Get exclusive travel offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder
Privacy & Cookies Policy
and
Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
The 10 cities that really shine in Australia in spring
With a packed calendar of events, Australia's spring season is where it's at.
Guides
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
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.
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. 11-20 September 2020
- 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. Dates TBC
- 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. Cancelled for 2020
What the weather is like: Enjoy sunny days and mild tropical evenings with average temperatures ranging from 17-25°C.
Search for flights to Gold Coast Search for hotels in Gold Coast
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. Cancelled for 2020
- 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. 2-6 September 2020
What the weather is like: Expect longer, warmer days coupled with fresh cool nights.
Search for flights to Launceston Search for hotels in Launceston
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. 4-26 September 2020
- 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. 10-11 October 2020
What the weather is like: Average temperatures sit between 15-25°C with warm, sunny days.
Search for flights to Brisbane Search for hotels in Brisbane
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. 12 September - 11 October 2020
- 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. Dates TBC
What the weather is like: Fresh mornings and cool nights with average temperatures between 6-19°C.
Search for flights to Canberra Search for hotels in Canberra
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 2020
- 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. 27 September 2020
- 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. 26 September - 3 October 2020
What the weather is like: Spring brings a pleasant average of 23°C with little rainfall.
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. 11-20 September 2020
- 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. 11 September - 25 October 2020
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.
Search for flights to Alice Springs Search for hotels in Alice Springs
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. 5 September 2020
What the weather is like: The season has pleasantly warm weather, the lowest average rainfall and water temperatures ranging from 21 to 25°C.
Search for flights to Byron Bay Search for hotels in Byron Bay
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. 12-13 September 2020
- 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. Cancelled for 2020
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.
Search for flights to Whitsundays Search for hotels in Whitsundays
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. 29 August - 21 November 2020
- 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 2020
- 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. 24 October 2020
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.
Search for flights to Melbourne Search for hotels in Melbourne
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. 22 October - 8 November 2020
- 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 2020
- 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. 31 October 2020
What the weather is like: Expect comfortable temperatures and low rainfall. Average daily temperatures range from 11-23°C.
Want to book a domestic holiday online? Use one of our coupons:
Virgin Australia
Domestic flights from $89 each way
Available on flights from January - September 2021 to Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Townsville, Darwin and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Ballina. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Virgin Australia flights from $78 each way
Available on select travel dates until December 2021 to Gold Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra, Cairns, Hamilton Island and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
I Want That Flight
Australia flights from $80 return
Available on flights until June 2021 with Jetstar. Destinations include Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Ballina, Uluru, Townsville and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Australia-wide flights from $65 return
Available on select flights in 2021 to Sydney, Hobart, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle and more. Sample fare is Adelaide-Melbourne with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia and Qantas. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia
Free flight change fees and cancellation fees
Available on flights until 30 June 2021 to Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Broome, Cairns and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia
Western Australia flights from $199 each way
Available on select dates until November 2021 Perth, Broome and Kununurra. Plus get flexible dates on flights until 31 January 2021. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
OneTravel
Up to USD$100 off business class flights
Available on booking fees on select flight dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, London and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
OneTravel
Up to USD$25 off booking fees
Available on select travel dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and more. Maximum of 5 travelers. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Kayak
Australia-wide flights from $139 with Qantas
Available on select travel dates in 2021 to Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Coffs Harbour and more. Sample fares is and Melbourne-Launceston. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cheap Flights
Australia flights from $98 return
Available on select 2021 flights to Gold Coast, Sydney, Ballina, Cairns, Brisbane, Canberra and more. Sample fares are Avalon-Adelaide and Melbourne-Hobart with Jetstar. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cheap Flights
Cairns flights from $173 return
Available on select travel dates in 2021. Sample fare departs from Brisbane with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $259 and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cheap Flights
Sydney flights from $109 return
Available on select travel dates until August 2021. Sample fare departs from Melbourne with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $139 and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cheap Flights
Hamilton Island flights from $286 return
Available on select travel dates in 2021 departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and more. Sample fare departs from Brisbane with Virgin Australia.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cheap Flights
Flights to Townsville from $185 return
Available on select flights in 2021. Sample fare departs from Brisbane with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $364 and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cheap Flights
Flights to Perth from $315 return
Available on select flight dates in 2021. Sample fare departs from Adelaide with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $543 and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cheap Flights
Canberra flights from $227 return
Available on select flights until August 2021. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Virgin Australia. Other airlines include Qantas Airways from $383 and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Queensland flights from $76 each way
Available on select flight dates from January - March 2021 to Brisbane, Cairns, Hamilton Isaland, Gold Coast and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Sunshine Coast with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $113, Qantas from $123 and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Lastminute.com.au
Cairns flights from $91 each way
Available on select flights in 2021. Sample fare departs from Brisbane with Jetstar. Other airlines include Qantas from $159, Virgin Australia from $199 and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Lastminute.com.au
Adelaide flights from $55 each way
Available on select dates in 2021. Sample fare departs from Melbourne with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $119 and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Expedia.com.au
Coffs Harbour flights from $79 each way
Available on select dates in 2021. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Virgin Australia. Other airlines include Qantas from $149. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Expedia.com.au
Canberra flights from $125 each way
Available on select dates in 2021. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Virgin Australia. Other airlines include Qantas from $193. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Expedia.com.au
Gold Coast flights from $62 each way
Available on select dates in 2021. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $79 and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Expedia.com.au
Sunshine Coast flights from $80 each way
Available on select dates in 2021. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $99. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Expedia.com.au
Perth flights from $176 each way
Available on select dates in 2021. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $179 and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
More guides on Finder
-
Finder Daily Deals: The 5 best online deals in Australia today
Today's best Finder Daily deals include: 50% off car essentials at Catch, half-price meat thermometers, eBay Plus tech sale.
-
Best toys for 1-year-olds in Australia
These are the 7 best toys you can buy for 1-year-olds in Australia.
-
Best eyebrow pencils in Australia
We've found seven of the best eyebrow pencils in Australia right now.
-
Best cold press juicers in Australia
We read hundreds of customer reviews to find the best cold press juicers you can buy online and in-store in Australia.
-
Best LEGO sets in Australia
These are the 10 best LEGO models you can buy right now in Australia.
-
Best sunglasses in Australia
From the best overall sunglasses for men and women to the best sunglasses for driving and running, these are the eight best sunglasses you can buy in Australia right now.
-
Best teabag brands in Australia
Aussies have chosen their favourite brands when it comes to taste, value for money, variety and packaging design.
-
Best water shoes in Australia
We dip our toes in the water to find the best water shoes for all your aquatic sports needs.
-
Best external hard drives in Australia
These are the 9 best external hard drives you can buy right now in Australia.
-
Best RC and remote control cars in Australia
From the best overall RC car to the best RC car for kids, these are the six best RC cars you can buy in Australia right now.
Ask an Expert
