When is the best time to book your Australian Holiday?

Australian Peak Visitor Times

Our holiday peak season runs from November through to March, coinciding with summer, with the absolute peak being in January and February.

From the day after Christmas (Boxing Day) until four weeks later, most Government workers, doctors, lawyers, bank executives, CEOs, factory workers and production lines stop working! Seriously, the whole country goes on a summer holiday. Now, add the influx of international travellers to those popular Australian holiday spots and you get a major overload. We are not saying "Do not visit in January," just plan ahead of time. You need to have your plans complete by the end of September to get the accommodation, rental car and activities you want. Otherwise you will get caught with inferior or very expensive leftovers. Also, in recent years, we have had an influx of Chinese Nationals coming over to celebrate ‘Chinese New Year’ in Australia, again this puts pressure on key accommodation and activities in February.

To be more specific, we find that holiday parks, coastal accommodation, and the higher-end properties are under strain, especially in the popular tourist centres. During these months we recommend booking rental cars and train or bus travel as early as possible.

If you don't like crowds or if you are budget-conscious, high summer may not be the best time to visit Australia's popular tourist spots. Try shoulder season - spring and autumn (fall): It'll be warm, crowd-free, and friendly to your wallet.