The Best Places to Visit in Australia by Location and Season

The Aussie version of a white Christmas includes white sand instead of snow. It’s pretty epic!

Our sweltering summer is the best time to explore the coast and cool off in our waters while touring some of the South. 

Let’s dive in:

• Whitsundays, QLD – Our Paradise on Earth, Whitsundays is one of Australia’s gems. These 74 islands have the dreamiest beaches, the bluest seas, and every activity under the sun. From paddleboarding to pamper days, this place has everything you need to experience the gnarliest summer ever.
• The Overland Track, TAS – If the summer heat is too extreme for you, then consider venturing south to Tasmania’s cooler climes. This walking trail might not be your bowl of rice, but its perks are unreal. Enjoy alpine scenery, glistening lakes, and heaps of wildlife.  
• Mornington Peninsula, VIC – If you can’t decide between the beach and the countryside, this place is for you. It’s got mountain views, lush forests, stunning beaches and more. Plus, it’s only two hours from buzzing Melbourne!

Where are the best places to visit in Australia during autumn?

The autumn season offers cheaper prices than summer, fewer tourists, and warmer temperatures – without the drag of summer’s humidity. 

Here’s where we love spending autumnal days in Australia:

• Adelaide, SA – In autumn, Adelaide is jam-packed with festivals. If you visit in February or March, make sure to check out Adelaide Fringe, famous for its first-rate celebration of the arts. WOMADelaide is the city’s answer to the Glastonbury Festival and has been jamming since 1992!
• Melbourne, VIC – If you like combining fun and food, this city is a must in autumn. The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in March is the perfect way to soak up Melbourne’s culinary scene and get a proper feel for the city’s culture. Ningaloo Reef, WA – This place is perfect for nature lovers. The reef’s stunning waters are teeming with whale sharks throughout the season, and you can book deluxe tours to swim with them! If that’s a little extreme for you, autumn’s also when the coral thrives in the reef! It’s so pretty!

Across the country, temperatures drop slightly during the coldest season. But the good news is that they rarely go below 12°C! 

This climate means that you can still venture out and enjoy the outdoors. It’s no wonder we never get bored in Aus! Here’s where we like to spend our winter season:

• Perisher Ski Resort, NSW – Itching to hit the slopes? Us too! This resort is the biggest in the entire southern hemisphere, so it defo has everything you need for a mind-blowing ski trip. If you want to soak up some atmosphere, stay in the charming nearby town of Jindabyne. 
• Canberra, ACT – If you’re a hardcore foodie, you’ll love Canberra’s annual Truffle Festival. The gourmet ingredient is the centre of attention from June to August. From tastings to cooking classes, this fest has it all. You can even take part in a proper truffle hunt!
• Syndey, NSW – Sydney is beautiful all year long, but in the winter months, it really dazzles. In June, the city gets transformed by thousands of wintry lights. Plus, tonnes of wintry amusements pop up around the city, including ice skating rinks, the Bondi Ferris Wheel, candlelit concerts, and more.

Now that we know how to navigate Australia’s unique seasons, we want to give some attention to our sensational cities. 

Each of our cities has atmosphere and attractions galore, and it’s hard to pick a favourite. So, we’ve put down our favourite places to visit in each of our country’s most famous metropolises all year round. 

Ready? Let’s go. 

The best places to visit in Sydney, Australia

This city is often thought of as our capital, and we understand why. It has some of the most popular attractions in Australia and loads of amazing restaurants and bars. 

Here are some of our favourites:

Wharf Bar

Located on Manly Beach, this newly renovated resto-bar is something special. On top of their mouthwatering menu, they also host awesome events all the time. P.S. Their bottomless brunch is to die for (although, you might actually feel like you’re dying the following morning)!

Sydney Harbour Bridge

This iconic landmark is simply a sight to behold. Catch a view from below by taking a boat trip through the harbour, or if you have the guts, throw on a harness and scale the bridge with BridgeClimb! 

Bondi Beach

This beach is a haven for tourists and locals alike. Not only can you dive headfirst into surfing and water sports, but the beach is also lined with beach bars and cafes, making for a sweet combination of activity and relaxation. 

The best places to visit in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is widely known as the foodie capital of Australia and is brimming with culture and art. We’ve narrowed it down to three of our favourite places below: 

The Royal Botanic Gardens

This stunning ode to nature is home to almost nine thousand plant species from across the globe and creates a calming green wonderland among the chaos of the bustling city. Take a tour, attend a cool event, or just wander around the forests with your morning cuppa. 

Eureka Skydeck

If you’re seeking thrills, it won’t get much edgier than at the top of the Skydeck. As well as its 360° views of the city, this deck also gives you the tummy-turning chance to walk onto a glass cube 300m above ground. If you’ve got the nerve, visit at nighttime to see the city lit up from above. It’s fair dinkum. 

