The Best Time to Travel Australia in Your Motorhome: Peak, Off-Peak, and Shoulder Seasons

Australia offers unique landscapes, activities, and climates that vary by state and season, giving motorhome travellers endless ways to experience this beautiful country. From summer beaches to winter trails, here’s a guide to navigating each state’s peak, shoulder, and off-peak seasons, so you can choose the perfect time for your adventure.

Summer: December – February

Autumn: March – May

Winter: June – August

Spring: September – November

 

 

1.   NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW)

PEAK SEASON (December – January)

• Weather: Hot and sunny, with temperatures around 26-30°C (79-86°F).
• Special Activities: Beaches, surf lessons, and lively events like “Santa on the Beach” in Byron Bay, and holiday lights at Hunter Valley Gardens.
• Top Destinations:
  • Sydney: Enjoy the iconic Sydney Harbour and coastal walks, or admire the famous fireworks on NYE.
  • Byron Bay: Surf, relax on beautiful beaches, and visit local markets.
  • Jervis Bay: Famous for its white sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for beach days.

SHOULDER SEASON (September – November and March – April)

• Weather: Mild and warm, averaging 20-25°C (68-77°F).
• Special Activities: Whale watching, vineyard tours, and coastal hikes.
• Top Destinations:
  • Blue Mountains: Experience waterfalls, bushwalks, and scenic lookouts.
  • Hunter Valley: Enjoy wine tasting and hot air balloon rides during spring or autumn.
  • Port Stephens: Great for dolphin cruises, sand dunes, and coastal walks.

OFF-PEAK SEASON (May – August)

• Weather: Cool and crisp, with temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F).
• Special Activities: Snow sports and quieter sightseeing.
• Top Destinations:

• • Snowy Mountains: Go skiing or snowboarding in Thredbo or Perisher.
  • Central Coast: Enjoy peaceful beach walks, cosy cafes, and winter whale watching.
  • Sydney’s Inner City: Explore museums, markets, and historical sites without the crowds.

Tip: Plan a visit to the Blue Mountains in the shoulder season (spring or autumn) to experience stunning waterfalls, scenic bushwalks, and vibrant landscapes—without peak crowds. Motorhome-friendly campgrounds are available, offering a convenient way to explore the area.

 

Image: Sydney, New South Wales

 

2.   QUEENSLAND

PEAK SEASON (December – February and June – August)

• Weather: Warm to hot, averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F). Summer can be humid, while winter is dry and cooler.
• Special Activities: Beach days, reef tours, and outdoor festivals such as the Brisbane Festival, the Woodford Folk Festival or the Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast.
• Top Destinations:

• • Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef: Perfect for snorkelling, diving, and island hopping.
  • Gold Coast: Enjoy surfing, theme parks, and bustling nightlife.
  • Whitsunday Islands: Ideal for sailing, beach picnics, and marine life spotting.

SHOULDER SEASON (April – May and September – November)

• Weather: Mild and sunny, with temperatures around 20-27°C (68-81°F).
• Special Activities: Wildlife spotting, spring wildflowers, and scenic drives.
• Top Destinations:

• • Brisbane: Visit local markets, and botanical gardens, and enjoy a day trip to Moreton Bay to admire the multiple shipwrecks.
  • Sunshine Coast Hinterland: Explore lush rainforests, waterfalls, and wineries.
  • Daintree Rainforest: Discover unique wildlife like cassowaries, go on river cruises to spot crocodiles, and guided rainforest tours.

OFF-PEAK SEASON (October – November)

• Weather: Hot and humid in the north, milder in the south. Temperatures range from 25-30°C (77-86°F).
• Special Activities: Quieter beaches, seasonal fruit picking, and outdoor markets.
• Top Destinations:

• • Cape Tribulation: Remote beaches and rainforest experiences.
  • Atherton Tablelands: Visit waterfalls, coffee plantations, and rainforest walks.
  • Fraser Island: Less crowded, with beautiful sand dunes and lake swimming.

Tip: Visit the Great Barrier Reef during the shoulder season (April – May or September – November) when conditions are optimal for snorkelling, temperatures are moderate, and fewer tourists allow for a more relaxed experience at popular spots like Cairns and the Whitsundays.

 

Image: Whitehaven Beach, Tourism and Events Queensland

 

3.   VICTORIA

PEAK SEASON (December – February)

• Weather: Warm and sunny, averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F).
• Special Activities: Coastal hikes, beach days, and outdoor events.
• Top Destinations:

• • Great Ocean Road: Drive through coastal cliffs, scenic beaches, and wildlife parks.
  • Phillip Island: Experience penguin parades, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Melbourne: Explore cultural events, restaurants, and city parks.

