Autumn/Fall in Australia: Visiting in March, April & May

With warm, comfortable temperatures in much of the country, but fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation, fall is the ideal season for your Australia getaway. Find out how to make the most of an autumn vacation in Australia.

What Is Autumn Like in Australia?

Travelling Australia in Autumn/fall is awesome.
Autumn is a great time to travel: the summer crowds have gone home, school holidays are over and the weather is still sunny if a little cooler. In many parts of Australia there's an increase in rainfall, but it's a pleasant season to travel with less extreme temperatures.

The mild temperatures mean it's the perfect time for hiking and outdoor Aussie adventures. By May, the Tropical North's Wet Season is coming to an end, so the flood risk dies down and the Top End's incredible attractions reopen to visitors.

Check out our guide to Australian monthly temperatures in each major destination.

Australia in March: Early Autumn

Summer's extreme temperatures are on the way out, but the winter chill is still a long way off. Expect warm days and nights in the southern states, while the further north you travel the more rain you are likely to experience. This is due to the Tropical North of Australia being in Wet Season.

Australia in April: Mid-Autumn

Weather-wise, April in Australia can be a mixed bag, with increasing rainfall and cooler nights than March. But you're likely to find pleasant temperatures and sunny days aplenty, and beautiful autumn colours in the forests (Tasmania is well worth a visit at this time). You can still hit the beach and even swim in mid-autumn if you choose your destination carefully!

Australia in May: Late Autumn

As the cooler temperatures start to set in, Australia's northern destinations become more attractive. The end of the wet season means northern Queensland, Western Australia and the Top End are ripe to be explored. Whether you're looking for a beach holiday or outback expedition, you'll find crowd-free travel opportunities wherever you go.

Best Places to see in Australia in Autumn/Fall

Wondering where to explore on your autumn visit to Australia? Here are some of our favourite Australian locations for autumn/fall holidays:

Tasmania
Witness the vivid colours of autumn in Australia as the leaves turn red, orange and gold before your eyes. Tasmania's rainforest leaves stay green, but the mosses, fungi and lichen pepper the forest floor with a rainbow of hues. While not overly hot, the weather in Tasmania tends to be more settled during autumn/fall.

8 Day Tasmanian Luxury Self Drive Itinerary

The Top End (From May)
With the end of the Wet Season in May, Australia's remote tropical landscapes are accessible once more. From world-heritage-listed Kakadu National Park to the imposing cliffs of Katherine Gorge, you'll be blown away by the diveristy of the incredible Top End wilderness.

Itinerary Example: 5 Day Top End Self-Drive Adventure

Perth
With soft-sand beaches, huge skyscrapers, lush parklands and a vibrant street art scene, Perth is a fascinating town to explore. It's home to one of the biggest city parks in the world – Kings Park & Botanic Garden – right in the heart of town. When steamy summer is over, Perth's climate is way more comfortable for travellers unused to humidity. Coastal Bliss: A 16 Day Perth To Broome Road Trip Itinerary

https://www.firstlighttravel.com.au/australian-self-drive-itineraries/western-australia/16-day-perth-to-broome

Queensland & Brisbane
The end of the Wet Season affects Queensland too - humidity drops, and so does the rainfall! Autumn/fall in Queensland is filled with festivals: from Bluesfest in Noosa to the Feast of the Senses in the Tropical North, you are spoled for events & attractions (if you can tear yourself away from the glorious beaches).

From Gold Coast Glitz to Fraser Island Dingos: 8 Day Coastal Queensland Itinerary

Melbourne
Lose yourself in Melbourne's cobblestone laneways, picnic on the banks of the Yarra River, and choose from a vast array of award-winning eateries - Melbourne is the perfect autumn citybreak destination. From fashion to Formula One, there are autumn events to delight the whole family.

Melbourne, Uluru & Sydney: See Australia's Contrasts on an 8 Day No-Drive Tour

Australia's Best Autumn Events & Activities

Moomba Festival, Melbourne
Held over the Labor Day public holiday weekend in March, this huge 3-day riverside festival is packed with free events and firework displays to delight the whole family. Don't miss the Birdman Rally!

Sydney Royal Easter Show
For twelve days every autumn, Syndey plays host to sheepdog trials, woodchopping tournaments, prizewinning pigs and featherlight spongecakes. The Royal Easter Show is a giant carnival of all things rural & agricultural, attracting 850000 visitors a year. Fantastic fun.

Swimming with Whale Sharks
Between April and August each year you can swim with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo, on the coast of Western Australia. There's even a Whale Shark Festival at the end of May!

Join the Food & Wine Festival Frenzy
Autumn is harvest time, and Australia loves to celebrate its local food and wine scene with a whole host of festivals during fall. The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Grampians Grape Escape, Noosa Food & Wine Festival and Barossa Gourmet Weekend are just a handful of the many delicious options available. Be sure to add one of Australia's amazing wine regions into your autumn itinerary.

Final Travel Tips For Australia in Autumn/Fall

Planning your dream itinerary? Here's what to keep in mind:

For beautiful autumn leaves, head to the southern states.
Pack for warm days, cooler nights and bring a raincoat.
Wear layers of clothes that you can take on and off as the temperature changes.
Planning a multi-state tour? Start in the southern states and head north - this way you'll make the most of warmer weather.
Weather conditions in the Tropical North and desert regions will be more comfortable from May onwards .(when the wet Check when Easter falls - tourist centres and major attractions may be busier (and pricier) over the Easter school holidays.

Does Autumn sound like the ideal time for your trip? We can help you plan your vacation, and suggest the best locations to visit according to the time of year. Try our free itinerary planning service today.