Wondering where to travel throughout the year to experience Australia and New Zealand at their best? From wildflower blooms and vineyard tastings to crystal-clear seas and dramatic alpine landscapes, each month offers a perfect place to explore.
This month-by-month travel guide highlights some of the best travel destinations by month, carefully chosen for ideal weather, natural beauty, seasonal events, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or to savour delicious food and wine, these destinations will inspire your next trip.
January: Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
January is one of the best times to visit Franz Josef Glacier, when New Zealand’s summer brings the warmest temperatures of the year and long daylight hours that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the dramatic alpine environment. Set against a backdrop of dense verdant rainforest and snow-capped peaks, the small town of Franz Josef offers a relaxed base for exploration, with scenic walking trails, lookout points, and welcoming cafés that invite you to slow down and take in the surroundings.
The glacier itself is the star attraction, and summer provides the best access for guided glacier experiences and scenic flights. Taking to the air reveals a striking contrast of icy blue formations spilling down into vibrant green valleys; a rare natural phenomenon that makes this region so extraordinary. Whether you explore on foot or from above, Franz Josef in January offers a perfect balance of adventure and awe-inspiring beauty.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Franz Josef on the Southern Spirit tour.
February: Great Ocean Road, Victoria
February is an ideal time to explore Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, when long summer days and coastal breezes create perfect conditions for a scenic drive along one of Australia’s most iconic routes. The rugged coastline comes alive in the warm light, with dramatic limestone formations such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge Rock standing in striking contrast to the deep blue Southern Ocean. Between these natural landmarks, sleepy seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay are the perfect stops, where cafés, beaches, and forest walks offer relaxed moments away from the road. With more chances of clear skies, February is a wonderful time to linger, explore hidden coves, and soak up the coastal beauty of the Great Ocean Road on the Tastes of Southern Australia tour.
March: Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
March is an ideal time to discover the breathtaking beauty of Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park, when Tasmania’s weather settles into warm days and calm seas, making it a great time to explore hiking trails such as the Wineglass Bay Lookout, which offers sweeping views of brilliant blue water framed by rugged granite peaks.
Beyond the walking tracks, the Freycinet Peninsula reveals its magic from the water. Explore Wineglass Bay on a cruise along the coastline and admire the pink-hued mountains and pristine beaches. As you drift across tranquil waters, enjoying a relaxed lunch onboard, it becomes clear why this region consistently ranks among the best beach destinations in the world.
Glide along the crescent shores of Wineglass Bay on the Perfect Tasmania tour.
April: Barossa Valley, South Australia
April is a dream month for food and wine lovers, as the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, is in vintage season and the vineyards come alive with the energy of harvest. Warm days and golden landscapes set the scene for indulgent experiences, where long lunches and cellar door tastings stretch relaxingly into the afternoon. Have lunch at Lambert Estate, tasting the local flavours of the region with some of the finest regional drops, all while enjoying the views over the vines. This is the Barossa at its most vibrant, with winemakers busy crafting the next great vintage and visitors enjoying the fruits of past harvests.
Taste velvety wines and savour delicious food on the South Australian Outback Adventure tour.
May: Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
May is a great time to visit the Top End as it transitions from the wet season into drier conditions. The landscape is still lush and green, and waterfalls such as Leliyn (Edith Falls) continue to flow after months of tropical rain. This creates an incredible contrast against the towering sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River.
With comfortable temperatures, May is ideal for exploring the park’s natural wonders at a relaxed pace. Whether you’re admiring the waterfalls, cruising through the gorges, or simply soaking in the serenity, the Top End offers a place to connect with ancient landscapes and culture.
Explore the Top End on the Northern Territory Top End National Parks tour
June: Red Centre, Northern Territory
June brings cooler temperatures to Australia’s Red Centre, making it a comfortable and ideal time to explore this iconic region. The milder weather allows for longer walks and deeper exploration of these culturally significant sites without the heat of summer. Clear skies and crisp mornings add to the dramatic beauty of the desert landscape.
Walk the base of Uluṟu, exploring the domes of Kata Tjuṯa, venturing into Walpa Gorge and scale Kings Canyon’s rim. The Red Centre offers beautiful landscapes, striking sunsets and sunrises, and sacred sites that hold stories of the land that will stay with you long after you return home.
Experience the Red Centre on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.
