When's the Best Time to Visit Different Parts of Australia?

You'll find Australia's huge size means you've got different perfect times depending where you want to go. Winter from June through August is actually ideal if you're heading to the Outback and Uluru - the cooler temps make exploring much more comfortable. Spring's really special in Western Australia around September to November with amazing wildflowers everywhere and if you're lucky you might spot whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef. Looking to hit the beaches? Summer's your friend from December to February especially along the East Coast where you can surf Byron Bay or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Fall's brilliant for Tasmania around March to May and you've got to check out the penguins on Kangaroo Island at the Penneshaw Penguin Centre.

How Can You Experience Aboriginal Culture First-Hand?

There's some really authentic ways to connect with Aboriginal traditions right across Australia. Over in Western Australia the Dabungool Cultural Experience near Esperance is fantastic - local Wudjari Nyungar guides show you everything from bush tucker to traditional medicine and explain their fascinating six seasons. If you're heading to Kangaroo Island you can join Anangu artists for dot-painting workshops where they'll teach you all about their symbols and stories. Up in the Flinders Ranges the Adnyamathanha guides at Wilpena Pound share amazing insights about bush mai their artifacts and medicinal plants plus you'll experience a traditional smoking ceremony.

What Natural Areas Can You Explore Outside the Cities?

Australia's packed with incredible national parks and each one's got its own character. Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia is mind-blowing - you can get there by 4WD or join a guided tour to really understand what you're seeing. If you're up for a proper hike the Cradle Mountain Overland Track in Tasmania starting at Ronny Creek is unforgettable especially with experienced guides camping under the stars. Over on Kangaroo Island Flinders Chase National Park feels like another planet with its crazy rock formations and you'll see fur seals everywhere - definitely worth taking a guided tour to get the most out of it.

What Are Some Hidden Gem Routes Around Australia?

Want to get off the tourist track? The West Coast is incredible on an 8-day boutique tour where you'll explore the weird and wonderful Pinnacles Desert catch your own lobsters in Kalbarri and snorkel Ningaloo Reef. If you're after real outback adventure the Oodnadatta Track's your answer - it's properly remote with amazing lunar landscapes perfect for 4WD camping trips. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria's a bit more accessible but still stunning with those famous Twelve Apostles and lovely little beach towns along the way. People love these routes because they show you the real Australia away from the crowds.

How Do You Get Around Australia?

Getting around's pretty straightforward once you know your options. Domestic flights connect all the major cities with loads of flights between Sydney Melbourne Cairns and Perth. Renting a car gives you total freedom especially for coastal drives and exploring regional areas. If you'd rather not worry about the details guided tours are brilliant particularly for tricky spots like the Outback and Uluru - plus you get all the local knowledge. Really it comes down to how you like to travel where you want to go and what your budget looks like.

Australia Tours & Trips

The best Australia tour packages

View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Famous 5 - 5 day Tour of Tasmania
4.7 (156 traveler reviews)
"Everything is very well planned: from transport, to accommodation, to breathtaking destinations!"
Carlos, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Hobart, Mount Field National Park,Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park,Queenstown,Strahan,Henty Dunes,Tullah,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Sheffield,Launceston,St Helens,Bay of Fires Conservation Area,Bicheno,Freycinet National Park,Swansea,Orford+14 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Under Down Under Tours
From
US$638per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Best of Perth, Margaret River & Rottnest Island (from Perth to Fremantle)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"It was great opportunity to meet people from different parts of Australia and from overseas in the group on the tour."
Tatyana, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Perth, Busselton, Margaret River, Yallingup, Fremantle,Rottnest Island+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Western Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $2,220
US$1,776per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Tasmania Adventure (including Dove Lake)
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"Excellent accommodations and a perfect amount of time for each stop."
Katherine, traveled in September
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Hobart, Richmond, Freycinet National Park, Bicheno,Sheffield,Dove Lake,Tullah,Strahan,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $1,650
US$1,238per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Hotel locations was perfect near city center, hotel is clean and perfect."
Lilbeth, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
25% Off
From
US$1,437per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Sydney to Brisbane – 8 Day Boutique Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"If you are looking for a stress free introduction to the Australian East Coast, this is it!"
Bryan, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie,Byron Bay,Noosa,Rainbow Beach,Fraser Island,Brisbane+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Australia East CoastEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Via Travel Australia
15% Off
From $3,031
US$2,577per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
7 Day Perth to Exmouth Explorer & Ningaloo Reef Return - from Perth
4.7 (66 traveler reviews)
"From exploring the Pinnacles to going snorkelling, it's been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What a fantastic way to start my time here."
Joe, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Perth, Nambung National Park, Kalbarri National Park,Monkey Mia Reserve,Coral Bay,Cape Range National Park,Exmouth,Geraldton+5 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Australia West CoastWestern Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
10% Off
From $1,253
US$1,128per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Super 7 - Seven Day Tour of Tasmania
4.4 (90 traveler reviews)
"It is ideal for people short in time wanting to see a lot, without their own transport, and not wanting to spend too much money on accommodation."
Quinten, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Hobart, Mount Field National Park,Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park,Queenstown,Strahan,Henty Dunes,Tullah,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Dove Lake,Sheffield,Launceston,St Helens,Bay of Fires Conservation Area,Bicheno,Freycinet National Park,Swansea,Orford,Port Arthur+16 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Under Down Under Tours
10% Off
From
US$909per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
Looking for tours beyond just Australia?
Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Australia.
View Map
Explorer
Australia’s West Coast & Ningaloo Reef – 8 Day Boutique Comfort Tour
4.9 (9 traveler reviews)
"Great range of adventure, cultural and sightseeing activities."
Rose-Mary, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Perth, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia Reserve, Carnarvon,Coral Bay,Exmouth+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Australia West CoastWestern AustraliaNingaloo Reef+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Via Travel Australia
10% Off
From
US$2,760per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
4.6 (54 traveler reviews)
"I really enjoyed the hikes, the swags and the landscapes."
Manon, traveled in January
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Perth, York, Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park,Bremer Bay,Albany,Walpole,Hamelin Bay,Margaret River,Busselton+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Western Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Untamed Escapes
10% Off
From
US$896per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Australia: City to Surf (Air Price Australia: City To Surf)
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"After 1 week with the people you meet, you just don't want to leave. It gave me the opportunity to meet people all over the world and make life long friends."
Marie, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Sydney, Blue Mountains, Bondi, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay,Noosa,Fraser Island,Brisbane+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
Australia East CoastEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $1,381
US$1,243per person
+$134 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
The Great Ocean Road Melbourne - Adelaide 4 day 3 night Tour
4.9 (54 traveler reviews)
"A fantastic tour, taking us to all the views and highlights that you'd never have found driving this road yourself."
Martin, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell, Port Fairy,Naracoorte,Adelaide+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Great Ocean RoadVictoria+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
See Adelaide and Beyond
10% Off
From
US$1,451per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"We had a great time & it went very smoothly. I appreciate also that she would contact us to see how things were going."
Stanley, traveled in March
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
10% Off
From
US$2,475per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Totally Tasmania - 6 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Spend more time in final location (Eaglehawk Neck) to enjoy area. We loved his sharing of stories about Tasmania."
Jay, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Hobart, Mount Field National Park, Queenstown,Macquarie Harbour,Tullah,Sheffield,Launceston,St Helens,Bicheno,Freycinet National Park,Eaglehawk Neck,Port Arthur,Richmond+10 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$1,620per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Oz Intro
4.8 (1,536 traveler reviews) award winner
"Her sparkle enables you to have the best time whilst also feeling safe and comfortable exploring a new environment."
Heather, traveled in October
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Country Region
Australia East CoastEast AustraliaGold Coast+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
INTRO Travel
10% Off
From
US$924per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Aussie Icons Fly Stay Tour
4.2 (9 traveler reviews)
"Over all very nicely organized and selected tours."
Sinhareb, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Daintree National Park,Great Barrier Reef,Melbourne,Phillip Island,Great Ocean Road,Apollo Bay+5 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Australia and New Zealand Travel Company
10% Off
From $2,928
US$2,635per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour

