Spring in Australia: Travelling in September, October & November

Australia in September: What to Expect in Early Spring

Winter is thawing...
As winter starts to loosen its grip, the first month of spring brings warmer days to most of the country, with temperatures remaining fairly cool at night. 

Rainfall is usually lower around this time of year, so it's a great time for outdoor activities.

...but you can still ski!
The south of the country is cooler than the north. In mountain areas such as the Australian Alps, there may still be enough snow for spring skiing or snowboarding. 

You can bask on the beach...
Sunseekers can head north to Queensland's beaches for their daily dose of Vitamin D. The further north you go, the warmer the weather.

...or stop and smell the roses (and jacaranda blossoms).
Scenery-wise, you are in for a treat. In September the wildflowers begin to wake up and put on a show in glorious technicolour. Sydney's purple jacaranda blossoms are in full flower and Western Australia's desert flowers are a must-see.

Best time to travel in September:
Australia's tourist destinations are generally uncrowded at this time of year, but there are school holidays around the last week in September, and many families choose to take a holiday at this time. You may wish to avoid.

Australia in October: Travelling in Mid-Spring

Now we're talking! October is a brilliant time to travel to Australia. 
Why's that? Temperatures are creeping up in the south of the country, with beautifully sunny days occurring more frequently. Perfect picnic weather, and a great time for long, leisurely spring walks.

There's time to tackle the Top End...
Up north, October is the last month of the tropical Dry Season, so you can enjoy the Top End's iconic natural attractions (like Kakadu National Park) before the rainy season sets in.

Or (safely) top up your tan on the East Coast.
It's ideal beach weather in northern New South Wales and Queensland (remember the farther north you travel, the hotter it will be).

Avoiding October's Busy Times:
You may find it busier around the first week of the month when many Australian states have a public holiday for Labour Day. School holidays generally end around the second week in October.

November: What Australia Is Like In Late Spring

Summer is coming... and the south is warming up nicely.
Summer begins to make its presence felt in the south of the country, with temperatures on the rise yet again. Most state capital cities (sorry, Hobart!) will have temperatures above 20 degrees Celcius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), making November a great time for a city break.

The Tropical North gets hotter and wetter in November...
In the Tropical North (far north Queensland, the Top End and northern Western Australia) there's a changeover from Dry Season to Wet Season, bringing heat, humidity and rain in equal measure. But for much of the rest of the country, the weather is not too hot and not too cold, so temperature-wise you can't go wrong.

...while Melbourne is dressing to impress.
In Melbourne, November is Spring Racing Carnival time! The Melbourne Cup, "The race that stops a nation", takes place on the first Tuesday of the month. It's a public holiday, and you'll see much of the town dressed in finery with sharp suits and fancy hats galore.

November's busiest times to travel:
With the Melbourne Cup public holiday on the first Tuesday of the month, many Victorians take Monday off for an extended weekend break. Expect higher prices and increased demand for accommodation in Victoria's holiday hotspots around this time.

Australia in Spring: Best Places to Visit

Now that we've convinced you to visit Australia in spring, where should you go? Here are some of our favourite locations for spring vacations Down Under:
 

Western Australia
Western Australia has the largest collection of wildflowers on the planet. Take a tour to Perth, Margaret River or a coastal road trip along the Indian Ocean Drive for a jaw-dropping display of nature at its finest.

Discover Perth and Margaret River with this family-friendly 9 Day South West Explorer Self Drive Itinerary
 

Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road
Don your finest frock or tuxedo and head to Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival in November - the state even has a public holiday for the iconic Melbourne Cup horse race and you'll see the townsfolk dressed up to the nines.

Ready for a Victorian road trip? Try this 8-day itinerary featuring the Great Ocean Road

Sydney, Blue Mountains & New South Wales Coast
Sydney also hosts a grand Spring Racing Carnival, as well as the Sculpture By the Sea outdoor exhibition. Leave the city behind for woodland walks in the Blue Mountains, wine tasting in Hunter Valley and beach-hopping along the Central Coast.

A 7 Day Sydney & Surrounds Itinerary that's perfect for a spring vacation
 

Kakadu National Park and the Top End
The Top End is still in Dry Season in September and October, so you can fit in an early spring visit. Enjoy the Aboriginal Rock Art, crystal clear rockpools and wildlife-filled floodplains of Kakadu National Park.

5 Days of the Top End's stunning attractions: A Self-Drive Itinerary

Best Spring Activities & Events in Australia

Birdwatching in the Top End
Head to Kakadu National Park, Australia's #1 birdwatching destination, for a kaleidoscope of colourful feathers and beautiful spring birdsong.

Hiking East Coast Tasmania's Coastline
Tasmania's spectacular coastline includes the Bay of Fires, Freycinet National Park and Maria Island - all wonderful places for a Tasmanian spring walking holiday.

Moonrise in Broome: Staircase To The Moon
Watch in awe as the full moon reflects off the tidal plains, creating a staircase effect that must be seen to be believed. You can see this from March to October.

Beach-hopping in New South Wales
From Byron Bay in the north of the state to the Sapphire Coast in the South, the balmy spring temperatures are wonderful for family beach holidays.

Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne
Don your top hats and fancy frocks - November is time to go to the races! With festivals and celebrations galore it's a vibrant time to visit Marvellous Melbourne.

Sculpture By The Sea in Sydney
From Bondi to Coogee, Sydney's famous 6km clifftop walkway is transformed into a weird and wonderful outdoor art gallery. Visited by millions, the exhibition lasts from late October to early November.

Floriade Festival in Canberra
Australia's capital city hosts the biggest celebration of Spring in September/October each year. The largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere features over one million blooms.

Final Tips For Travelling Australia in Spring

Remember:

• Southern states will be cooler, while northern areas of Australia will be warmer. 
• Visiting the Tropical North? Travel earlier in Spring, before Wet Season begins around November
• Pack for warmer days and cooler nights - layers are key in Spring
• Plan your itinerary around school and public holidays to beat the crowds and stretch your budget further
• Daylight Savings Time begins in many (but not all!) states on the first Sunday in October - meaning the days will get longer.
• Australia's climate and temperatures can vary a lot from state to state! Click here for month-by-month Australian temperature and rainfall statistics in major locations.

Feeling inspired to book your next spring getaway? View our most popular Australian Self Drive itineraries here!

At First Light Travel we can plan the perfect self-drive holiday for you. To get started and find ideas you can view our most popular itineraries - all of our trips can be customised for you!