SHOULDER SEASON (March – April and September – November)

• Weather: Mild, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F).
• Special Activities: Autumn foliage, wildflower blooms, and wine tours.
• Top Destinations:

• • Yarra Valley: Hot air ballooning, and farm-to-table dining. Consider exploring wineries on weekdays for more intimate experiences.
  • Grampians National Park: Great for hiking, waterfalls, and panoramic lookouts.
  • Mornington Peninsula: Enjoy coastal walks, wineries, and hot springs.

OFF-PEAK SEASON (May – August)

• Weather: Cool and crisp, with temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F).
• Special Activities: Cosy cafes, museums, and winter sports.
• Top Destinations:

• • Falls Creek: Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
  • Daylesford: Relax in natural hot springs and wellness spas.
  • Ballarat: Discover historic gold rush sites and local heritage buildings.

Tip: Take a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road in autumn (March – April) to enjoy the coastal beauty with fewer crowds and mild weather, perfect for making stops at lookout points, national parks, and hidden beach spots.

 

Image: Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

 

4.   TASMANIA

PEAK SEASON (December – February)

• Weather: Mild to warm, with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F).
• Special Activities: Outdoor festivals like the Sydney to Hobart race, hiking, and beach days.
• Top Destinations:

• • Hobart: Experience Salamanca Market, MONA Museum, and historic sites. The Hobart Twilight Market is also operating every Friday night.
  • Freycinet National Park: Explore Wineglass Bay from the lookout or climb Mount Amos for stunning wider views.
  • Bruny Island: Sample local produce like oysters, cheese or chocolate, and enjoy wildlife spotting.

SHOULDER SEASON (March – April and October – November)

• Weather: Cooler, with averages around 10-20°C (59-68°F). Could be quite windy in Spring.
• Special Activities: Autumn foliage, spring blooms, and quieter trails.
• Top Destinations:

• • Cradle Mountain: Stunning autumn and spring landscapes with fewer tourists.
  • Launceston: Visit Cataract Gorge, museums, and nearby wineries.
  • Bay of Fires: Enjoy beach walks, coastal views, and wildlife spotting.

OFF-PEAK SEASON (May – September)

• Weather: Cold, with temperatures from 5-15°C (41-59°F), especially in mountainous areas.
• Special Activities: Snow activities, indoor attractions, and cozy cafes.
• Top Destinations:
  • Mount Field National Park: Winter waterfalls, mossy forests, and short hikes.
  • Richmond: Explore historic sites and heritage architecture.
  • Devonport: Visit museums, galleries, and local craft markets.

Tip: Plan your visit to Freycinet National Park in spring (October – November) to enjoy mild weather, stunning wildflowers, and quieter trails. Motorhome travellers can explore Wineglass Bay and other beautiful spots with ease as the roads are less crowded than in peak summer.

 

Image: Mount Wellington, Hobart, Tasmania

 

5.  SOUTH AUSTRALIA

PEAK SEASON (December – February)

• Weather: Warm and sunny, averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F).
• Special Activities: Wine tours, beach days, and food festivals.
• Top Destinations:

• • Barossa Valley: Ideal for wine tasting, markets, and gourmet dining.
  • Adelaide: Explore cultural events like The Generation of Rave, parks, and restaurants.
  • Kangaroo Island: Wildlife spotting, beaches, and unique natural formations.

SHOULDER SEASON (April – May and September – November)

• Weather: Mild, with temperatures from 15-25°C (59-77°F).
• Special Activities: Wildflower blooms, vineyard tours, and scenic drives.
• Top Destinations:

• • Clare Valley: Wine tasting, historic towns, and outdoor art.
  • Flinders Ranges: Hiking, scenic lookouts, and Aboriginal rock art.
  • Adelaide Hills: Enjoy fresh produce markets, wineries, and autumn colours.

OFF-PEAK SEASON (June – August)

• Weather: Cool and mild, around 10-15°C (50-59°F).
• Special Activities: Indoor attractions, heritage tours, and cozy cafes.
• Top Destinations:

• • Victor Harbor: Quiet seaside town, whale watching, and coastal walks.
  • Coober Pedy: Unique underground accommodations and opal mining tours.
  • Hahndorf: German-inspired town with historic charm and cosy eateries.

Tip: Head to the Barossa Valley in spring (September – November) or autumn (March – May) for scenic vineyard views, wine tastings, and fewer tourists. These seasons offer mild temperatures, ideal for exploring wineries and local markets by motorhome.

 

Image: Barossa Valley, South Australia

 

6.  WESTERN AUSTRALIA

PEAK SEASON (April – September and December – January)

• Weather: Warm, with averages of 20-40°C (68-86°F), the highest temperatures in the north.
• Special Activities: Beach days, snorkelling, and wildflower blooms.
• Top Destinations:

• • Broome: Relax on Cable Beach or take a Camel Tour at sunset, and explore the Kimberley.
  • Ningaloo Reef: Stunning snorkelling spot, whale shark tours, and reef exploration.
  • Margaret River: Vineyards, surf beaches, and forest trails.

