South Bank restaurants with riverside parks and lagoons.
Uluru/ The Red Centre
The Red Centre is an extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges and some of Aboriginal Australia's most sacred sites, including Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa. The only town of sizable population is Alice Springs.
Adelaide
Adelaide is South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital. Its ring of parkland on the River Torrens is home to renowned museums and culture. It's known as the city of the Australian festival. Spacious boulevards and lush gardens in Adelaide are becoming an event of endless excitement.
Great Barrier Reef
Explore the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 2,000 kilometers along the Queensland coastline. Snorkel, dive, or cross-reef flight. Sail to Whitsundays, trekking the Daintree Forest or relax on tropical islands like Hayman and Lizard.
Whitsundays
The 74 Whitsunday Islands lie between the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef, a massive stretch of coral teeming with marine life. Most of the islands are uninhabited.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a lovely coastal town in the southeastern Australian state of New South Wales. It’s a popular holiday destination, known for its beaches, surfing and scuba diving.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km. Panoramic viewpoints include Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the island's easternmost tip, and the Cathedrals, a cliff famous for sculpted ribbons of coloured sand.
Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is a renowned wine-producing region northeast of Adelaide, in South Australia. The area encompasses towns such as Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa, and an array of high-profile wineries offering tours and cellar-door tastings.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island lies off the mainland of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide. Over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves, home to native wildlife like sea lions, koalas and diverse bird species.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, an Australian resort town on Queensland's Whitsunday Coast, is a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a town on the Coral Sea in the tropical far north of Queensland, Australia. It's known for its beach resorts and as a base for visits to both the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest reef system, and Daintree National Park, home to biodiverse rainforest.
Darwin
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to famous Kakadu National Park. Its popular waterfront area has several beaches and green areas like Bicentennial Park.
Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is a World Heritage Site located in the north west coastal region of Western Australia along the East Indian Ocean. It's Australia's largest fringing coral reef and the only large reef positioned very close to a landmass.
Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide. It’s a popular gateway for exploring the Red Centre, the country's interior desert region.

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