finder.com.au
Home
Travel
Inspiration

The 10 cities that really shine in Australia in spring 2019

With a packed calendar of events, Australia's spring season is where it's at.

Cristal Dyer
Cristal Dyer

As winter fades away, the smell of spring fills the air and we turn our attention to more outdoorsy pursuits.

Australian spring starts in September and ends in late November, the complete opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Flower festivals and racing carnivals pack the calendar, and if you're keen on travelling during these months, we've got 10 places to focus your attention on.

10 places to go in Australia this spring

  1. Melbourne
  2. Sydney
  3. Gold Coast
  4. Launceston
  5. Brisbane

6. Canberra
7. Perth
8. Alice Springs
9. Byron Bay
10. Whitsundays

Picture not described: SpringDestinations_Unsplash_300x00.jpg Image: Getty

1. Melbourne

Why you should go in spring:

  • Opening with the Memsie Stakes and culminating with "the race that stops a nation", the Spring Racing Carnival is the highlight of many Aussie calendars. 31 August - 24 November 2019
  • The Melbourne Fringe Festival is a celebration of the arts. With over 400 events, the festival has a unique aim to create a space for artistic self-expression linked to the life of Melbourne. 12 - 29 September 2019
  • The AFL Grand Final draws footy fans from all across the nation to catch the action live in Melbourne. The annual Grand Final parade happens the day before to prep you for the big game. Make sure you're in town to catch it. 28 September 2019

What the weather is like: Average temperatures range from 9-20°C, but this is one of the most variable seasons of the year when Melbourne earns its reputation for receiving four seasons in one day.

Check Melbourne flight prices

Picture not described: AustralianSpringDestinations_Unsplash_300x300.jpg Image: Getty

2. Sydney

Why you should go in spring:

  • Sculpture by the Sea is a free public art festival that showcases remarkably built sculptures dotted along the coast. 24 October - 10 November 2019
  • October marks the month of indulgence with the Good Food Month and Night Noodle Markets setting up shop. Foodies can enjoy a sizzling line-up of Australian and international talent sharing their kitchen know-how. Be sure to indulge in the hawker-style Night Noodle Markets when the sun goes down. Throughout October 2019
  • Oktoberfest in the Gardens is a celebration inspired by the traditional Bavarian festival. Featuring two massive beer halls, authentic German food, performers and a silent disco, you're in for a great German treat. Late October 2019

What the weather is like: Expect comfortable temperatures and low rainfall. Average daily temperatures range from 11-23°C.

Check Sydney flight prices

Picture not described: AustralianSpringDestinations_Unsplash_02_300x300.jpg Image: Getty

3. Gold Coast

Why you should go in spring:

  • Explore works of art set on the beach at the SWELL Sculpture Festival. The outdoor event features guided twilight walks, artist talks, master classes and kids' workshops. 13 - 22 September 2019
  • Surfers Paradise Kids Week is a family-friendly event that features a slew of entertaining and educational shows and activities, and it's all free. 28 September - 4 October 2019
  • Get ready to party in the fast lane when the Gold Coast 600 arrives in town. It's a three-day weekend of fun in the sun with a bumper line-up of world-class motorsport and entertainment including the RAAF air show. 25 - 27 October

What the weather is like: Enjoy sunny days and mild tropical evenings with average temperatures ranging from 17-25°C.

Check Gold Coast flight prices

Picture not described: AustralianSpringDestinations_Unsplash_03_300x300.jpg Image: Getty

4. Launceston

Why you should go in spring:

  • Head to the coast to witness the migration of both humpback whales (October to December) and southern right whales (June to October). You can book a tour or take your chances at popular whale watching spots Frederick Henry Bay and Great Oyster Bay.
  • Blooming Tasmania Flower and Garden Festival is set in and around the iconic Albert Hall and City Park of Launceston with a full program of gardening experts. 21 - 22 September 2019
  • Get ready for the quirky and unique Junction Arts Festival, an intimate affair featuring extraordinary experiences in unusual spaces. The festival hub showcases Tasmania's finest musicians and bands as well as children's shows and award-winning cabaret. 4 - 8 September 2019

What the weather is like: Expect longer, warmer days coupled with fresh cool nights.

