A calendar of Australia's most majestic natural wonders

At certain times throughout the year nature puts on a range of awe-inspiring performances you don’t want to miss.

Nature gives us the best calendar of events of all: a colourful light show that dances across the night sky, the appearance of a purple-drenched lavender field in full bloom, 40 million red crabs scurrying home for the night or the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef’s annual coral spawning event. It’s all about being in the right place, at the right time. And for that, we give you this calendar of Australia’s natural wonders to factor into your travel plans throughout the year.

Aurora Australis

Seeing the Northern Lights has probably been scribbled on your bucket list for decades, but did you know that Australia has its own equally impressive light show?

Aurora Australis (aka The Southern Lights) are a phenomenon that occurs when fully charged particles burst from the sun, creating a solar wind that slams into the Earth’s magnetic field and rushes towards the North and South Poles. As the solar particles collide with atoms of nitrogen and oxygen in our atmosphere, their electrons charge, leaving ions that radiate energy in wavelengths that produce a spectacular natural dancing rainbow (main picture featured above: Aurora Australis in Strahan by Dietmar Kahles).

Aurora Australis over Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. (Credit: Pierre Destribats)

When can you see the Aurora Australis?

Although an Aurora can technically be seen at any time of year, the clear, dark skies of winter are often best. And thanks to modern technology (slash social media) there are a number of online resources to check in with that might increase your chances of getting a glimpse – including Aurora-Service.net and the Aurora Australis Tasmania Alert NOW Facebook page.

Where can you see the Aurora Australis?

Like any good skyward phenomenon, your best chance of catching a glimpse occurs far from the light pollution of cities and towns, and other obstructions like trees and mountain ranges. The further south you go, the likelier it is to be seen. Tasmania, Victoria – this is where the magic happens.

For a comprehensive guide to the Southern Lights, head here.

Blooming season at lavender fields

Rows upon rows of purple drenched lavender fields are grown on farms all around Australia – and if you visit at the right time, you’re invited to frolic through its fields while in bloom.

The picturesque lavender fields at Bridestowe Lavender Estate.

Where and when can you see lavender farms in bloom?

There are a number of places to view the purple perfection, but one of the most prized locations is Bridestowe Lavender. Located an hour outside of Launceston, the seemingly endless fields of lavender bloom each year between December and January.

Likewise, the lavender fields in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales are in full bloom usually between December and February.

Head here to locate the most beautiful lavender farms around Australia.

Coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef’s annual mass coral spawning has been called the biggest sexual event on the planet – and even the world’s biggest orgasm on the world’s biggest organism.

Translation: over a few nights, the waters of individual reefs burst with new life. Countless sperm and egg bundles are released simultaneously, creating a spectacular snow globe-esque explosion of synchronous breeding.

Flynn Reef erupts Flynn Reef erupts in an explosion of pink as corals begin their annual spawning on the Great Barrier Reef — Flynn Reef erupts in an explosion of pink as corals release tiny balls containing sperm and eggs into the water. (Image: Gareth Phillips/Reef Teach)

When does coral spawning happen?

Over two or three nights at various times between October and December. If you’re visiting from Cairns, the spawning usually occurs within a week of the November full moon.

Where can I see coral spawning?

Divers Den operate special night trips departing from Cairns that get divers and snorkellers up close and personal to the coral spawning event.

Learn more about Coral Spawning here.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is one of the premier places on the planet to secure a personal penguin experience – and not from far, far away either. Each night, visitors can witness the compact creatures interact, groom each other and waddle up the beach back to their burrow after a hard day in the ocean.

There’s a range of options for seeing the penguins as they hit the sand each evening, ranging from the general viewing pass, to the ‘penguins plus’ pass (it’ll get you up front and closer to the ‘penguin parade’, plus a talk from a ranger prior to the stars of the show making their appearance) as well as a special private guided tour, which will take you to an isolated spot to spy on the little critters away from the main parade thoroughfare.

Penguins assemble at The Penguin Parade — The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is the home of the largest Little Penguin colony in the world.

When is the Penguin Parade?

Every night at sunset.

Where is the Penguin Parade?

Phillip Island (a 90-minute drive from Melbourne).

WA’s wildflower season

Western Australia’s wildflower season appears like a magical carpet in the southern half of the vast state at the dawn of spring.

There are big, bold blooms, but most are small and delicate, with fine fringing, intricate patterns and minute details best observed up close. WA is home to 12,000 species of flowering natives, 70 per cent of which are found nowhere else in the world. Incredibly, more are being discovered every year.

