Recently updated on July 18th, 2023 at 09:14 am
Spring has finally sprung in the Southern Hemisphere. As the Northern Hemisphere moves into autumn, those countries south of the equator are getting ready for their spring season. One of the best places to experience spring in the Southern Hemisphere is, of course, Australia. So read on to find out our favourite spring destinations across Oz. Think thousands of wildflowers, lively festivals, newborn koalas and endless outdoor adventure.
Discover Wildflowers
Everlastings Wildflower Trail, Western Australia
Spring is the perfect time to explore the arid landscape of Western Australia’s Golden Outback. These sunbaked plains come to life in a vibrant explosion of wildflowers. Travellers will adore the carpet of pink, white and yellow natives that transform the outback from a desert into a meadow. It is, simply put, one of the most beautiful spring destinations in Australia. The Everlastings Trail meanders north through the state. It passes along the Indian Ocean Drive, through the best wildflower viewing areas. The trail is unique as sixty per cent of the 12,000+ flower species present are not found elsewhere in the world.
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Clare Valley, South Australia
In spring, the rolling hills of Clare Valley, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, are transformed into a glowing sea of gold. Thousands of canola flowers flood the valley as far as the eye can see, making it one of the most beautiful spring destinations to explore. Enjoy the colour show whilst sipping on a glass of premium vino from a local vineyard.
Experience the brilliance of Clare Valley this spring when you travel to Australia with Trafalgar on the Outback Safari tour.
Willunga Almond Blossom Trail, South Australia
Less than an hour from Adelaide is the charming little town of Willunga. Willunga can be roughly translated from its indigenous roots to mean ‘the locality of green trees.’ In spring, however, the trees in Willunga are dusted in delicate hues of white and pink. These are the blossoms of the almond trees that have forested the area since 1901. After a morning spent under the almond trees, travellers can sip away the rest of their stay at a local vineyard.
Grampians, Victoria
The rugged sandstone ridges of the Grampians should be on everyone’s list of where to travel in spring. Nestled amongst the crags is Mackenzie Falls, a monumental cascade of water that trips over vast cliffs into a deep, swirling pool. It makes for a gorgeous springtime hike. But, the misty rainbows at the base of the falls aren’t the only spots of colour in the Grampians. In spring, this botanical wonderland is home to over 800 indigenous species of plants. Known for this reason as ‘The Garden of Victoria’, travellers can spot bright Yellow Wattle, globes of Blue Pin-Cushion Lily and blooms of Grampians Parrot Pea.Â
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Gardens and Festivals
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
High on everyone’s list of where to travel in spring should be Canberra’s Floriade. This flower show exhibits premium horticulture and landscaping on a scale not seen elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere. This riot of floral colour is a feast for the senses, best explored from mid-September until mid-October. Known as ‘Australia’s Festival of Spring’, it is unequivocally one of the most beautiful spring destinations to visit.
Melbourne, Victoria
The most iconic event on Australia’s spring calendar has to be the Melbourne Cup Carnival. It’s the best opportunity to don your best frock and rub shoulders with Aussie celebrities on the track-side. But, most importantly, the flawlessly manicured gardens of Flemington Raceway are the perfect place to sip on champagne and watch the ‘race that stops a nation.’
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
The Hunter Valley Gardens Festival of Flowers celebrates the advent of springtime backdropped by the Hunter’s famous vineyards. This enchanting sensory experience spans ten themed gardens and over 200,000 blooms. Every corner of the festival has a new delight to ensnare the senses. Travellers will be captivated by the magic of the fragrant rose garden, the whimsy of wisteria in the Italian Grotto, or one of the many other attractions. The Festival of Flowers also offers bucketloads of entertainment, activities, tours, and fun workshops for the whole family.
Table Cape Tulip Farm, Tasmania
Tasmania’s Table Cape Tulip Farm will transport travellers to the rainbow-streaked tulip fields of the Netherlands. This colourful expanse of sweet-scented florals is one of the most beautiful spring destinations. The hectares of tulips are grown on an extinct volcanic vent that rises high over the Bass Strait. Remember to take a camera because there will be impressive sights everywhere you look!
See the highlights of Tasmania with Trafalgar on the Tassie Getaway tour.
Sydney, New South Wales
In springtime, it’s hard to walk more than a few paces in Sydney without stumbling upon a Jacaranda tree. The trees’ lilac florals drape the streets in a perfumed cloak of colour. The best place to enjoy these native trees is in the Royal Botanic Gardens, where the oldest specimen of the Jacaranda tree is cultivated. The gardens are also home to the much rarer white flowering jacaranda. With views of Sydney Harbour in the distance, the gardens make for a stunning spring experience.
The Great Outdoors
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
The sanctity and natural beauty of Kangaroo Island trebles in springtime. This wonderland of Australian native flora blooms under the spring sun, shedding all signs of its winter slumber. However, the best part of Kangaroo Island in spring is the wildlife that comes out to play. Along hikes, mountain bike treks and kayak adventures, travellers can spot newborn koalas, kangaroos and wallabies exploring the world for the first time.
Discover the Natural Splendour of South Australia with Trafalgar on the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island tour.Â
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
One of the most beautiful spring destinations to visit is the coastal wine region of the Mornington Peninsula. Travellers can bask in the spring sunshine on one of the many golden beaches that stretch along the coastline. Spend an afternoon sampling the region’s finest vintages at a local winery. Or, wind back in the thermal waters of the Peninsula Hot Springs as the sun sinks low onto the horizon.
Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
The white sand beaches of the Whitsunday Islands are a summertime favourite for their unparalleled beauty. Though they might not be an obvious spring destination, visiting the Whitsundays this time of year has advantages. First, the azure waters of the Whitsundays are free from stingrays as the stinger season doesn’t begin until November. Second, the temperatures are comfortable compared to the sweltering heat of summer. Lastly, the skies are generally clear of rain and cloud, making it easy to enjoy uninterrupted days of outdoor adventure. It’s the perfect time to snorkel through colourful reefs bursting with fish, island-hop from one paradise to another or hike through verdant forests to untouched waterfalls.
Journey to the Whitsunday Islands with Trafalgar on the Wonders of Australia tour.
Kakadu National Park, NT
The dynamic ecosystems of Kakadu National Park make it one of the most beautiful spring destinations in Australia. Across the savanna woodlands, forests, mangroves and floodplains, over 280 species of bird and a host of other animals can be found. The end of the dry season falls around September to November; the lower water levels draw in tens of thousands of birds that crowd around the Mamukala Billabong. A visit to this shrinking pond is the easiest and best way to enjoy birdwatching. Bring a pair of binoculars to glimpse Purple Swamphens, Plumed Whistling Ducks, Green pygmy-geese, and so much more.
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Have you travelled to Australia in the springtime and visited any of these unmissable destinations? Or, are you hoping to in the near future? Let us know in the comments below! Or, head to our website so you can read more about how you can discover the best of Australia with Trafalgar.