Sunshine AND Snow: Top Things to Do in Australia All Year Round!

Summer during Christmas? Unlike most countries, Australia’s seasons are often the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Coupled with the unique landscape of the land Down Under, that makes it a prime destination for travellers seeking sunshine and snow, beach and ski adventures, and vibrant outdoor activities throughout the year. Enjoy the best of the seasons without the crowds, from vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to iconic landscapes that look like they've been taken straight out of a postcard.

Read on to find out which places in Australia are best visited during the various seasons.

Things to do in Australia during spring (September - November)

1. Admire the blossoming jacarandas in Sydney, New South Wales

Image credit: Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Spring in New South Wales is synonymous with the vibrant hues of the jacaranda flowers in Sydney. As you explore New South Wales’ bustling capital during this time, you’ll come across jacaranda-filled streets, with the blooming flowers painting the city a lovely shade of purple. For the most Insta-worthy experience, head to the suburbs (Lavender Bay, Mosman, and Paddington are popular jacaranda spots) or out to the town of Grafton, which also hosts an annual jacaranda festival.

Take this chance to enjoy the pleasant weather and soak in the popular sights in the city, such as the Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House. Alternatively, you could join in the city’s racing carnival at Randwick Racecourse or take a day trip to Hunter Valley for a relaxing wine-tasting experience.

2. Hike along trails dotted with blooming wildflowers in the Grampians, Victoria

Image credit: The Grampians, Victoria © Visit Victoria

When visiting Victoria in spring, the one location you mustn’t pass up is Grampians National Park, a nature reserve known for its enigmatic sandstone mountains, local wildlife, and a plethora of wildflowers that blanket the hiking trails in spring. As you traverse the various paths, admiring the wildflowers in full bloom, you’ll come across plenty of lookout points that offer alluring views of the verdant mountains.

The Grampians is dotted with a collection of small towns and villages that offer a peek into the Aboriginal stories of the area. Alternatively, Victoria enjoys a spectacular lavender season - head to Yarra Valley Lavender Farm, Nedlands Lavender Farm, or the Tesselaar Lavender Farm to check out vast, Insta-worthy lavender fields.

3. Gaze upon stunning hills in Clare Valley, South Australia

Image credit: Clare Valley, South Australia © Lachlan Swan

When visiting South Australia in spring, make sure to visit Clare Valley, a mesmerising region of rolling hills just a two-hour drive away from Adelaide. In spring, the verdant hills are blanketed by the golden hues of blooming canolas, providing a jaw-dropping sight that is sure to light up any social media feed.

Kangaroo Island is another popular spring getaway destination, thanks to its unique wildlife encounters and emphasis on farm-to-table dining. Here, you’ll be able to sample fresh local produce (including pure spring honey), and even blend your own gin in a fun, interactive workshop!

4. Visit the annual Floriade in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Image credit: Commonwealth Park, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

Springtime blesses Canberra with Floriade, the one event you should add to your travel list for Australia’s Capital Territory. This annual spring festival is held in Commonwealth Park where you can expect vibrant flower displays, live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

The event features massive displays of flowering bulbs, often integrated with sculptures and other artistic features, and garden bed designs inspired by various art forms like painting, music, or literature. More importantly, the event offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of spring flowers in full bloom, particularly the jacarandas along the shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin.

In fact, during peak bloom, the city streets of Canberra, namely the iconic Canberra Avenue, are lined with vibrant purple flowers, creating a magical and photogenic spectacle. Imagine posing for a photo beneath a canopy of purple blossoms as you enjoy the cool spring breeze. Such bliss!

Things to do in Australia during summer (December - February)

5. Witness Australia’s marine wildlife during feeding season in Bremer Canyon, Western Australia

Image credit: Bremer Bay Canyon, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Bremer Canyon is a must-visit location in Western Australia during summer. This underwater canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA, is where multitudes of orcas, great white sharks, sperm whales, and other marine predators congregate in the summer to hunt and breed. If you’re lucky, you may even spot adorable baby orcas!

Speaking of adorable sights, summer is also a good time to visit Rottnest Island and grab a selfie with a quokka, the “happiest animal in the world” which always seems to put on a smile.

6. Stroll through gorgeous lavender fields at Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Tasmania

Image credit: Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Tasmania © Luke Tscharke/Discover Tasmania

Immerse yourself in the scent of fresh lavender at Bridestowe Lavender Estate. This historic farm is one of the most photographed destinations in Tasmania, with rows and rows of immaculate purple blossoms stretching into the horizon.

Wander through the fields to your heart’s content (remember to grab a picture for the ’Gram!) After that, visit the onsite cafe for some lavender tea, lavender scones, and even lavender-infused ice cream.

Besides that, there are lots more stunning summer activities on offer in Tasmania. From hiking the Three Capes Track to walking the white sand beaches of the Bay of Fires with an Aboriginal guide, there are gorgeous trails dotted around the state. Don’t forget to take part in the fun summer festivals that are on in Tassie - including the Taste of Tasmania food festival and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, both of which happen over the New Year period.

