Best places to visit in Australia in October
Five destinations to experience the natural wonders of October in Australia.
Australian spring is in full swing during October. It’s a month to reconnect with nature as baby humpback whales visit Jervis Bay, and stunning jacaranda trees cover Grafton in a beautiful sea of purple. Here are five places to witness the remarkable events of October.
Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Humpback whale, Point Perpendicular, Jervis Bay, New South Wales © Jervis Bay Wild
Where: 3-hour drive from Sydney
Weather in October: 12 - 18°C (53.6 - 64.4°F)
Highlights: Jervis Bay, on the south coast of New South Wales, is home to beautiful calm bays and white-sand beaches that are perfect for swimming. Head into the turquoise water to scuba dive in the Jervis Bay Marine Park, camp under the stars in Booderee National Park, and explore the pretty coastal villages that surround the bay. Keep a lookout for humpback whales and their babies, as they congregate in the shallow, sheltered waters of Jervis Bay from mid-October to late November.
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Grafton, New South Wales
Jacaranda Festival, Grafton, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Where: 3.5-hour drive from Brisbane
Weather in October: 14 - 22°C (57.2 - 71.6°F)
Highlights: Grafton, located in the Clarence Valley, is a historic picturesque town with classic cottages, iconic country pubs, farmers' markets, and the annual Jacaranda Festival. Jacaranda season in Grafton is one of the best times and places in Australia to see these trees bursting with wonderful purple blossoms. Take a trip from the last weekend of October to the first weekend of November to witness over 2,000 jacaranda trees in bloom.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Tourism Australia/Greg Snell
Where: 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne
Weather in October: 6 - 19°C (42.8 - 66.2°F)
Highlights: The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives, and a must-do if you’re planning an Australian road trip during October. The month's warm sunny days are ideal for surfing, meandering through the quaint coastal towns, and picking up some excellent seafood in Lorne and Apollo Bay along the way.
Freycinet, Tasmania
Wineglass Bay from Mount Amos, Freycinet, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania/Daniel Tran
Where: 2.5-hour drive from Hobart
Weather in October: 8 - 17°C (46.4 - 62.6°F)
Highlights: Freycinet National Park is incredibly picturesque, with its pink-granite mountains that frame the secluded waters of Wineglass Bay. Visit in spring to enjoy sunny skies with a cool breeze while hiking to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. While you’re there, relax at the luxurious Saffire Freycinet, and tempt your taste buds with freshly shucked oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm. What’s not to like?
The Grampians, Victoria
Mount William, The Grampians, Victoria © Visit Victoria
Where: 3-hour drive from Melbourne
Weather in October: 7 - 19°C (44.6 - 66.2°F)
Highlights: The Grampians are a brilliant mountain range in Victoria's west, an area home to sweeping national parkland, idyllic small towns, and exceptional wineries. October brings the perfect weather for exploring the Grampians National Park, as well as learning about the fascinating Aboriginal connection to the land on an Aboriginal cultural tour.