Most popular destinations in Australia

More exciting destinations:

Australia Northern Territory (92) Tasmania (89) Queensland (85) South East Queensland (67) Red Centre (60) Central Australia (60) Uluru / Ayers Rock (58) Australia East Coast (54)

Travel Australia your way

More travel styles:

Fully Guided (507) Self-Guided (52) Self Drive (23) Eco (15)

Best places to start your Australia tour

An entire continent of fun is waiting for you in Australia. Discover Sydney from a great height, surf at Byron Bay, and admire ancient Aboriginal cave paintings at Uluru. Explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, taste regional wine at Margaret River, meet kangaroos at Cape Le Grand National Park, and sail the jaw-dropping Whitsundays. Plan your next visit immediately!

Demographics

Best time to visit Australia

Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings out the best of Australia's natural encounters, especially along the western coast. Our travelers particularly enjoy the small-group journeys from Perth to Exmouth where you can swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef and meet friendly dolphins at Monkey Mia. The guides really know their spots - they'll take you to pull up lobster pots near Kalbarri and show you the mysterious Pinnacles formations rising from the desert. Many customers tell us how much they love camping under clear winter skies, followed by morning walks through gorges and pink lakes. Your guide will introduce you to Aboriginal culture through bush tucker tastings and traditional music, while keeping things flexible enough to chase the best wildlife sightings each day.
- December 2025 183 tours
- January 2026 323 tours
- popular 387 tours
Spring 2026
Spring tours really shine in the southeast, where mild temperatures create perfect conditions for combining city exploration with nature experiences. Our Sydney-based adventures start with harbor walks and surf lessons at Bondi before heading north to Byron Bay. You'll learn to catch waves with local instructors who make everyone feel comfortable, whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills. Meanwhile, Melbourne departures take advantage of spring blooms in the Royal Botanic Gardens and perfect weather for driving the Great Ocean Road. What makes these tours special is how they blend urban discoveries with coastal adventures - one day you're exploring hidden laneways and the next you're watching for dolphins from coastal headlands.
- popular 393 tours
- 359 tours
- 364 tours
Summer 2026
Summer brings out the tropical splendor of Queensland's coast, and our most popular tours make the most of it. The Brisbane to Cairns route lets you experience the Whitsundays at their finest - you'll cruise to secluded beaches, snorkel among colorful fish and maybe even spot sea turtles. Further north, Port Douglas serves as your gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Our travelers consistently praise the mix of activities: morning reef cruises, afternoon rainforest walks and cultural experiences with local Aboriginal guides. The Cairns-based tours really excel at balancing structured activities with free time, letting you choose between additional reef trips, market visits and cooling off in the lagoon pool.
- 342 tours
- July 2026 348 tours
- August 2026 popular 368 tours
Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn offers ideal conditions for exploring Australia's southern regions, particularly around Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide area. Wildlife viewing reaches its peak - you'll find sea lions basking on pristine beaches and kangaroos grazing in the early morning light. Our travelers especially enjoy how these tours combine nature encounters with local food experiences, stopping at artisan producers and wineries along the way. The walking tracks are particularly pleasant this time of year, letting you explore places like Seal Bay and Remarkable Rocks at a comfortable pace. Your guide will know exactly when to visit each location to catch the best light for photos and avoid the crowds, while sharing stories about the island's unique ecosystem and history.
- 379 tours
- popular 406 tours
- 364 tours