Australia for all seasons

This article first appeared on The Journal.

No matter what time of the year you want to travel, Australia’s mild climate and diverse range of experiences makes it the perfect destination for all seasons.

Whether you’d rather hit the road on an outback adventure, escape the cold and relax on some of the world’s most stunning beaches or eat your way through delicious local produce, there is an Aussie adventure to suit everyone. Here’s our calendar of suggestions.

January – eat fresh seafood in Bicheno, Tasmania

On the east coast of Tasmania (that little island beneath mainland Australia), you’ll find a sleepy beachside town called Bicheno. It’s known for its penguin rookeries (where you can watch the little guys return each night from their fishing expeditions) and their tasty, fresh seafood. Be sure to try some of Tassie’s famous oysters as you overlook the water. As January is the heart of Australian summer, it’s the perfect time to visit this southern point of Australia.

Eat your fill on our Taste of Tasmania trip.

February – road trip to see the Twelve Apostles, Victoria

A road trip down the coastal Great Ocean Road is a classic Aussie holiday, and sunny February is one the best times to head to this southern state and see the Twelve Apostles. While there might only be nine of these remarkable rock formations left, it’s still worth the drive to take some snaps and explore the nearby Loch Ard Gorge. The scenery is unbeatable.

See the full scope of Australia on our Melbourne to Darwin Overland trip.

March –watch the sunrise over Uluru, Northern Territory

Yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every person should have – watching the sunrise over Uluru. In this desert area of Australia, it’s always warm and rarely rains, but this time of year is a cooler month to visit the Red Centre. Have the cameras ready, as you won’t want to miss getting the perfect photo of this spectacular sight.

Rock out on our Uluru Adventure.

April – swim in a secluded rainforest waterhole, Queensland

Queensland may be known for its white, sandy beaches, but up north there is also an abundance of tropical, inland rainforest. If you’re after a unique experience, a visit to the historic town of Tully will give you the opportunity to meet some of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, who may share the location of a secluded rainforest waterhole with you – and as it’s the start of the dry season, it’s the perfect time for a dip.

Jump into our Sydney to Cairns Northbound trip.

May – go snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Reef is often overlooked by travellers, as most snorkellers head straight to the Great Barrier Reef. But Ningaloo Reef is World Heritage listed, home to over 250 species of rainbow coral and more than 500 species of shimmery, scaly fish. The weather is still warm in May, and it’s the perfect time to spot Whale Sharks in the reef.

Get wet on our Perth to Broome Overland trip.

June – explore the underground world of Coober Pedy, South Australia

There are two reasons the town of Coober Pedy is built almost entirely underground. One, it’s known as the opal capital of the world, so the opal mines make up a huge part of the town. Two, because it’s hot – very hot – which is why going there in the first month of winter is ideal. You won’t get heatstroke when “noodling” (fossicking) for opals in June, after all.

Get down in Coober Pedy on our Adelaide to Alice Springs Overland trip.

July – hike around Kings Canyon, Northern Territory

The formations around King’s Canyon are best explored on foot, and in July you will be treated to warm, sunny days and cool nights – with hardly any rain at all. See the impressive sights like the lush Garden of Eden, the North and South Walls and the dusty rock domes of the Lost City – not to mention the stunning canyon itself.

Put your hiking boots to use on our Total Territory Outback and Top End trip.

August – take a Guluyambi cruise in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

It’s the middle of the dry season up north in Oz, so it’s the perfect time to visit Arnhem Land, which is right up the top. A Guluyambi cruise on the Alligator River is a unique experience to this part of the world – you’ll get to admire the incredible flora and fauna, while a local guide fills you in on Aboriginal mythology and the ways of the river and bush.

Cruise through our 5-day Top End and Arnhem Land Adventure.

September –  learn about the pearling industry in Broome, Western Australia

Broome might be best known for the sunset camel-rides on Cable Beach, but it’s also renowned for its pearls. A guided tour of the city will teach you everything you need to know about the sea pearl industry, including how they’re farmed. It’s the last chance to get to Broome before the humid, wet season kicks in, so enjoy the dry weather while you can.

Treat yourself on our 4WD Darwin to Broome Overland trip.

October – admire Aboriginal rock art with a local guide in Kakadu, Northern Territory

The Nourlangie (Burrunggui) Aboriginal rock art site might not be the first thing that people envisage when they think of Kakadu, but it’s a brilliant cultural icon that shouldn’t be missed. Spend time exploring with a local guide (before the wet season hits), who will give you insights into how the local Bininj people used to live, as well as the historic paintings on the rocks.

Step back in time on 4-day Kakadu Katherine and Litchfield Adventure.

November – go camping in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Switch off your phone and relax in one of Australia’s great wildernesses – the Flinders Ranges. A camping trip in these giant rocky mountains and surrounding bushland is the perfect way to reconnect with nature. If you’re up for an authentic Aussie experience, sleep under the stars in a swag (that’s a bedroll), as the weather warms up in November.

Get back to nature on our Adelaide to Alice Springs Overland trip.

December – enjoy a gourmet lunch in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales

The sun has well and truly returned to the south, making it a great time to visit one of Australia’s oldest and most iconic wine regions – the Hunter Valley. Located in central New South Wales, the region is known for its Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz, Cab Sav and Merlot. But never fear, the cheese and chocolate industry is also thriving, so non-drinkers will have plenty to smile about too.

Relax with a local wine on our Sydney to Cairns Northbound trip.

We have the perfect Aussie adventure – no matter when you want to travel, what you want to see or where you want to go. Check out our vast range of Australia trips.

Feature image by Patrick O’Neill.