Australia Tours

The best time to visit Australia is during spring and fall in the Southern Hemisphere, which is the opposite of the seasons in North America. The warm weather, clear skies, and fewer crowds make March and April or September and October ideal months for tours to Australia.

Across March and April or September and October, the weather conditions are perfect for city tours, sightseeing, and visiting Australia’s famous beaches. It is still warm enough to explore popular cities like Sydney, though not too hot in places like the Great Barrier Reef or the Winelands.

While these months are ideal, Australia is a year-round destination and a great place to travel, regardless of the season. While Australia’s summer (December-February) is crowded with tourists and locals, it’s still a marvelously festive time for Christmas and New Years. Australia’s winter (June-August) is also an appealing option for escaping the crowds, snow sports, and more.

Our guide on the best time to visit Australia has more information to help you decide the right time for your trip.

The number of things to do and see in Australia can feel limitless, which is why we recommend that you spend at least two weeks to experience the highlights.

Two-week Australia tours reveal the highlights of the country, from Sydney’s iconic coastline to Melbourne’s artistic culture and Uluru’s fascinating folklore. In addition, they provide enough time to appreciate the natural beauty and heritage of the Great Barrier Reef, Northern Queensland, and more.

Should you have more time available, you can stay for longer and explore more or visit multiple South Pacific destinations on Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji tours. Shorter trips of 10 days, or even 7 days, are not only possible but also excellent options for tours focused on the highlights and what interests you most. How many days you stay is ultimately up to you and your availability, though we can help you decide.

Whether visiting Bondi Beach, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, or searching for wildlife in the Red Desert, where you go depends on the experiences you value most. That said, we recommend putting several top places on your radar, and these are some of our favorites:

• Sydney: The Harbour City is not only one of the best cities to visit, but it’s also one of Australia’s largest. Known for its beautiful coastlines and fantastic beaches, including  Manly and Bondi beaches, Sydney offers everything from excellent cycling routes to access to national parks and much more.
• Uluru: The famous monolith at the center of the Australian continent and Red Desert has an exceptional natural and cultural history. The local indigenous community has rich ties to the standing stone visible in preserved rock art and among the exhibits in the visitor center. From shifting natural colors to incredible stories, Uluru and the surrounding national park have an undeniably majestic allure.
• Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth, one of the world's most magnificent natural wonders, and a top place to visit in Australia. Known for its breathtaking coral formations and diverse marine life, the reef offers unparalleled opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and exploring underwater wonders.

Whether seeing the Sydney Opera House or immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, there is a long list of things to do in Australia, and here are some of our favorites:

• Learn about Aboriginal culture on trips to heritage sites in the Outback
• Enjoy a wide variety of Australian wildlife safaris, including Kangaroo safaris and Great Eight marine safaris
• Cruise between idyllic islands and spend time on sun-kissed beaches or snorkeling at coral reefs
• Tour scenic cities and embrace local culture

From secluded and romantic paradise shores to family-friendly coastlines with modern amenities, there are many stunning beaches to visit in Australia. Here are some of our favorites to consider for your trip:

• Whitehaven Beach
• Wineglass Bay
• Vivonne Bay
• Bondi Beach
• Seventy-Five Mile Beach

Australia produces a variety of world-famous wines, and you can visit the breathtaking wine regions to taste their award-winning selections. Here are some of our top wine regions to explore on your trip to Australia:

• Hunter Valley
• Yarra Valley
• The Barossa Valley
• Margaret River

Australian wildlife is unique and fantastical, with different states and climates supporting different populations of animals on land and sea. Whether looking for unusual animals or visiting the best places to see wildlife, here’s our list of top animals to see on Australia tours:

• Kangaroos
• Wombats
• Cassowaries
• Dingoes
• Tasmanian devils
• Turtles
• Crocodiles
• Platypuses
• Clownfish
• Whales

The Australian dollar ($).

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Australia and inspiration in our Australia travel guide.