When Is The Best Time To Backpack Australia?

What is the best season to travel to Australia? 

• The verdict: Spring (October and November)

Australia, and the East Coast in particular, is a spectacular and relatively warm country for backpackers all year round. However, both Spring (October and November) and Autumn (March, April and May) boast temperate weather that isn’t too hot or cold and are our favourite times to travel the East Coast. The skies are blue, the beaches aren’t overcrowded, and hostels and tours aren’t facing peak season prices like over the Summer.

Understanding Australia’s Seasons & Climate

Australia’s seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere:

• Summer (December - February): Hot and busy
• Autumn (March - May): Warm and pleasant
• Winter (June - August): Cooler and budget-friendly
• Spring (September - November): Mild weather and fewer crowds

Australia’s vast size and varied geography mean that its climate differs dramatically across its six states and two territories, with everything from desert heat to alpine snow occurring sometime, somewhere down under. So, whether you're planning a sun-soaked beach holiday, an adventurous outback expedition, or a cool city break, understanding these differences will help you choose the best time to visit.

Tropical North vs. Temperate South

In the tropical north, covering regions in the Northern Territory and northern Queensland, the weather is defined by two distinct seasons:

• Wet Season (November to April): Marked by heavy rains and high humidity, this period can lead to lush landscapes but also more wet weather and severe storms.

• Dry Season (May to October): With clear skies and cooler evenings, this season is ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying comfortable travel conditions.

Conversely, the southern parts of Australia, including New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria, experience a more temperate climate where the four seasons are much more distinct. Here, winters can be quite cool, with some areas even seeing snowfall in the higher altitudes, while summers remain pleasantly warm.

Queensland’s Climate

Queensland showcases a mix of climates:

• East Coast: During the summer months, temperatures along the coast often range between 30ºC and 35ºC. Winters are milder, with temperatures typically falling to around 8ºC to 15ºC. However, the humid wet season (October to May) can make the heat feel more intense.
• Regional and Rural Areas: Venturing inland, you'll find drier conditions with hotter summers, where temperatures can soar above 40ºC, offering a stark contrast to the coastal regions.

Gold Coast beaches in the winter

New South Wales and Victoria’s Climate

• New South Wales: Coastal areas enjoy warm summers with temperatures between 27ºC and 30ºC. Inland regions can experience cooler winter days, with temperatures sometimes dipping to around 4ºC.
• Victoria: Summers here are moderate, with highs of about 25ºC to 28ºC, but winters can be harsh, especially away from the coast, with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. Melbourne, in particular, is known for its variable weather, so be prepared for sudden changes throughout the day.

Should I come to Australia in the summer?

Summer, of course, is an awesome time to get out and backpack Australia, however, the sun down under is hot! Summer days, particularly up north and out west, can be brutal, so be prepared. Summer is also the wet season, noticeable more in the tropics like far-north QLD, so your travel plans may be impacted by rain.

Is winter a good time to backpack Australia?

Winter is one of the most underrated times for backpacking in Australia. While the days can be cold, particularly down south around Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania, there is less rain and the days are fresh and clear further up north! Many travellers flock to the tropical far-north QLD in the winter and to the southeast coast of NSW and VIC in the summer to avoid the intensity of too-hot summers and freezing winters! And, if you’re from the UK or colder parts of Europe, an Aussie winter is like your summer, so leave the huge coats and scarves at home - packing a single sweater will suffice!

Byron Bay waters in June

When is stinger season in Australia?

Another thing to consider when planning your visit to Australia, particularly for anybody wanting to explore the Great Barrier Reef or spend your time at the beach, is stinger season. Stinger season is the time in which deadly stingers such as Irukandji and box jellyfish populate the waters of some parts of Queensland (including Airlie Beach, Townsville and Cairns). Stinger season lasts from October to May, however, if you want to dive into the Great Barrier Reef during this time, just grab a stinger suit or wetsuit and dive in! All of our reef tours supply these on your boat trips, so swim safely amongst colourful coral and dazzling creatures! 

When is the East Coast of Australia busy?

School holidays in Australia

Australian school holidays vary state by state, and they pretty much mean that popular holiday spots are busier due to domestic and international travel, especially with families. During the summer Christmas holidays, tropical destinations like Noosa, Sydney, Byron Bay, Airlie Beach and Cairns, are super busy and more expensive. If you do plan on travelling during an Australian school holiday period, make sure to book in advance for any accommodation or experiences you want, as prices are up and availability can be limited! 

However, if you want to avoid the crowds, a popular time for backpackers to come to Australia is February (right after the summer holidays) and in November (just before the Christmas masses come to town). 

Does Australia have an “off-season”? 

While Aussie cities like Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Brisbane don’t generally slow down, a sort of “off-season” is evident in smaller towns like Noosa, Airlie Beach, Cairns and Byron Bay. This off-season, generally from May to August, just refers to a seasonal lull in tourism over the winter months. Over the years and thanks to an increase in local domestic tourism through COVID, the contrast between off-seasons and peak times is way less… indeed, there’s always something happening in these little Aussie towns! 

While it may be more difficult to find hospitality work during winter, off-seasons are still an awesome time to visit the East Coast as it’s quieter but still open. Farm work is easy to find regardless of the time of year too, so there will always be a way to complete your 88 hours! 

How long do you need to backpack Australia’s East Coast?

While we recommend at least a month to explore the wonders of the flourishing East Coast, you can do it in just 2 weeks. It really depends on the pace you want to travel at. For example, if you want to drive a lot and see a new town every day, you can make your way from Brisbane to Cairns in 9 days. However, there really is so much when it comes to secret hidden natural wonders, so we recommend taking 3 weeks to a month to explore all the way from Sydney to Cairns! 

Where should I start backpacking in Australia?

Start your backpacking travels on the East Coast! The perfect place for a coastal road trip and bursting with little surf towns, backpacker hotspots and natural marvels, it’s a no-brainer to start on the East Coast. See the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Melbourne, Noosa, the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, the Whitsundays and K’gari (Fraser Island) all on one convenient (and stunning) route! 

So, when is the best time to backpack in Australia?

The verdict:

• For beach parties and festivals: Summer (December - February)

• For lower costs and good weather: Autumn (March - May) & Spring (September - November)

• For budget travel and fewer crowds: Winter (June - August)

If you're after clear sunny days and fewer crowds, backpack the East Coast during Spring, through the end of October to November. However, if you're after a classic Aussie summer and don't mind the crowds, come down through December and January for a hot, beachside summer (just make sure you book everything in advance)! Or, if you really want to escape the crowds and connect with nature, come during the "off-season" between May and October.

Really, anytime is a good time to visit Australia, so let the adventure begin!

Plan your East Coast itinerary for any time of the year... the sun is always shining down under! 

Live chat with a local travel expert or browse our jam-packed itineraries for some travel inspo!