National Gallery of Victoria

The NGV is an art lover’s dream. It has permanent classics (including a Rembrandt!) alongside loads of up-and-coming exhibitions throughout the year. The Great Hall is also where you’ll find their jaw-dropping stained-glass ceiling. It’s a stunner. 

Known for mild temperatures and a vibrant culture, Darwin has heaps to offer. From wildlife experiences to fine dining, no doubt it’s got the thing for you, no matter your agenda: 

Crocosaurus Cove

You’re in for a treat if you go wild for wildlife. This immersive croc experience gets you up close and personal with Australia’s apex predators. That’s if you’re brave enough to plunge into the Cage of Death and get face-to-face with these mesmerising monsters!

Cove Restaurant

Now for another kind of cove. This gorgeous restaurant has lagoon views and high-quality beef dishes, accompanied perfectly by an extensive wine selection. What more could you want?

Zen Rooftop Lounge

Clink your glasses up in the clouds and enjoy panoramic views of Darwin from this swanky rooftop bar. Our favourite thing about them? They serve complimentary nibbles with their delicious wines, cocktails and spirits. Yum!

The best places to visit in Perth, Australia

Did you know that Perth is sometimes called the ‘City of Lights’? 

As it turns out, the city gets lit so vibrantly that it has a history of being visible to astronauts out in space! Cool, huh?

Well, it’s pretty cool from the ground, too. Here are some of our favourite spots in Perth: 

Hillary’s Boat Harbour

This little harbour is home to a handful of gorgeous restaurants, most of which have an enviable view of the water. Before dining, you can take a dip in the sea, try your hand at fishing, or even go on a glass-bottom boat tour! 

Rottnest Island

This beautiful little island is perched just off the coast of Perth. As if its breathtaking natural scenery and clear blue waters weren’t enough, Rottnest is also bursting with family-friendly activities. Hire some pedal bikes to explore the island, or rent a boat to visit nearby shipwrecks.

Penguin Island 

This floating rock is home to some of the cutest birds you could imagine. That’s right. A colony of little penguins. Catch a ferry from Mersey Point, and you’ll be in penguin paradise in just 5 minutes. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, too.

The best places to visit in Brisbane, Australia

Known for its size and vibrancy, the capital of Queensland won’t let you down. This city is a ray of sunshine, so let’s take a look at how to enjoy it best: 

Yatala Drive-In

This old-school cinema is the perfect place for a lowkey date or a chilled family night. Bring your own movie snacks, take a step back in time, and enjoy a film from the comfort of your car every night of the week. 

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Opened in 1927, this is the biggest and best koala sanctuary in Aus. If you’re in Brisbane, you can’t skip a trip to this inspiring place. They do great work for koala conservation and give you the chance to pet these funky furballs! It’s a 10/10 experience. 

Dandy’s Rooftop Bar

This colourful bar is a wonderland up in the clouds! Sip on a pint of quality craft beer and take in the breathtaking views of the city. When you’re there, see if you can guess the theme (clue: one of the cocktails is called the Anna Kournikova!).

The best places to visit in Cairns, Australia

If you’re chasing sunsets and idyllic beaches, you’re gonna wanna 100% hit up Cairns. 

Packed with culture, natural beauty and adventures, Cairns is a stunning tropical little town that offers tourists the classic Aussie experience. 

Let’s see what it has in store:

The Great Barrier Reef

If you’ve heard of Australia, you’ve heard of the Great Barrier Reef. This mind-bogglingly huge coral reef has more than 1500 fish species, turtles, dolphins, whales, and more! Ride a Scuba Doo sub-scooter below the waves to admire this underwater wonderland up close! 

Nudey Beach

Located on nearby Fitzroy Island, this beach is postcard-perfect. A stretch of white sand meets crystal clear waters, giving you the most tranquil spot for sunbathing. While you’re on the island, check out the great activities available there, too.

Cairns Aquarium

If you want to see Northern Australia’s sea creatures without getting wet, head to the aquarium. Over 15,000 aquatic animals call this place home – all of which you can gawk at through the glass. We’d recommend seeing the aquarium by Twilight for the ultimate experience. 

Ready. Steady. Aus!

Now we’ve finished chewing your ear off, it’s time you check out these ripsnorter places for yourself! 

We’ve given you all the tips for seeing Aus like a true blue, so pack your sunnies, grab your wetsuits, and embark on a journey of a lifetime. 

If you need some reliable wheels and a cosy bed to get you from place to place, you’re in the right place. Here at RatPack Travel, you’ll find the best campervan rental deals in all of Aus!

Get in touch today, and we’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime. 

Hooroo for now!