Best places to visit in Australia in November
Enjoy the last month of spring at these five Australian destinations.
Before the temperature starts to heat up for summer, make the most of what the last month of Australian spring has to offer. Explore the beaches of Lord Howe Island, head off on an adventure in the Daintree Rainforest, or watch the incredible red crab migration on Christmas Island. If you're into golf, play a round at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, or if the food and wine scene calls you, spend some time exploring the celebrated cool-climate wine region of the Adelaide Hills.
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island, NSW © James Vodicka
Where: A 2-hour flight from Sydney
Weather in November: 17 - 22°C (62.6 - 71.6°F)
Highlights: This tiny island is a World Heritage-listed oasis of lush mountains, clear blue waters, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. Visiting just before summer gives you crowd-free sunny days and clear skies — the perfect weather to make the most of this natural paradise. Hike Mount Gower, hand-feed fish at Ned’s beach, swim, snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear lagoon, or surf pristine waves at Blinky Beach.
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The Daintree, Queensland
Daintree River, Daintree National Park, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Where: A 2-hour drive from Cairns
Weather in November: 25 - 32°C (77 - 89.6°F)
Highlights: The World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, where lush green jungle meets the Great Barrier Reef. Visit in November for warm sunny days, ideal for exploring the rainforest by foot, swimming in hidden waterholes and cruising past crocodiles on the Daintree River.
Christmas Island
Crab migration, Christmas Island © Max Orchard
Where: About a 4-hour flight from Perth
Weather in November: 24 - 28°C (75.2 - 82.4°F)
Highlights: Christmas Island, off the far north-west coast of Australia, is home to about 40-50 million bright red land crabs. Every year, at the start of the wet season, hordes of crabs start their march to the ocean to breed, creating a truly remarkable sight. Timings fluctuate between October and December each year, so be sure to check dates before you plan your visit.
Melbourne, Victoria
Royal Melbourne Golf Course, Melbourne, Victoria © Gary Lisbon 2018
Where: 30-minute drive from Melbourne airport
Weather in November: 14 - 24°C (57.2 - 75.2°F)
Highlights: Melbourne is home to great coffee, world-class restaurants, a lively arts and culture scene, and Australia’s most recognised golf club. For golfers, playing a round at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is a must. On your day off the green, visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) or the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) to soak up Melbourne’s cultural scene.
Adelaide, South Australia
Central Market, Adelaide, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission
Where: 15-minute drive from Adelaide airport
Weather in November: 11 - 22°C (53.2 - 71.6°F)
Highlights: Adelaide is a beautiful mix of coastline, wineries, and countryside. Take a trip to the Adelaide Central Market, the epicentre of Adelaide’s food scene; visit the Art Gallery of South Australia; wander through the Adelaide Botanic Gardens; or spend a day or two exploring the Adelaide Hills, one of Australia’s top cool-climate wine regions. From here, head to the Fleurieu Peninsula to bushwalk around the dramatic coastline, or wine and dine your way around the McLaren Vale wine region.
