Planning a trip to Australia and worried about peak tourist seasons? We’ve compiled comprehensive information about Australian peak periods, including public holidays, school holidays, and tourist high seasons. Here’s everything you need to know about the best times to visit Australia.
Australian holidays 2024
| Holiday dates in 2024 | Holiday | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| December 1 | Labor Day | Western Australia |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Nationwide |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | Except Queensland |
Australian holidays 2025
| Holiday dates in 2025 | Holiday | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Nationwide |
| January 26 | Australia Day | Nationwide |
| April 18 | Good Friday | Most states and territories |
| April 21 | Easter Monday | Most states and territories |
| April 25 | Anzac Day | Nationwide |
| June 9 | Western Australia Day | Western Australia |
| August 4 | Queen’s Birthday | Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania |
| October 6 | Labor Day | Northern Territory, Victoria |
| October 7 | Canberra Day | Australian Capital Territory |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Nationwide |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | Except Queensland |
Note: Some states and territories may have additional public holidays. When a public holiday falls on a weekend, it may be observed on an adjacent weekday.
Best Times to Avoid Australia’s Peak Tourist Seasons
Australia has two major peak tourist seasons: the summer holidays from December to January and the winter school holidays in July. During these periods, both international and domestic tourism surge, leading to higher airfares, increased accommodation costs, and crowded attractions. We strongly recommend avoiding these peak seasons!
Australian summer holidays
Time range: Mid-December to the end of February, particularly during Christmas and New Year.
This is Australia’s most popular tourist season. The sunny summer weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and it coincides with winter holidays in the northern hemisphere. The combination of local and international tourists makes this a particularly busy period.
Things to note:
- Airfares and accommodation prices increase by 30-50%
- Popular attractions become crowded—book tickets in advance
- High summer temperatures require sun protection and hydration
- Some shops and restaurants may have modified holiday hours
Australian winter school holidays
Time range: June to August, especially during school holidays and ski season.
While Australian winters are generally mild, some alpine regions receive snow. This attracts both international and domestic tourists, particularly ski enthusiasts. Like summer, this season sees increased prices for airfares and accommodation, with popular attractions becoming crowded.
Recommended time to travel to Australia
For fewer crowds and better prices, autumn and spring are ideal times to visit Australia. These seasons (March to May and September to November) offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and more reasonable airfares and accommodation rates。
| Season | Month | Advantage | Recommendation index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | March-May | Moderate temperatures, fewer tourists, reasonable prices for airfares and accommodation. | ★★★★★ |
| Spring | September-November | Flower blooming season, pleasant climate, ideal for outdoor activities | ★★★★★ |
Autumn: March to May
In autumn, temperatures become milder, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Why autumn?
- Pleasant weather: The cooler autumn temperatures are perfect for exploring natural wonders like Blue Mountains National Park.
- Low season: Following the Australian school holidays, autumn sees fewer tourists.
- Better value: Hotel and transportation costs are lower, making it an economical time to travel.
Recommended activities:
- Great Barrier Reef: Autumn offers excellent conditions for diving and exploring the reef.
- Blue Mountains hiking: Experience the stunning autumn foliage and scenic trails in Blue Mountains National Park.
- Food and Wine Festival: Events like the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival showcase Australian cuisine and wines.
Spring: September to November
Spring brings its own charm to Australia, with rising temperatures and blooming flowers. It’s also when you might spot young kangaroos venturing from their mothers’ pouches to explore.
Why spring?
- Perfect climate: Australia’s spring offers warm, comfortable days and cool nights, ideal for outdoor exploration.
- Fewer crowds: By avoiding summer and winter peaks, you can enjoy a more peaceful travel experience.
- Value for money: Off-peak season means lower hotel and airfare prices, making it a smart choice for savvy travelers.
Recommended activities:
- Hiking: Australia’s numerous national parks and trails are at their best in spring.
- Whale watching: Spring offers excellent whale watching opportunities, especially in Victoria and New South Wales.
- Cultural events: Experience Australia’s artistic atmosphere at festivals like the Melbourne Arts Festival and Sydney Film Festival.
Australian Public Holidays
Public holidays in Australia include both nationwide holidays and state/territory-specific celebrations.
National Holidays
1. New Year’s Day – January 1
Australians celebrate New Year’s Day with various festivities, including fireworks displays and open-air concerts. The Sydney Harbour fireworks show is particularly renowned, drawing tourists from around the world.
2. Australia Day – January 26
Australia’s most significant national holiday commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney in 1788. The day features flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural activities, and naturalization ceremonies for new citizens.
3. Good Friday – Friday before Easter
Easter is a major Christian holiday commemorating Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Australians observe public holidays on both Good Friday and Easter Monday. As a traditional Christian holiday, most businesses close on this day, and people traditionally enjoy Hot Cross Buns.
4. Easter Monday – Fourth day after Good Friday
This holiday continues the Easter celebrations, with families organizing Easter egg hunts and gathering for traditional Easter meals.
5. ANZAC Day – April 25
This day honors the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who died in World War I. Commemorative services and processions take place nationwide, with the Dawn Service at the Anzac Memorial in Canberra being the most notable.