Things to do in Australia during autumn (March - May)

7. Hit up the beaches in Queensland

Image credit: Whitehaven Beach, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

One of the things to do in Queensland during autumn that some might find peculiar would be to visit the beach. You see, while temperatures in Queensland dip during autumn (albeit much more temperate than the bitter colds of Victoria), the water at some of the state's coastal gems, like Whitehaven Beach, remain warm. This, coupled with autumn typically being the shoulder season in Queensland, makes it the ideal time to swim, surf, and soak up the sun on the beach.

In addition, the months of March, April, and May bring with them a string of festivals and activities, such as the Blues on Broadbeach music festival, Noosa Eat & Drink Festival, and Byron Bay’s Bluesfest, all of which are must-see events in Queensland. Those travelling with families will also love a visit to Australia Zoo during the cool autumn months.

8. Attend a multitude of autumn festivals in Adelaide, South Australia

Image credit: Rymill Park, Adelaide, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

As the temperatures drop slightly in autumn, the city of Adelaide lights up as it welcomes some of South Australia’s most colourful festivals, such as the Adelaide Fringe Festival (Australia's biggest arts festival) and WOMADelaide, a vibrant celebration of music, arts, and dance from around the world. For the foodies, autumn is also when you’ll find events like Tasting Australia and Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, which proudly show off the world-class culinary scene of South Australia.

On the other hand, for those who prefer a little more peace and quiet, head to the Adelaide Hills, where you can treat yourself to a romantic stroll underneath the fiery autumn foliage. You could also head to the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens for even more romantic autumn scenery and blooming autumn flowers.

9. Embark on one of the world’s best luxury train journeys

Image credit: Alice Springs, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Jarrad Seng

Autumn is the start of the dry season in the Northern Territory where weather conditions improve and there is less rain, making it the ideal time for an excursion to the Australian outback. While you could plan your own itinerary and visit multiple locations separately, for an extra memorable experience, we recommend joining the Ghan Expedition, an epic luxury train journey that’s considered one of the best in the world.

Travelling between the cities of Darwin and Adelaide in South Australia, this 2,979km four-day trip takes you on a journey to some of the most remote and captivating parts of Australia. Along the way, you’ll stop off at Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, Manguri, and Nitmiluk Gorge, among other locations where you can enjoy the sights of the outback whilst also learning about the rich history and culture of Australia’s Aboriginal peoples.

Things to do in Australia during winter (June - August)

10. Go skiing in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales

Image credit: Thredbo, Snowy Mountains, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Winter in New South Wales is the best time to visit the Snowy Mountains, aka "The Snowies," for a thrilling experience. During the winter, the region transforms into a winter wonderland offering exciting activities like skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities and scenery. One popular activity is snowshoeing — walking over heaps of snow while taking in the mesmerising scenery.

Thredbo is arguably the best location to start your snowshoe adventure as there are tours there that can bring you all the way to the peak of Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain Down Under.

11. Admire winter scenery while being pulled by a husky sledge in Mount Hotham, Victoria

Image credit: Mount Hotham, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Winter brings to Victoria plenty of snowfall in the mountains, making it the ideal time for a variety of winter experiences. Apart from embarking on guided tours along snow-capped peaks, one unique activity to try is husky sledging at The Stumpy Tailed Trail at Mount Hotham.

It is exactly how you imagine it: a group of adorable huskies pulling you through enchanting winter scenery across various back country trails, as you learn about the remarkable history of the area. For the romantic at heart, you could also go stargazing at night amidst the snowy slopes!

12. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Image credit: Southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

You might be surprised, but winter is the best time to visit the famous Great Barrier Reef. That’s because humidity is low during this season, which makes the waters extra clear. Plus, this is when stinger season (when jellyfish converge in the waters of Queensland) has just passed, meaning you can go snorkelling amidst the majestic coral reef colonies without having to put on a wetsuit.

If you prefer to stay dry during the season, then we recommend signing up for a whale-watching cruise. Winter in Queensland is peak whale season, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot humpback whales in Hervey Bay.

13. Chase the Southern Lights in Tasmania

Image credit: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania © Pierre Destribats, Tourism Tasmania

Much like during the autumn season, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a must-visit in Tasmania during winter because, during this time, you can chase the Southern Lights, Aurora Australis. The minimal light pollution in the winter Tasmanian wilderness gives you the best chance to see this whimsical light show in the night sky.

Meanwhile, back in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, there are a multitude of festivals to enjoy. Festivals like the Winter Feast and Tasmanian Whisky Week are sure to warm you up with delicious food and drink as you fend off the chilly Tasmanian winter.

Whether you’re visiting in winter, spring, summer, or autumn, Australia's seasons are a kaleidoscope of experiences, offering something truly special no matter when you visit. There is always a good time to explore, so pack your bags for the trip of a lifetime to the land Down Under!

Brought to you by Tourism Australia