Yellow wildflowers in WA — WA is home to 12,000 species of flowering natives, 70 per cent of which are found nowhere else in the world.

When is the best time to see WA’s wildflowers?

The mass bloom starts around the hotter, drier mid-point of WA late in June. It then flows southward as the weather warms, hitting its peak in September and continuing towards November.

Where can you see WA’s wildflowers?

Once wildflower season hits, grab your camera and make a beeline for Perth. There are many great places to spot them right in the city centre.

Alternatively, floral seekers can also tour the surrounding Perth Hills and journey north, east and south of the metropolis.

Staircase to the Moon

Come sunset, the best free show in Broome is the Staircase to the Moon, which happens several times throughout the year. It occurs when a full moon rises over the mudflats of Roebuck Bay at low tide and looks like a huge staircase rising up to meet an enormous blood-orange moon.

Stairway to the Moon, Broome, Kimberley, WA — ‘Staircase to the Moon’ at Roebuck Bay in Broome.

When does the Staircase to the Moon occur?

The Staircase to the Moon phenomenon happens two to three days a month between March and October. Check the exact dates here.

Where can I see the Staircase to the Moon?

Broome’s Roebuck Bay. Grab a bite from one of the stalls at the Staircase to the Moon markets – they run in sync with the appearance of the staircase – and settle in for the show.

Morning Glory Cloud

The aptly named Morning Glory Cloud is a stunning solitary rolling cloud wave that forms over the Gulf of Carpentaria early on spring mornings. With a length of up to 1000 kilometres, it even made the Guinness Book of World Records, and only in Australia can you regularly witness its series of long, cigar-shaped clouds.

The cloud is created when sea breezes from either side of Cape York collide, creating a singular wave (or Soliton) in the atmosphere. The powerful and fast-moving crest of the wave is what you can suddenly see in the otherwise blue sky.

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Where can I see the Morning Glory Cloud?

Far northwest Queensland’s Gulf of Carpentaria. Burketown in the southeast corner of the Gulf is a good spot to regularly witness the cloud.

When can I see the Morning Glory Cloud?

From September to November, the cloud can be viewed in the early morning; charter flights are available for viewing.

Christmas Island crabs

Christmas Island is one of Australia’s most remote and beautiful territories, yet many Australians are completely unaware of the island’s outstanding natural beauty, fascinating history and a melting pot of cuisines to enjoy.

What are the Christmas Island crabs?

Once described by Sir David Attenborough as “the world’s greatest migration," the Christmas Island crab phenomenon happens once a year. The island’s native red crabs, which normally spend their lives wandering around the forest floor eating leaf litter, leave their homes in the rainforest and descend to the island’s beaches to breed.

It’s thought there are more than 40 million red crabs on the island, and when they decide to migrate to mate, a trip that takes them a week or so, roads and beaches transform into a moving red carpet.

When can you see Christmas Island crabs?

Christmas Island red crabs move en masse each year in the wet season of October/November from the island’s forests to the ocean.

Where can you see Christmas Island crabs?

Christmas Island is located in the Indian Ocean, 2600 kilometres northwest of Perth.

Blue Lake in Mt Gambier

If ever you needed evidence that spring’s arrival is a reason to celebrate, then look to Mt Gambier. Every year as the seasons change the town’s moody body of water – the Blue Lake – commemorates with a brilliant change of colour. The Boadnik people’s oral history of the area alludes to ancestors witnessing the volcanic activity that created the many lakes in the area more than 4000 years ago.

The Blue Lake Mount Gambier — The wide crater lake turns a brilliant sapphire blue over the warmer months.

When can you see the Blue Lake?

To see the lake in its two stages is something else, as though you’re at two very different places on Earth. The summer version sparkles like Lake Como, only more Australian. The winter version is a dreary, grey hue. During hibernation, it is more of a grey/blue lake. Then, in November, it changes to a brilliant sparkling blue.

It’s also the main source of water for the town of Mt Gambier, so don’t pack your bathers expecting to have a dip.

Be invigorated by the sights, sounds and landscapes of the Northern Territory.

If your 2026 travel goals focus on visiting inspiring and meaningful destinations, look no further than the Northern Territory. Rich in Indigenous culture, national parks and unique local cuisine, a journey deep into the Red Centre and Top End will awaken all your senses and leave you with lifelong memories. But you don’t need to do it on your own, as AAT Kings’ Small Group tours offer expertly led itineraries. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of travel planning and help you access remote regions in comfort while connecting with fellow guests, allowing you to delve deeper into destinations with insights from knowledgeable Travel Directors and local Indigenous guides.

