There are so many different places to travel in Australia, so deciding where to go can be overwhelming. But not all destinations are ideal year-round. For example, you really want to aim for the dry season in Darwin and Sydney shines brighter in Summer than winter.
So, if you’re thinking, “OK, where should I go on holiday?” Here's a handy list of the best Aussie destinations. And we’ve broken it down by month to help you plan your entire year out in style. We all can dream, right?
The best holiday destinations in Australia from December to January
Not everyone will agree if they don’t love the heat, but if you’re planning to visit Sydney, we recommend going in either December or January. The beaches are pumping and the social scene is at its finest. Plus, ringing in the New Year in Sydney Harbour is a truly spectacular (not to mention a bucket-list) experience.
We recommend:
- taking a surf lesson at Manly
- sipping a cocktail at the Opera Bar by the harbour
- spending a day at Taronga Zoo.
The best holiday destinations in Australia from February to March
If you’re not a fan of the heat, there’s no better place to escape it than Tasmania. It’s the home of road trips, incredible seafood and some of the most beautiful views in the world. From historic coal mines to world-class wineries, there’s so much to see.
We recommend:
- visiting the lavender fields (they bloom from December to February)
- seeing the little penguins at Port Sorell
- eating at one of the many award-winning restaurants in Hobart.
The best holiday destinations in Australia from April to May
April and May are great times to visit The Hunter Valley in NSW. Depending on the weather and type of grape, most wineries will have just finished vintage, and there’s always lots of action happening. It’s also an area that gets incredibly hot in summer and quite bitter in winter, so it shines best in the shoulder seasons.
We recommend:
- visiting Glandore Estate, named Cellar Door of the Year in 2020
- eating breakfast at Fawk Foods Kitchen & Bakery
- indulging in a spa day at the Golden Door Retreat.
The best holiday destinations in Australia from June to July
Kakadu is one of the most magical places in Australia, but you really want to avoid both the wet season and the insanely hot months. In June (early dry season or Wurrgeng) the temperature can still get up to 29 degrees, but the humidity’s low and it’s all sorts of beautiful.
We recommend:
- booking a cultural experience at Warradjan Cultural Centre
- heading out on a 4WD tour with Spirit of Kakadu Adventure Tours
- enjoying a Yellow Water Billabong cruise near Cooinda.
The best holiday destinations in Australia from August to September
The Aussie snowfields are at their best from August to early September. By that time, the mountains have built up a good snow base, and snowsports are in full swing.
Kosciuszko National Park, in particular, is beautiful in the winter. The snow gums alone are worth the visit. So if Aussie adventure holidays are your style, put this on the list!
We recommend:
- enjoying a few days in one of the snow resorts
- visiting the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool and soaking in the natural springs
- having a tipple at the Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery.
The best holiday destinations in Australia from October to November
Cairns is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia, but you have to get your timing right! October and November are great because it’s not too hot and there are fewer stingers in the water around this time.
We recommend:
- croc-watching with Harley's Crocodile Adventures
- lazing by the beach in the sunshine
- exploring the Daintree Rainforest.
From beaches to snow
Sometimes choosing the right time to travel in Australia is more about what you want to avoid, rather than what you want to see! So make sure you take our advice on the best places to visit each month. If you avoid the summer heat in Kakadu, the stingers in Cairns and the winter chill in Tassie, you’ll get to see Australia at its finest.
And then, once you’ve decided where you want to go, book with us and pay for your holiday in instalments or with Afterpay or Planpay (and don’t forget the travel insurance!)