6. Christmas Day – December 25
Christmas, falling during Australia’s summer, is a time for family gatherings. Australians often celebrate with beach activities and barbecues outdoors.
7. Boxing Day – December 26
Australia’s biggest shopping day features major retail discounts. It also marks the start of the famous “Boxing Day Test” cricket match.
State-Specific Holidays
1. Labour Day
- Western Australia: First Monday in March
- Victoria and Tasmania: Second Monday in March
- Queensland: First Monday in May
- Northern Territory and ACT: First Monday in October
2. Queen’s Birthday
Most states celebrate on the second Monday in June, while Queensland observes it on the first Monday in October.
3. Melbourne Cup Day – First Tuesday in November
A public holiday in Victoria, this famous horse race is known as “the race that stops a nation.” It’s more than just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of fashion, food, and social gatherings, making it one of Australia’s premier social occasions.
Australian Events
Sydney New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show
Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display ranks among the world’s most spectacular New Year’s celebrations. Every December 31, thousands gather at Sydney Harbour to watch the magnificent display and welcome the new year.
Australian Open
This prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournament takes place in Melbourne each January. It attracts the world’s top tennis players and large crowds, energizing the entire city.
Sydney Festival
This three-week arts festival showcases theatre, dance, music, and visual arts performances, offering a rich array of cultural activities.
Adelaide Fringe Festival
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival runs in Adelaide from February to March. It features diverse performances including comedy, drama, music, and visual arts, drawing art enthusiasts from everywhere.
Canberra Flower Festival (Floriade)
Every spring, Canberra hosts a month-long flower festival displaying over a million blooms. The event features music, entertainment, gardening workshops, and various festivities that attract numerous visitors.
Vivid Sydney Light and Music Festival (Vivid Sydney)
This festival of light, music, and creativity transforms Sydney into a giant art canvas.
| Activity name | 2025 | Location | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | Mid to late January | Melbourne Park | One of the four Grand Slam tournaments in international tennis, featuring the world’s top players. |
| Australia Day | January 26th | Nationwide | National Day celebrations featuring fireworks, parades, and festivities across the country. |
| Melbourne Cup | First Tuesday in November | Flemington Racecourse | Australia’s most prestigious horse racing event, known as “the race that stops the nation”. |
| Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | December 26th | Sydney to Hobart | The annual classic offshore sailing race that attracts numerous sailing enthusiasts. |
| Gold Coast Marathon | July | Gold Coast | One of Australia’s largest marathons, welcoming runners of all abilities. |
| Adelaide Festival | March | Adelaide | International arts festival showcasing music, theater, dance, and other performing arts. |
| Byron Bay Bluesfest | Easter period | Byron Bay | Australia’s premier blues festival, featuring national and international artists. |
| Sydney Film Festival | June | Throughout Sydney | Showcasing outstanding domestic and international films, including competitions, screenings, and related events. |
| Melbourne Food and Wine Festival | March | Melbourne | Australia’s largest food and wine festival, offering diverse culinary experiences. |
| Australian Football League (AFL) | Throughout winter | Various stadiums | One of Australia’s most popular sporting events, including regular season and finals. |
| Australian Cricket World Cup | According to international schedule | Multiple cities | A global cricket tournament hosted by the International Cricket Council, held every four years. |
These festivals and events showcase Australia’s cultural diversity and vibrant spirit, offering visitors rich experiences and unforgettable memories. When you participate in these activities, you’ll experience Australia’s unique charm and enthusiasm firsthand.
Australia Holiday FAQs
Are stores in Australia open on public holidays?
Opening hours vary depending on the holiday:
- Large shopping malls remain open on most public holidays but with reduced hours
- Small shops typically close during major holidays (e.g., Christmas, Good Friday)
- Shops in tourist areas usually maintain regular hours during holidays
Which season is best for traveling in Australia?
The best time depends on your destination and planned activities. Setting aside cost considerations:
- Spring (September-November): Mild climate, perfect for wildlife viewing and flower blooms
- Summer (December-February): Ideal for beach activities, but sun protection is essential
- Autumn (March-May): Pleasant weather, suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing
- Winter (June-August): Great for skiing in the south, while the north enjoys mild temperatures
Do school holidays and public holidays overlap in Australia?
School holidays often coincide with public holidays, particularly during Christmas and Easter. The school year is divided into four terms with breaks between each. We recommend avoiding travel during school holidays as tourist attractions become crowded and hotel prices increase.
Australia holiday summary
Planning a holiday in Australia requires considering multiple factors, including public holidays, school holidays, and peak tourist seasons. Major national holidays like New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Easter, and Christmas are significant celebrations, with each state also having its own holiday schedule. Understanding these arrangements helps you plan the perfect trip and experience local festivals and traditions. Choosing the right travel time ensures both an economical and comfortable journey.
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train Tickets
Gold Coast Dreamworld Amusement Park Tickets
Gold Coast Movie World/SeaWorld/Water Park Multi-Day Pass
Blue Mountains Adventure Day Trip
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