Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year to get out and see Australia. The cool of winter has passed, flowers are in bloom, the days are getting longer, and there’s a sense of new life all around. Kicking off in September, spring is a great shoulder season to get out and do some travel and explore new locations. You’ll avoid the bitter cold of winter and the busy crowds of summer, which allows travellers to see more and enjoy warmer weather.
Spring is also one of our favourite times of year to travel because it has some of the best food. Many local cafes and restaurants use seasonal menus, and vegetables and fruits are often bursting with extra flavour and texture. We recommend that you plan out your spring travels to ensure you make the most of the natural beauty and the culinary delights of the season.
On a recent getaway for the team at Harvest Inn, we got together to discuss some of our favourite spring travel destinations. We’ve put together (in our humble opinion!) the best 5 places to visit in spring in Australia. Check it out!
1 – Delicious Food and Wine of Adelaide, SA
Adelaide is also known as one of Australia’s meccas for good food and local produce. A large number of Australia’s best chefs have opened restaurants in the region, and showcase some of the best dishes Adelaide has to offer. Big names include Michelin-star chef Jake Kellie (owner of arkhé), executive chef Justin James (of Restaurant Botanic), and Sean Connollu (of SkyCity Adelaide).
Trust us when we say you won’t be disappointed by making time to visit Adelaide this spring.
2 – Bursting Rainbow Tulips of Floriade in Canberra, ACT
Floriade in Canberra is a very well-known event, particularly amongst those green thumbs who love gardening and all things tulips! Floriade is the largest flower festival in the southern hemisphere and attracts crowds of more than 400,000 during September and October. It is also a drawcard for artists, musicians, market stalls, food vendors, street performers, and pop-up shopping.
The best part? Floriade is free to attend! Set in the Commonwealth Park along the bank of Lake Burley Griffin, Floriade is a public event and one of the best places to visit in the ACT in spring. Since the tulip gardens only blossom during spring, make sure you add this to your travel itinerary so you don’t miss out.
3 – Quirky Sculptures By The Sea in Sydney, NSW
Having gained worldwide renown, Sculpture By The Sea is an opportunity every spring for Australia’s greatest sculptors to reveal their hard work. Set along the iconic stretch of coastline between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach, enjoy a beautiful seaside walk while exploring the many weird and wonderful creative works on display. Some of the sculptures are even interactive, which is great for families and kids who are looking to burn some energy and have fun.
Similar to Floriade, Sculpture By The Sea is a free public event and is open to the public 24/7. It is also the largest public sculpture exhibition in the world, and these unique artworks cannot be seen anywhere else. Every year the sculptures are changed, making this one the best places to visit in NSW in spring.
4 – Wildflowers and Whales of the Coral Coast, WA
A lot of people who’ve never been to Western Australia often picture a land that is more desert-like than forest. Seeing the Coral Coast of Western Australia during spring quickly changes their minds! It is one of the most beautiful displays of spring wildflowers, with more than 12,000 different species found in this region alone and more than half of them can’t be found anywhere else on earth.
This strip of coastline is also host to the Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with whale sharks (very cool). Near Geraldton you’ll also find the famous Pink Lake, a natural lake that contains a special algae which gives the water it’s special hue. Depending on various factors like light, time of day, and temperature, the lake can also change colour from a spectrum of velvet red to candy pink to grape purple.
With a long strip of heritage towns and unique eateries, the Coral Coast will not disappoint and ranks as one of the best places to visit in WA in spring.
5 – Natural, Rugged Beauty of the Grampians, VIC
The Grampians is a natural drawcard for any and all outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, mountain bikers, bird watchers, photographers, artists, and foodies. There is also a growing scene for lovers of wine, beer and cider- either way, you’re guaranteed to find amazing places to eat and drink all within a short drive.
What did you think of our 5 best places to visit in spring in Australia?
We trust you now have no shortage of reasons to get away this spring to one of these amazing locations, whether near or far. Australia is one of the best places for regional travel, and no matter where you go we’re sure you’ll find a special place to make new memories.