As Small Group tours with AAT Kings have an average of just 16 guests, there’s ample opportunity to ask questions and make meaningful connections on every visit. Here are just a few of the experiences on offer, with adventures designed to invigorate every sense.

1. Under a Desert Moon dinner

Under a Desert Moon dinner in northern territory — Watch the stars come out over five courses.

Over five courses, dine under the stars during an unforgettable Outback dining experience. As day fades to night, lit only by the moon and the crackling fire, this outdoor dinner features locally sourced seasonal produce, matched with Australian wines.

It’s an intimate experience, showcasing the quiet grandeur of the Outback after nightfall. As you dine, feel connected to the land and its unique flavours, introduced by your impeccable waitstaff.

Part of the Northern Territory Dreaming tour, the Under a Desert Moon dinner is the ideal way to connect with your small group of fellow travellers after an invigorating day in the Red Centre.

2. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience

The best way to learn the stories of the Red Centre is by connecting with the land’s Traditional Owners. At the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, visited on AAT Kings Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, you’ll meet with members of the local Wanmarra community in Kings Canyon.

On this immersive AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER^® Experience you’ll walk on Country to learn firsthand about bush tucker, Indigenous medicine, wooden artefacts and the art of dot painting. Passionate guides will share stories that have been passed down for generations.

3. Kungkas Can Cook

Kungkas Can Cook set up at Simpson's Gap — Taste local bush delicacies. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Mel Brautigam)

The powerful senses of smell and taste are awakened on this exclusive experience led by Indigenous chef Rayleen Brown. Included in the Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, this is a unique opportunity to savour local bush delicacies and learn about Indigenous culture through the lens of food.

Brown, a recipe author and guest judge for MasterChef Australia, works solely with native ingredients directly harvested by women from the Alice Springs community. It’s a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and run business.

4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)

woman walking by Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) — See striking Karlu Karlu. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Appearing out of nowhere, the huge granite boulders of Karlu Karlu seem to precariously balance on the barren Outback landscape. You’ll come across these geological formations as you cruise the Stuart Highway on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.

Your AAT Kings Travel Director will share expert insight on the history and culture of Karlu Karlu, recognised as a sacred site of the Warumungu people. As you walk in awe amongst these stunning formations, formed many millennia ago, you’ll hear some of the stories behind why this place is so important to Indigenous storytelling and culture.

5. Pudakul

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours — Experience this family-owned Indigenous experience. (Images: Tourism & Events NT/ Helen Orr)

Make authentic cultural connections when you visit Pudakul, a family-owned Indigenous experience on the Adelaide River Flood Plains. On your Small Group Northern Territory Explorer tour your senses will be inspired by the sounds of First Nations music, the taste of local bush tucker and the beauty of art.

This AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER^® Experience is designed to take you deeper into the destination, helping guests learn from the people of the Limilngan-Wulna Land.

6. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise

Observing the unique wildlife of the Northern Territory – from formidable crocs to hearing gentle melodies from the many endemic bird species – is always one of the most memorable parts of your Northern Territory Dreaming tour.

Travel in the comfort of your premium coach, taking in the stunning landscapes, before arriving at Corroboree Billabong. This special place is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. Your comfortable boat is designed to maximise wildlife viewing, giving you a front row seat to this spectacular ecosystem.

7. Aboriginal Bush Traders

artist at Aboriginal Bush Traders in darwin — Visit for the art, stay for a bite. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Shaana McNaught)

A visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders is the ideal introduction to the vibrant city of Darwin. This non-profit gallery, cafe and retail space supports Indigenous employment and is the perfect place to find a curated selection of ethical Indigenous gifts, including artwork and organic skincare.

Your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming tours include an exclusive native flavour tasting, offering cultural insight before travelling deeper into the Top End.

8. Leliyn (Edith Falls)

woman swimming in Leliyn (Edith Falls) — Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls). (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

There’s something about a mighty waterfall that invigorates the soul like nothing else, with the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls) the perfect place to refresh on a hot day.

On your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming visit to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its epic sandstone gorges, you’ll pay a visit to the oasis that is Leliyn. It’s the ideal place for a swim, but it’s also home to ancient Indigenous rock art. And as your Travel Director will explain, it’s an impressive place of cultural significance, too.

Make 2026 the year to discover the flavours, culture and beauty of the Northern Territory at aatkings.com.