The Best Time to Visit Australia

When to Go?

The best time to visit Northern and Western Australia is between April and October during the dry season. However, to visit the Great Barrier Reef in the northeastern part of the country there is a shorter window, between June and November.

Seasons in Australia are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is between September and November; summer runs from December to February; between March and May is autumn, and winter is June through August. Each region of the continent has its own best time to visit.

Kimberley - Western Australia

The coast of the Kimberley region of Western Australia is home to 2,600 islands, sundrenched beaches, waterfalls, ancient rock art, and remote bays. The area is known as a wildlife paradise: it includes sea turtle nesting grounds, mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live, and extensive reef systems that harbor a myriad of sea creatures.

Humpback whales take to the open waters of the region between June and November and are often seen on Australia cruises. More than 35,000 whales migrate to the warm waters to give birth, making the journey from Antarctica where they feed during the other months of the year. 

The Horizontal Waterfalls of Kimberley are a natural marvel that astounds those who travel to Talbot Bay. At high tide, water builds up on one side of the McLarty Range, pushing through a gap in the rock formation to form a ‘waterfall’ between the two bodies of water. The waters of Western Australia have some of the highest tides in the world, rising and falling as much as 32ft (9.8m).

The Top End - Northern Australia

Fall and winter months in the northern territory are peak times to take Australia cruises. The clear skies, warm water, and rare species like the Australian Humpback Dolphin make exploring the region an adventure.

The Gunk Baru National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula is one of the region’s best parks. The waters of the peninsula’s beaches are home to six species of turtles, dolphins, whales, and sharks. 

The Wessel and Tiwi Islands offer an opportunity to explore a unique part of Australian culture including a style of art that has made its way around the world. 


Northern Australia (Darwin)

The Great Barrier Reef - Northeastern Australia 

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. Spanning 133,000 square miles is a network of 3,000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands, and 150 inshore mangrove islands.

Winter and spring are the best times to explore the waters. Vibrant coral and colorful reef fish greet snorkelers and glass bottom boat tours give you an overhead view of the underwater ecosystem.

Over 30 species of whales and dolphins, 1,625 types of fish, and around 130 kinds of sharks and rays live here, making it one of the most populated dive spots on the planet.

Australia cruises to the reef find you in the company of marine biologists and scuba instructors who are more than happy to share their passion for the ocean with you during your time.

For more information about how Adventure Life can help you find the right Australia cruise for your trip based on your interests, contact a member of our Travel Experts.