Melbourne bubbles with excitement in Summer, as the city plays host to its most iconic sporting event of the year—the Australian Open. Held at the end of January, it rounds up the world’s top tennis players for an intense two-week festival of sport and music fun. This is also an excellent time to explore the Great Ocean Road, visit the penguins or Phillip Island and relax at the laid-back Mornington Peninsula. 

Summer in Sydney is all about hitting the beaches—the city boasts beautiful coastlines with stunning beaches that are all interconnected via The Great Coastal Walk. You can learn to surf at the famous Bondi Beach, or take Instagram-worthy photos at the Figure 8 pools. 

Sydney Summers is also celebrated by locals with the Sydney Festival, a dazzling showcase of artistry from the finest artists in the world. The three-week summer extravaganza offers over 100 events that include contemporary and classical music performances, circus acts, theatre skits, dance showcases, and visual art displays. 

Over at Western Australia, wildlife, waves, and wine take centre stage in Perth during summer. Consider taking a ferry to Rottnest Island in order to discover its diverse wildlife and snorkel (watch out for the adorable Quokkas!). You may also want to drive down to the famed Margaret River region, where gorgeous beaches and award-winning wineries await your arrival.

Autumn is the best time to experience Melbourne’s culinary excellence, thanks to the top-rated Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. For fashionistas, head over to the Melbourne Fashion Festival—a ten-day celebration of Australian fashion featuring the country’s best designers. Keen for some light-hearted entertainment? The Melbourne International Comedy Festival will keep you bent over with laughter in Fall (March to May). 

As the weather cools, Sydney heats up with popular Autumn events and festivals. One must-visit event is the 12-day Sydney Royal Easter Show which celebrates Australian culture from rural traditions to modern lifestyle activities. Here, you can take your pick of parades, carnivals, food markets, and the exciting Sydney Royal Horse Show. 

Thereafter, Vivid Sydney lights up the city’s night sky for 23 days, from May through June. The annual festival of light, music and ideas features light installations, jaw-dropping projections, and musical performances by local and international musicians.    

Autumn in Perth and Western Australia is all about nature. As the mercury dips, the beachside suburbs of Fremantle and Cottesloe are great for exploring. March is a special time at Cottesloe Beach as it transforms into a giant sculpture park with the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. The coastline will be dotted with works by Western Australia’s emerging and leading sculptors, showcasing works that include anything from animals to abstract art.     

Winter in Melbourne may be chilly, but you can stay warm at the Winter Night Market located in Queen Victoria’s Market. Enjoy delicious street food and hot beverages while doing souvenir and craft shopping. 

Up for an adventure? Drive to Mount Butler to snowboard, ski or snowshoe. Or jump into a thermal hot spring at the Mornington Peninsula to keep warm. To experience a winter wonderland, book a tour to Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights Festival, a spectacular showcase of sound, lights and wintry delights that include activities and culinary experiences.  

Delight in whale-watching in Sydney during Winter, or participate in City2Surf, the world’s largest fun run in August. The 14-km course spans from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach and is all about having fun with your loved ones while raising money for charity. For a white wintry experience, go for the Yulefest in the Blue Mountains, which channels a traditional European Christmas Festive spirit.

Over at Perth, embark on your winter adventure with the month-long Perth’s City Winter Fest. Acrobats, Magicians, and amazing circus talent wow with shows that warm you up and set your heart racing. Winter is also a great time to visit Margaret River to indulge in truffle season.  

Melbourne comes to life in Spring, starting with the Melbourne Cup, Australia's renowned annual Thoroughbred horse race. Bask in the heady atmosphere as you watch the iconic race in person dressed in your Sunday best! Look out for fashionable Melbourne ladies adorning their hair with fascinators.  

Take advantage of the fresh Melbourne air and clear city skyline during Spring for some rooftop-bar hopping. Or wine and dine at Yarra Valley, and bask in the refreshing country atmosphere. 

Vibrant purple jacaranda blossoms blanket Sydney in Spring when the city is at its most spectacular. If you cannot get enough of these blooms, visit the rural town of Grafton, and immerse yourself in all things purple with the Jacaranda Festival. This is also the season to set your heart racing with the Spring Racing Carnival. The highlight is the Everest Carnival, which comes with eight weeks of world-class horse racing and an array of exciting activities to partake in. 

Wildflower blooms take over Perth in Spring—the city’s iconic King's Park is a must-visit to witness this glorious sight. Take a road trip along the Coral Coast or cruise down the state's southwest coast to frolic through fields of colourful daisies, orchids, and desert peas. If you are a foodie, do not miss the Western Australia Gourmet Escape at Margaret River for an extraordinary showcase of food and wine. 

When deciding on your travel dates, do take into account the Australian school breaks in the major cities and national and state public holidays to help you plan your trip carefully, avoiding the peak seasons. This also helps you to get better rates for hotels or domestic transport. 

Here are the school holidays for the different states in Australia:

Term 1 School Holidays

New South Wales (Sydney): 11 April to 22 April
Victoria (Melbourne): 9 April to 25 April
Western Australia (Perth): 9 April to 25 April

Term 2 School Holidays

New South Wales: 4 July to 17 July
Victoria: 25 June to 10 July
Western Australia: 2 July to 17 July

Term 3 School Holidays

New South Wales: 2 September to 9 October
Victoria: 17 September to 2 October
Western Australia: 24 September to 9 October

Term 4 School Holidays

New South Wales: 21 December to 16 January 2023
Victoria: 21 December 2021 to 26 January 2023
Western Australia: 16 December 2021 to 31 January 2023

Do also take note of the National Public Holidays in Australia. While some may be peak seasons, they may also offer unique experiences for travellers who wish to immerse in the local culture:

• 1 January: New Year's Day
  
• 3 January: Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day
  
• 26 January: Australia Day
  
• 15 April: Good Friday 
  
• 16 April: Easter Saturday 
  
• 17 April: Easter Sunday 
  
• 18 April: Easter Monday
  
• 25 April: Anzac Day
  
• 25 December: Christmas Day
  
• 26 December: Boxing Day
  

Finally, consider the State Holidays for the different cities that you wish to visit:

New South Wales (Sydney)
13 June: Queen’s Birthday
3 October: Labour Day
27 December: Additional public holiday for Christmas Day

Victoria (Melbourne)
14 March: Labour Day
13 June: Queen's Birthday
1 November: Melbourne Cup Day

Western Australia (Perth)
7 March: Labour Day
6 June: Western Australia Day
26 September: Queen's Birthday
27 December: Additional public holiday for Boxing Day

We hope that these recommendations have given you a better idea of the best times of the year to visit Australia, seasonal events you can enjoy, as well as peak periods that you should avoid.

Need more recommendations? Send us an enquiry and the teams at Pan Pacific and PARKROYAL hotels in Australia would be glad to assist.