Check Launceston flight prices

Picture not described: AustralianSpringDestinations_Unsplash_04_300x300.jpg Image: Getty

5. Brisbane

Why you should go in spring:

  • Every September, Brisbanites and visitors get ready for an explosion of theatre, dance, music, circus and opera culminating in a big bang at Riverfire on the final night. 6 - 28 September 2019
  • Spring heralds the start of jacaranda tree season, and it's one of the most beautiful times to be in the city when touches of purple bloom everywhere you look. Check out New Farm Park or the Botanic Garden for some extra special views. Early October to early November.
  • Throwing open the doors of the city's most interesting spaces, Brisbane Open House invites visitors to go behind the scenes. Satisfy your curiosity with guided and self-guided tours in spaces like Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Newstead House, Roma Street Fire Station and even an old ice cream factory. 12 - 13 October 2019

What the weather is like: Average temperatures sit between 15-25°C with warm, sunny days.

Check Brisbane flight prices

Picture not described: AustralianSpringDestinations_Unsplash_05_300x300.jpg Image: Getty

6. Canberra

Why you should go in spring:

  • What better way to celebrate spring than a flower festival? Floriade mixes all things floral with traditional entertainment, sculptures and other artistic features. 14 September - 13 October 2019
  • Canberra Moon Festival brings together customs, food, activities and performances from a range of Asian cultures over three days. Programs range from talent contests to a cosplay party with exotic and local food stalls to feast on. Late September 2019

What the weather is like: Fresh mornings and cool nights with average temperatures between 6-19°C.

Check Canberra flight prices

Picture not described: AustralianSpringDestinations_Unsplash_06_300x300.jpg Image: Getty

7. Perth

Why you should go in spring:

  • An annual tradition to celebrate the plant life and unique culture of Western Australia, the Kings Park Festival features displays of spring wildflowers and free events for everyone. September 2019
  • Get your outfits ready for the Toodyay Picnic Race Day held in the picturesque Avon Valley. The day features exciting races, Fashions on the Field, live music and kids' activities. 29 September 2019
  • The Perth Royal Show is an annual agricultural exhibit showcasing agricultural competitions and animals along with a fun family atmosphere of a fairground, rides and show bags. 28 September - 5 October 2019

What the weather is like: Spring brings a pleasant average of 23°C with little rainfall.

Check Perth flight prices

Picture not described: AustralianSpringDestinations_Unsplash_07_300x300.jpg Image: Getty

8. Alice Springs

Why you should go in spring:

  • The Desert Song Festival is a presentation of artistic brilliance and cultural diversity in Central Australia. Uniting singers and musicians with audiences through concerts, workshops, choirs and individual performers and ending with the popular A Cappella in the Gorge event. 6 - 15 September 2019
  • Representing the most comprehensive survey of contemporary Aboriginal art, Desert Mob includes an exhibition, symposium and the MarketPlace in a unique opportunity to view Aboriginal art, meet the artists and listen to their stories. 05 September - 20 October 2019

What the weather is like: The weather really begins to heat up with average temperatures ranging from 14-31°C and you can expect spectacular thunderstorms and cooler evenings.

Check Alice Springs flight prices

Picture not described: AustralianSpringDestinations_Unsplash_08_300x300.jpg Image: Getty

9. Byron Bay

Why you should go in spring:

  • Experience whale watching at Australia's most easterly point. You can try your luck on land at spots like Cape Byron Lighthouse, paddle out with a kayak or take a tour to see the whales. While you're out there, you might also come across the local dolphin population or even spot turtles.
  • Farmers, producers and chefs from Northern NSW come together to share their passion for good grub at the annual Sample Food Festival. Top restaurants in the region also compete for the "Gold Fork" awards and host a special luncheon. 7 September 2019

What the weather is like: The season has pleasantly warm weather, the lowest average rainfall and water temperatures ranging from 21 to 25°C.

