Springtime in The Lucky Country… September to November is truly the best time soak in all that Australia has to offer.
It hardly matters where you are in the world - spring is famous for its fresh-faced charm. The long cold months are over and people, plants and animals alike emerge from their winter malaise to enthusiastically greet the new season. In Australia though, this time of year is especially wonderful. Although the Land Down Under never gets extremely cold in any season, winter can still be a bit chilly - certainly not the best time for a beach holiday! Summer, on the other hand, can be brutally hot with an intense dry heat in the more arid parts of the country and stifling humidity in the tropical north. But spring brings a lovely balance to the weather and a host of exciting events that will leave holidaymakers spoiled for choice. Below are just a few of the reasons that you really should start planning your Australian spring vacation now.
Noosa’s white sands are famed as some of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific and, believe it or not, spring is the best time to visit. Most beach destinations are at their peak in summertime but because of the tropical nature of Noosa, things start getting pretty wet around November. Renting a motorhome from Brisbane and heading there in September or August ensures that you make the most of the hot, dry weather before the deluge begins. Noosa Main Beach is great for families, with gentle waves and surf patrols - plus, it’s only steps away from the famous Hastings Street shops and restaurants. If you’re a keen surfer, try Castaways Beach or Granite Bay - locals love these excellent surf spots.
A little under 3 hours south of Perth lies one of the most underrated treasures on the entire continent: the pristine, temperate environment of Margaret River. This slice of Western Australian paradise has nurtured a thriving wine industry, with vineyards dotting the countryside wherever you turn. Those keen to learn more about the region’s famed vintages have almost a hundred different cellar doors to choose from. That may sound a little overwhelming, but not to worry - there’s also a fine selection of wine tours that will guide you through the absolute best that Margaret River has to offer. If you love great food as well as incredible wine, you shouldn’t miss the region’s Gourmet Escape - a world-class celebration of food and drink that kicks off in late November.
Far more than just a flower festival, Floriade is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, encompassing art, culture and a million vibrant flowering bulbs. This is the biggest event on the Canberra calendar but even so, entry to Floriade is absolutely free. Whether you're starting your motorhome journey in Canberra or picking up your camper in Sydney, head to Commonwealth Park between September 12th and October 11th to witness unique public art, rich fields of flowers and live musical performances. Be sure to stick around after the sun sets - you don’t want to miss the Floriade NightFest, featuring renowned comedians, night markets, roving entertainment and great live music acts.
As if you needed any more reason to visit the wonderful cosmopolitan community that is Sydney. Good Food Month does provide a little icing on the cake though, with foodie-friendly events taking place all over the city for the whole month of October. Good Food Month is the biggest food festival in the world, jumping from city to city depending on the time of year - Sydney’s incarnation will rope in pubs, restaurants, cafes and producers to show off what they do best in a series of venue based events. A major plus for this format is that you can work it around whatever else you have planned in this big, bright city.
Without a doubt the biggest horse racing event in Australasia, and among the most renowned worldwide, the Melbourne Cup isn’t just about races. It’s a cultural institution that stretches back to the 1860’s, and focuses as much on fashion and society as it does on handicaps and thoroughbreds. The entire day (scheduled every year for the first Tuesday of November) is set aside as a public holiday for the state of Victoria, and captures the attention of millions around the nation and even across the Tasman in New Zealand. Pick up your Melbourne camper hire and make your way around the city. For those not interested in Australia and it's wild outback, consider New Zealand for your campervan hire experience.
But these 5 events offer just a small taste of what spring in Australia is like. Discover all the hidden gems that this season has in store as you holiday in this stunning nation - be quick though: the secret is out, so book now to make sure you get the Aussie vacation of your dreams.
Want to depart from locations outside of those mentioned? Other popular spots to begin an Aussie campervan adventure with Motorhome Republic include a Tasmanian campervan hire, campervan hire Launceston or Devonport as popular starting points.
Feature image: Chris Phutully, Flickr Creative Commons
Written By: Kristof Haines
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
