Australia in October

Warm south, building heat in the north; the good compromise month before stinger season.

• South-east coast · Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaidebest weather

  Summer is beach season and school-holiday peak; Melbourne swings between cool and 40 °C in a day. Winter is mild and sunny in Sydney, grey and cool in Melbourne.

• Tasmania · Hobart, Cradle Mountain, Freycinetfine

  Walking season is Nov–Apr; snow is possible in the highlands any month.

• Tropical north · Cairns, Port Douglas, Darwin, Kakadu, Kimberleyhot

  Dry season May–Oct is the window: roads open, no stingers in most of it, waterfalls still flowing early on. Nov–Apr brings humidity, monsoon floods, cyclones and box jellyfish.

• Red Centre · Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springsfine

  Winter days are clear and 20 °C with nights near freezing; summer passes 40 °C and some walks close from 11:00.

• South-west · Perth, Margaret River, Rottnestbest weather

  Dry, hot summers with afternoon sea breeze; wildflowers north of Perth Aug–Oct.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Winter and spring school holidays

  Early–mid July and late Sep–early Oct

  Family demand in the tropical north, the Red Centre and ski fields.

Crowds · Australia

Medium

Prices · Australia

Medium

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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Rated best or good this month

• South-east coast

  Best weather of the year (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide)

• South-west

  Best weather of the year (Perth, Margaret River, Rottnest)

• Sydney

  One of the best months; long weekend crowds.