July: Queensland Tropics & Great Barrier Reef
July is peak season in the Queensland Tropics, when dry weather and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for visiting the Great Barrier Reef. The ocean is clear and calm, offering excellent visibility for snorkelling and marine encounters.
Travel by high-speed catamaran to the outer reef, where vibrant coral gardens teem with life and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Snorkel among colourful fish, observe the reef from underwater viewing platforms, or simply relax on deck while soaking up the tropical sunshine. Joining a tour will also give you an opportunity to gain insights into the reef’s ecology from an expert guide, deepening your experience.
Discover Queensland and the iconic Great Barrier Reef on the Tropical Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns tour.
August: Kimberley, WA
August is an exceptional time to explore the Kimberley region, as the dry season brings clear skies, warm days, and ideal conditions for discovering one of Australia’s most dramatic landscapes. With roads open and humidity low, the vast outback reveals itself in all its rugged glory, from ancient ranges and deep gorges to sweeping rivers and ochre-coloured plains shaped over millions of years.
A highlight of visiting the Kimberley is a scenic flight over the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, where the iconic Bungle Bungle Range rises from the earth in striking orange and black-striped domes. From the air, the scale and patterns of this ancient landscape are truly mesmerising, with sweeping views extending to Lake Argyle, the Ord River and the remote reaches of the Kimberley wilderness.
Back on the ground, experience a Lake Argyle cruise, which offers a contrasting perspective. Glide across glassy waters as native wildlife emerges and the setting sun casts golden light across the surrounding ranges. In August, the Kimberley’s accessible conditions and unforgettable experiences combine to create a journey that is both adventurous and deeply immersive.
Explore the Kimberley from above and on land through the Broome and the Kimberley Highlights tour.
September: Wildflowers, WA
September is peak season to spot wildflowers in Western Australia, transforming vast stretches of countryside and parks into a spectacular floral display. Regions such as Kalbarri National Park, Kings Park and Coleseam Conservation Park burst into colour, with thousands of species blooming simultaneously across cliffs, river gorges, and inland plains. The contrast between delicate flowers and rugged landscapes is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Mild temperatures make exploration comfortable, perfect to wander and photograph the kaleidoscope of colourful blooms that blanket the land.
Discover spring blooms on the Wildflower Wanderer tour.
October: Kangaroo Island, South Australia
October is a magical month on Kangaroo Island, when spring brings fresh greenery, wildflowers, and an abundance of wildlife. Baby animals begin to emerge, and the island is full of life. At Seal Bay Conservation Park, adorable sea lions lounge on the beach before tumbling into the surf, offering unforgettable close encounters.
Beyond its rugged coastline and abundant wildlife, Kangaroo Island is also home to a craft brewery offering beer tastings, as well as a eucalyptus distillery where visitors can shop for natural products such as eucalyptus oil and eucalyptus-infused honey sweets. October’s mild temperatures and wildlife make it a great time to visit Kangaroo Island.
See windswept coastlines and diverse wildlife on the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island tour.
November: Milford Sound, New Zealand
November is a wonderful time to visit Milford Sound, located in Fiordland National Park. Mild spring temperatures and generally drier weather create comfortable conditions for exploring, while spring snowmelt still creates a dramatic display of countless waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs.
Spend the night aboard the Milford Mariner, allowing you to experience this World Heritage-listed region in complete tranquillity. Kayak along rainforest-lined shores, learn about the geology and wildlife of the area from an onboard nature guide and wake to mist drifting across the water. A deeply immersive way to experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations.
Cruise overnight in Milford Sound on the New Zealand’s Southern Sounds tour.
December: Lavender Fields, Tasmania
December is a beautiful time to explore Tasmania, when long daylight hours stretch the days and lavender season reaches its peak. At Bridestowe Lavender Estate, located just a 45 minute drive from Launceston, rolling fields of purple fill the air with calming fragrance, creating one of the most picturesque sceneries.
Try lavender-infused treats, from creamy ice cream to golden honey produced by bees thriving among the blooms. Combined with Tasmania’s fresh produce and relaxed summer pace, December offers a relaxing yet inspiring end to the travel year.
Explore fragrant lavender fields on the Tasmanian Wonders tour.
From glaciers and gorges to vineyards, reefs, and wildflower fields, these destinations showcase the best places to travel throughout the year. By aligning your travels with the seasons, you’ll experience each location at its most beautiful and authentic.