The best Australian places to visit in the off-season

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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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.
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How to spend a tasty long weekend in Geelong and the Bellarine

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
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    From rust-coloured foliage and foodie experiences to stunning sunsets, this part of Victoria is best explored as the mild days of winter arrive.

    As the heat of the summer sun subsides and the milder days roll in, the stunning landscapes of Geelong and the Bellarine add pops of colour. The slight chill in the air will stir your taste buds and invite you to explore the peninsula’s foodie hotspots, while the vivid sunsets and cooler evenings will draw you to cosy fireside chats and evening adventures to watch the stars appear one at a time.

    Just over an hour from busy Flinders Street, or a short 25-minute drive from Avalon Airport, Geelong is Melbourne’s cooler, more laid-back cousin with a sparkling marina, stunning surf beaches, impressive museums and a lively foodie scene.

    federal mill geelong in autumn
    Winter is the perfect time to see local sights.

    It’s also the perfect starting point from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula. Packed full of jaw-dropping scenery, inviting townships and over 40 cellar doors serving up local cool-weather wines, winter here is distinctly beautiful with its change of colours, temperatures and produce.

    Whether you drive or catch the short but incredibly scenic ferry from the Mornington Peninsula, it’s no surprise this region offers up one of Australia’s best long weekend destinations. Here’s how to soak it all up.

    Day 1: Explore Geelong with the locals

    Morning

    Start the day by grabbing breakfast and strong coffee from Pavilion Geelong (try the braised mushrooms on toast) while watching the gentle waves lapping the edge of Corio Bay. After brekkie, join the locals walking along the scenic Art Deco waterfront to explore the historic piers, beautiful beaches and gleaming white yachts in the marina.

    Pavilion Geelong in winter
    Start the day at Pavilion Geelong.

    Afternoon

    After a morning in the sun, venture to the recently refurbished Federal Mill precinct , a grand old woollen mill built in 1915. Explore the industrial history of this area, as well as the gourmet produce on offer, before pulling up a table at the popular Paddock Bakery . Famous for their wood-fired sourdough and tasty pastries, this cafe serves up tasty dishes like their Crème Brûlée doughnuts. Chase your lunch down with an afternoon of gin tasting at Anther Distillery .

    Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnut
    Try the Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnuts.

    Night

    For an evening of frivolity and decadence, head back to Geelong for dinner and a show at the newly reopened Geelong Arts Centre . Later, enjoy a mini Negroni with a scoop of Black Pearl Oscietra Gold caviar at the sleek Non Disclosure Bar .

    Day 2: A foodie-centric day in Moorabool Valley

    Morning

    Wake up with the soft winter sun and cooler temperatures, then travel to the lush farmlands and stunning landscapes of Moorabool Valley, the home of Meredith Farm Store . Choose a seat outside in the leafy courtyard and enjoy a tasting platter of fresh produce among the flowers.

    Afternoon

    To explore the area, visit the cellar door at the Moorabool Valley Wine Collective , which encompasses three award-winning winemakers, before stopping by Austin’s Wines for lunch. Not only can you taste over 10 local wines at the dedicated tastings bar, but you can also curate your own cheese platter to eat outside on their shaded deck.

    two people trying the wine at Austin's wines
    Stop by Austin’s Wines for lunch.

    Night

    Continue on your foodie quest with dinner in Newtown at the Asian fusion Two Noble restaurant, or, inside the same venue at Sawyers Arms Tavern, dive into the European flavours of Eileen’s Charcoal Grill on your way back to Geelong.

    table spread at two noble restaurant
    The chef’s hatted Two Noble restaurant is waiting.

    Day 3: Adventures in The Bellarine

    Morning

    For a light breakfast, head 20 minutes out of town to the rustic Ket Baker , an artisan bakery known for their 100% sourdough croissants. Grab a hot cuppa under the gum trees and enjoy the morning chill in the air. Then spend the morning on the foodie-focused Bellarine Taste Trail , visiting local producers like  Bellarine Smokehouse , Flying Brick Cider House  and FarmDog Brewing .

    croissants at ket baker
    Enjoy a light breakfast at Ket Baker.

    Lunch

    There’s no better way to enjoy lunch than to make it from scratch. With Harvest Experience’s Pasta & Pinot cooking class, you’ll have a genuine farm-to-plate experience as you learn to make fettuccini and filled ravioli from scratch. Once cooked, sit down, relax and enjoy your hard work with a glass of Bellarine Peninsula pinot noir.

    Afternoon and night

    Burn off your lunch with an afternoon trip to the bayside town of Portarlington , where Australian blue mussels are harvested offshore. Stop by the quirky Ducks Nuts and peruse the trinkets and treasures before making your way to the restored Portarlington Grand Hotel . Built in 1888, this beautiful building now houses four distinct dining experiences, including the new open-air spaces of The Atrium and Lawn, where you can enjoy a local gin as the sun sets over the bay.

    waiter holding mussels at Portarlington Grand Hotel
    Be sure to try Portarlington mussels.

    Start planning your ultimate Geelong & The Bellarine adventure at visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.