The best Australian places to visit in the off-season

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)

Those dreaming of a river escape that’s less rush and more rest will discover the perfect getaway in Echuca Moama.

Best known for summer river holidays, Echuca Moama dishes up extraordinary options for those craving good food, experiences and culture. Discover how best to spend your getaway in this gorgeous river town.

1. Find unique stays in Echuca Moama

Goolwa River Retreat villas — Bathe under the stars at Goolwa River Retreat.

An adventure here starts with the perfect place to stay. Echuca Moama is famous for its luxury houseboats. Be spoilt for choice with amenities like spas, chef’s kitchens and en-suites onboard Murray River Houseboats and Echuca Luxury Houseboats .

For those who prefer to stay on dry land to sleep, there’s no shortage of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The villas at Goolwa River Retreat offer spectacular views of the Murray Riverfront, cosy evenings by the fire pit. And, a truly unique and luxurious experience: bathing under the stars in an outdoor bathtub.

Families travelling with young kids will appreciate the fully self-contained cabins, which sleep up to six, at NRMA Echuca Holiday Park . Complete with BBQ facilities and a kids’ playground, Echuca Holiday Park is the perfect base for families exploring the Echuca Moama region.

More adventurous guests can experience off-grid serenity at Carriages Water Front Retreat , where they can slumber among the redgums in a lovingly converted vintage train carriage.

If you prefer a more central place to stay, the Mercure Port of Echuca is located just five minutes from the Port of Echuca on foot and offers comfortable rooms, as well as easy access to all the region has to offer.

2. Explore the Murray River

PaddlesteamerS on the Murray River — Jump aboard one of Echuca Moama’s famous paddlesteamers.

A trip to Echuca Moama isn’t complete without seeing the Murray River. Take in views from the water, with Murray River Paddlesteamers and Echuca Paddlesteamers . Or combine sightseeing with lunch at a local winery or brewery on a Wharf to Winery or Port to Plate cruise .

Those who prefer an active holiday can hire a stand-up paddleboard with Echuca SUP to explore the river. Duck under the historic Echuca Moama Bridge and listen out for local wildlife. At the end of your paddleboarding trip, you’ll find a shuttle service to return you to the car park.

Kayaking is another great option if you like to combine seeing the sights with a full-body workout. Hire a kayak from River Country Adventours , or join a river safari for a guided experience.

3. Go hiking and biking in Echuca Moama

two bikers riding on the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail — Peddle along the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail.

On foot or by bike, there are plenty of trails to explore the region. Embark on a guided e-bike tour with Green Pedal (or hire an e-bike and go it alone) to explore the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail . Traverse through beautiful bushland and the scenic Waranga Basin. Bakeries and picnic areas in the historic town of Rushworth provide the perfect place for refreshments.

Day trip to the lookout at Whroo Forest, near the now-abandoned Whroo township, located on historic Balaclava Hill. The Hill was once the site of Victoria’s largest open-cut gold mine and home to a thriving town. Today, the area offers picturesque walking tracks and picnic sites.

4. Taste Echuca Moama’s best dining options

lobster dish on the table at opa in echuca moama — Taste delicious, authentic Greek at Opa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you like a candlelit dinner or a coffee in the sunshine, Echuca Moama is ready to delight your taste buds.

Pop into Opa for authentic Greek fare with views of the town from its upstairs balcony. Enjoy seasonal produce at The Mill , offering everything from global street food and share plates to classic dinner and dessert options inside a historic building.

Discover a local secret at Monkee and Co , a relaxed Asian-fusion restaurant serving up classics like Banh Mi and dumplings.

Start the day with excellent coffee and waterfront views at the family-run Watson St Pavilion .

5. Drink at Echuca Moama’s best bars

two people drinking cockatails at paradise bar in echuca moama — Cheers to neon at Paradise Bar.

Top-notch tipples can be found at Paradise Bar , a new cocktail bar serving up handcrafted cocktails to delight the taste buds in the heart of Echuca. The menu features classics like mojitos, margs, and spritzers. As well as Paradise’s own creations featuring funky ingredients like bubble gum syrup and an Old Fashioned with truffle oil.

Bar Lee at the Echuca Distillery is the place to go to watch the sun go down at the rooftop bar, taste Echuca’s locally made spirits and nibble your way through an exceptional selection of share plates.

For river views, excellent service and a more than extensive wine menu, head to Social Wine Bar . You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere in the riverfront beer garden that sprawls out under an ancient pine tree and a cosy interior perfect for hiding away on a cool evening.

6. Follow local art trails

Jump in the car and follow the Silo Art Trail.

The region’s silos have been transformed into impressive, towering canvases depicting local fauna, Echuca’s historical links to industry and the building of the local railroad. Follow the Silo Art Trail by car, which takes between three and four hours.

Rochester Mural Park is home to an annual lineup of changing murals, while the Rochester Mural Festival showcases established and emerging artists.

7. Dive into local history

Echuca Port Museum and Penny Tourism — See the historic Port of Echuca.

The Echuca Moama region is bursting with history. Among its historical treasures is the Port of Echuca . Interactive displays showcase the port’s importance to historical trade along the river, industrial sites like the Evans Brothers Sawmill and the Port of Echuca railway station with its very own heritage steam train.

The displays pay homage to the site’s significance to the local Yorta Yorta People and their ancestral connection to the land where the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers meet.

Explore the port independently or join a guided tour to learn from Echuca’s history buffs.

Learn more and start planning the perfect holiday to Echuca Moama at visitechucamoama.com.au.