Best places to visit in Australia in September
Enjoy the beginning of spring at these top five destinations.
September in Australia is the start of spring; a month of sunny days, cool nights, blooming flowers and baby animals. Head to the centre of Australia — Alice Springs and Uluru — to meet baby kangaroos at The Kangaroo Sanctuary, and explore Australia’s outback in the sunshine. Down south, enjoy the country’s beautiful wilderness and wine regions, or welcome the blooms of spring at Floriade festival in Canberra.
Mudgee, New South Wales
Lowe Wines, Mudgee, New South Wales © Tourism Australia
Where: 4-hour drive from Sydney
Weather in September: 4 - 18°C (39.2 – 64.4°F)
Highlights: Mudgee is well known for its wine, and spring offers the perfect weather for long lunches and wine tasting while overlooking the rolling vineyards. For a night under the stars, opt for one of Mudgee's luxury glamping offerings. Be sure to check out the Mudgee Food and Wine Festival too, which takes place over September and October each year.
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Best places to visit in Australia in October
Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Elder Camp, Flinders Ranges, South Australia © Wild Bush Luxury/Great Walks of Australia
Where: 5-hour drive from Adelaide
Weather in September: 10 - 23°C (50 - 73.4°F)
Highlights: A trip to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia is a must; its rugged outback, dramatic peaks and intriguing gorges are truly breathtaking. Sleep under the stars in a luxury glamping experience, explore the natural phenomena, Wilpena Pound, on a scenic flight, and absorb the rich Aboriginal history of the land on an Aboriginal cultural tour.
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Alice Springs, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino 2019
Where: 3-hour flight from Sydney
Weather in September: 10 - 28°C (50 - 82.4°F)
Highlights: Alice Springs lies in the heart of Australia and offers an amazing opportunity to explore Australia's Aboriginal culture. It’s also a great base to experience more of the outback, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges. A sunset tour at The Kangaroo Sanctuary is an absolute highlight, and visiting in September doubles your chances of meeting cuddly baby roos.
Uluru, Northern Territory
Sunset Carpark, Uluru, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/ Shaana McNaught
Where: 5-hour drive from Alice Springs
Weather in September: 9 - 26°C (48.2 - 78.8°F)
Highlights: Uluru, in the Red Centre, is one of Australia’s most iconic destinations and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be treasured. With peak season coming to an end in September, you’re likely to miss the crowds. So take the time to explore and enjoy the landscape’s ever-changing colours at dawn and dusk. To see the spectacular Uluru up-close, walk with a traditional owner, join a camel tour, or dine under a canopy of stars.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Floriade, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra
Where: Fly directly into Canberra airport, or drive 3 hours from Sydney
Weather in September: 4 - 16°C (39.2 - 60.8°F)
Highlights: Canberra is bursting with outdoor activities perfect for the cool — but equally as sunny — spring weather. Head to the city’s nature reserves to explore stunning waterfalls, gorges, rivers and mountains. September also brings with it the iconic month-long festival, Floriade; the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Floriade celebrates spring with a sea of colourful flowers alongside Lake Burley Griffin.