SHOULDER SEASON (October – December and March)

• Weather: Mild and sunny, around 20-27°C (68-81°F).
• Special Activities: Whale watching, beach activities, and hiking.
• Top Destinations:

• • Esperance: Turquoise beaches, coastal hikes, and national parks.
  • Kalbarri National Park: Unique rock formations, coastal cliffs, and wildflowers.
  • Fremantle: Vibrant port city with markets, street art, and waterfront cafes.

OFF-PEAK SEASON (January – February)

• Weather: Very hot in the north, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F).
• Special Activities: Indoor attractions, early morning beach visits, and city exploring.
• Top Destinations:

• • Perth: Explore museums, markets, and riverside parks in the cooler mornings.
  • Albany: Coastal views, hiking, and whale watching.
  • Denmark: Forest trails, wineries, and cosy spots to relax.

Tip: Visit Ningaloo Reef in late autumn (April – May) to swim with whale sharks, a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This is also shoulder season in WA, so you’ll avoid the peak heat and enjoy milder days on the coast with fewer crowds.

 

Image: Little Beach, Albany, Tourism Western Australia

 

7.  Northern Territory

The Northern Territory has a tropical climate in the north (Darwin and Kakadu) with distinct wet and dry seasons, and a more arid, desert climate in the south (Alice Springs and Uluru).

PEAK SEASON (May – September)

• Weather: Dry and pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 20-30°C (68-86°F) and low humidity in the north. In the Red Centre, expect cooler nights, around 5-10°C (41-50°F), with mild, sunny days.
• Special Activities: Outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, and clear skies for stargazing.
• Top Destinations:
  • Kakadu National Park: Enjoy waterfalls (especially at the end of the wet season!), gorges, and Aboriginal rock art, all accessible and vibrant during the dry season.
  • Litchfield National Park: Swim in natural pools, visit cascading waterfalls, and hike through lush landscapes.
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: Explore iconic rock formations, learn about Indigenous culture, and experience breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.

SHOULDER SEASON (April, October)

• Weather: Transitioning to or from the wet season in the north, with temperatures around 25-35°C (77-95°F). The Red Centre remains warm, with highs around 20-30°C (68-86°F) and cooler evenings.
• Special Activities: Quieter trails, bird watching, and fewer tourists. Some waterfalls begin to fill up in Kakadu, offering stunning views.
• Top Destinations:
  • Darwin: Visit local markets, waterfront precincts, and museums during less crowded times.
  • Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge: Enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, and scenic hikes in pleasant temperatures.
  • Alice Springs: Explore desert landscapes, local galleries, and historical sites with fewer crowds.

OFF-PEAK SEASON (November – March)

• Weather: The wet season in the north brings high humidity, temperatures between 25-35°C (77-95°F), and frequent thunderstorms. The Red Centre experiences hot days, around 35°C (95°F), with occasional rain.
• Special Activities: Experience dramatic waterfalls, wetland scenery, and vibrant wildlife activity. Plan carefully as some areas may be inaccessible due to seasonal flooding.
• Top Destinations:
  • Darwin’s Wetlands: Explore wildlife-rich regions like Fogg Dam, where birdlife and lush landscapes thrive.
  • Kakadu National Park: See powerful waterfalls like Jim Jim and Twin Falls at their peak flow (note: access may be limited due to high water).
  • West MacDonnell Ranges: Cooler than Darwin in summer, this area near Alice Springs offers striking desert landscapes, waterholes, and geological formations.

Tip: Explore Kakadu National Park during the dry season (May – September) for accessible trails, abundant wildlife, and vibrant Aboriginal cultural sites. Dry weather makes for easier motorhome travel, and campgrounds are fully operational, enhancing the experience.

 

Image: West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory

 

Australia’s vast landscapes and varied climates make it a spectacular destination for motorhome travel, offering something unique in every season.

Plan ahead to enjoy clear skies and bustling events in the peak seasons, take advantage of pleasant weather and fewer crowds in shoulder seasons, or embrace quieter roads and unique sights in the off-peak. With your motorhome as a mobile base, every region of Australia is open for exploration, ensuring memorable adventures year-round. Safe travels, and enjoy the journey!

 

Related articles:

FAQs

5-Year National Warranty

12-Month National Warranty

Full-Time Motorhome Living

Post-Purchase Steps

Insurance Coverage

Top Reasons To Buy In Spring

Cost Saving Tips

Ready to explore Australia’s stunning landscapes in every season? Explore our fantastic range of motorhomes and campervans for sale! Got a question? Feel free to call us at 1300 124 329!

Did you purchase a motorhome from us? We’d love to hear about your adventures! Share your journey with #cruisinrvsales! Happy and safe travels!

*The deals and offers mentioned in this article might be withdrawn at any point. Please contact our sales team to learn about current offers.