Check Byron Bay flight prices

Picture not described: AustralianSpringDestinations_Unsplash_09_300x300.jpg Image: Getty

10. Whitsundays

Why you should go in spring:

  • For the active adventurers among us, you can't go past Run the Great Whitsunday Trail. The experience takes you on a 28.7km adventure through the Conway National Park rainforest. If you're up for the ultimate test, try the 57.4km Ultra. 15 September 2019
  • Experience the town come to life at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music. It's a party like no other in this tropical paradise complete with jaw-dropping sea views, live entertainment and an electric atmosphere. 8 - 10 November 2019

What the weather is like: There are comfortably warm temperatures in September (up to 26°C), climbing to its peak of 31°C in November. October is the start of the stinger season, meaning you'll have to wear a protective stinger suit for water activities in the second half of the season.

Check Whitsundays flight prices

Want to book a domestic holiday online? Use one of our coupons:

Virgin Australia Virgin Australia

Extra 15% off Australia-wide business flights with code

Valid for travel on select dates. No advance purchase period required. Discount applies to Business Saver and Business fares. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Virgin Australia Virgin Australia

Up to 10% off worldwide business flights with code

Valid for travel on select dates to all destinations. Includes 5% discount to Getaway, Elevate and Business Saver fares.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Virgin Australia Virgin Australia

Up to 10% off international flights with code

Valid for travel on select dates on Getaway, Freedom and Business fares. Destinations include across Australia to Bali, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Port Moresby or Pacific Islands. Minimum of 20-day advance purchase. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Virgin Australia Virgin Australia

Up to 10% off worldwide flights with code

Valid for travel until 29 June 2020. Discount applies to Getaway, Elevate, Premium Economy, Business Saver and Business fares. Minimum of 20-day advance purchase. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Virgin Australia Virgin Australia

Up to 10% off global flights with code

Valid for travel on select dates until 29 June 2020 on Getaway, Elevate, Business Saver and Business fares in all destinations. Minimum of 20-day advance purchase. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Virgin Australia Virgin Australia

Up to 10% off international fares with code

Valid for travel on select dates. Must book 20 days in advance. Destinations include across Australia to New Zealand, Hong Kong, Bali, Port Moresby and Pacific Islands. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Virgin Australia Virgin Australia

Australia flights from $89 each way

Valid for select 2019-2020 travel dates booked until 3 December 2019. Destinations include Brisbane, Launceston, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Ballina. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Kayak Kayak

Up to 35% off flights worldwide

Subscribe to Kayak newsletter and receive personalised private deals of up to 35% off. Destinations include Europe, Asia, America, Australia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Skiddoo Skiddoo

Domestic flights from $184 return

Valid for travel until January 2020. Sample fare is Melbourne–Hobart. Destinations include Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Skyscanner Skyscanner

Domestic flights from $58.95 each way

Available for flights 16 November - 20 December 2020 with Tigerair. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Sydney.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Flight Centre - Domestic Flight Centre - Domestic

Australia-wide flights from $48 each way

Valid for travel between 1 February and 31 March 2020. Sample fare is Melbourne–Adelaide with Jetstar. Destinations include Sydney, Launceston, Hobart, Gold Coast, Cairns and more with airlines like Tigerair and Virgin Australia.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Cheap Flights Cheap Flights

Australia-wide flights from $185 return

Valid for travel on select dates until December 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Sydney with Jetstar. Destinations include Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Budget Air Budget Air

Extra $5 off your next booking

Subscribe to BudgetAir enewsletter and receive extra $5 discount of your next booking. Destinations include Europe, Asia, Australia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Virgin Australia Virgin Australia

New Zealand flights from $189 each way

Valid for select 2019-2020 travel dates booked until 3 December 2019. Destinations include Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington and more. Sample fare is Newcastle-Auckland. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Was this content helpful to you? No  Yes

Related Posts

Jetstar is flying you to the Margaret River Region from $119 each way

Discover the Margaret River region with these fares from Jetstar.

Get 20% off: Evapolar discount codes and coupons November 2019

Stay cool this summertime without breaking the bank by taking advantage of these awesome Evapolar promo codes.

Plan your next overseas holiday with these Singapore Airlines flights from $634 return

Travel around Europe and Asia from nine Aussie cities.

MacPaw coupon codes and discounts November 2019

Give your Mac a new lease of life without breaking the bank with these awesome MacPaw discounts.

Disney+ 2020 movie release schedule revealed

Disney+ launched with a tons of movies and TV shows, but already a busy 2020 and 2021 movie release schedule has emerged.

Latest travel offers

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Ask a question
Go to site