The best Australian places to visit in the off-season

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
hero media
Discover why the off-season rivals summer as the best time to explore Australia.

If Australia were represented as a season, it would be summer. Hot, balmy days are what the world knows us for. But we know better. We know that in the off-season, some of the real Australian magic happens. Here are some of our favourite things that only happen when the weather starts to cool and the crowds start to thin out.

1. Experience a Tasmanian winter

It’s only right to start with a state whose entire marketing campaign is centred around the off-season. Tasmania really does know how to embrace chillier days. Spend every day staying warm by the fire with Tassie’s famed wine and produce (winter is truffle hunting season, after all). Join the cold plunge craze and take a dip in the ocean. Or, join one of the most renowned winter festivals, Dark Mofo , which is back in 2025.

dark mofo in tasmania
Book a ticket for the grand return of Dark Mofo. (Image: Adam Gibson)

2. See turtles hatching in Queensland

With eggs being laid in the summer heat between November and January, autumn becomes the perfect time to catch little hatchlings as they make a dash for the roaring ocean. There are many places along the coastline where this occurs, but visit Lady Elliot Island, Heron Island or Mon Repos Beach for the most immersive and turtle-friendly experiences.

a hatching turtle scuttle towards the ocean Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to spot these cuties. (Image: TEQ)

3. Head to the outback

Unlike along Australia’s coast, the outback maintains clear skies and abundant sunshine all through the winter months. Not to mention that the temperatures become very reasonable, with max temps falling to the low 30s. This means it’s the perfect time to explore Uluru or go hiking in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Head to the unique Coober Pedy, which becomes a far more bearable temperature from April to October. Or check out Queensland’s Birdsville, and the iconic Big Red sand dune marking the start of the Simpson Desert.

two people drinking at a pub in coober pedy during sunset
Enjoy better temperatures in Coober Pedy over winter. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

4. Spot orcas in Western Australia

Head to Bremer Bay in the southwest corner of the state to see the largest congregation of orca whales in the southern hemisphere. Here, offshore canyons make for rich hunting grounds, enticing orcas from January until April. You might even catch them in something of a feeding frenzy. In general, Australia is an amazing place to find whales of many breeds, discover them all in our guide.

orca on Naturaliste Charters in Bremer Bay
See orcas up close in Bremer Bay. (Image: Tourism WA)

5. Thaw out in the Top End

The off-season doesn’t have to mean bracing for a chill. Chase the eternal sunshine and head up to Australia’s Top End. Darwin is a laid-back city that packs a punch when it comes to good food and epic day trips. Head to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market for laksa on the beach as the sun goes down, drive 1.5 hours south of Darwin to swim in Litchfield National Park’s natural water holes or even take a helicopter or 2.5-hour ferry to discover the local culture of Tiwi Islands.

Thanks to summer rains, April and May make the trails around Kakadu National Park and Kings Canyon particularly lush. Plus, most waterholes reopen about this time, after the heavy rains stop.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market darwin
Indulge in the famous laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market. (Image: Tourism NT/ Sean Scott)

6. Get cosy in Adelaide’s wine country

Wine goes with everything and every season. But there’s something particularly enjoyable about getting cosy in wine country when the air outside is crisp. The best part? Adelaide has several incredible wine regions to choose from. Pick your experiences from some of our favourites, and if you’re heading to Adelaide Hills don’t miss these drops.

Pindarie winery Barossa south australia
Warm up with quality wine. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission)

7. Shred New South Wales’ snowfields

Every year, NSW’s Snowy Mountains come alive with snow bunnies. Winter is anything but slow here. Starting around the June long weekend and runs until October, with peak season usually in July and August. You don’t have to love skiing, either. Warming yourself by a hotel’s fireplace and taking snow hikes are totally acceptable ways to enjoy the snow. Just read our tips before you go, even if you’re on a budget.

a tour group with Thredbo Valley Horse Riding in the snow
You don’t need to ski to enjoy the snow in NSW. (Image: DNSW)
Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
See all articles
hero of gift guide
Australia

A Christmas gift guide for the travellers in your life

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year with our curated selection of memorable gifts.

Read more
A woman sits with her dog at her campsite by a campfire at Misty Mountain in NSW
Australia

The best-rated spots for a scenic hiking and camping trip in one

AllTrails and HipCamp teamed up to reveal the top 10 ‘tent-to-trail’ list; the best hiking and camping spots to visit in one holiday for plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature.

Read more
Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf in Elf
Australia

The ultimate 2025 Christmas movie watchlist

The holiday season is here, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a solid movie marathon?  

Read more
An Aurora Australis display at night along the coastline
Australia

The aurora australis could light up Australian skies tonight

A major solar storm could bring one of the best aurora australis chances of the year.

Read more

This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
    Continue

    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.