Best places to visit in spring in Australia

Springtime in Australia ushers in warmer weather and vibrant colours while leaving the doldrums of winter behind. As the temperatures rise and nature awakens from its cold slumber, it's the perfect time to hit the road and explore the diverse beauty that this vast continent has to offer. Whether you're into exciting events, stunning landscapes, blossoming blooms, or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, we've got you covered with the best events to visit in spring in Australia. So, pack your bags, grab your family or friends, and get ready to soak up spring!

New South Wales

Spring Splendour

Jacaranda Festival (Grafton): In October, the picturesque town of Grafton is blanketed in purple blossoms. Don't miss the Jacaranda Festival, featuring parades, live music, and all things purple. More
When: October 25 – November 3, 2024
Stay at BIG4 Big River

Bathurst 1000 (Mount Panorama): If you're a motorsport fan, head to Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 1000 in late October. It's one of Australia's premier motorsport events, and the excitement and roar of the Supercars is infectious. More
When: October 10 – 13, 2024

Stay at NRMA Bathurst Panorama

Eden Whale Festival (Eden): This South Coast town is regarded as one of Australia’s best whale-watching destinations. It stems from myriad opportunities to witness humpbacks breaching, often at close range, typically from mid-September until mid-November. There are several recognised land-based vantage points, or join a whale-watching tour where sighting success rates are near 100% in-season. More
When: October, 2024

Stay at Ingenia Eden Beachfront

Floriade (Canberra): While not technically in New South Wales, Floriade in Canberra is a must-visit during spring. Witness millions of flowers blooming in a spectacular riot of colours. It's a garden enthusiast's dream come true! More
When: September 14 – October 13, 2024
Stay at Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park or Crestview Tourist Park

Victoria

Blooms, bands and brews

Tesselaar Tulip Festival (Silvan): Lose yourself in a sea of colour at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. With stunning floral displays and delicious food stalls, it's a paradise for flower enthusiasts and foodies alike. More
When: September 13 – October 13, 2024
Stay at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane

Spring Racing Carnival (Melbourne): Put on your fanciest hat or fascinator and head to Melbourne for the Spring Racing Carnival, culminating in the prestigious Melbourne Cup in November. It's not just a  race; it's a fashion extravaganza! More
When: September – November, 2024
Stay at BIG4 Melbourne

CherryHill Orchards’ Blossom Festival (Wandin East): Each Spring, guests are invited to witness the stunning cherry blossom flowers in bloom at their Wandin East orchard. Hurry, this fleeting sight occurs for just two weeks each year. More
When: Likely to be from late Sept - early October, 2024 (Exact dates TBC)
Stay at BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park

Grapevine (Coldstream): A one-day music festival featuring the best of the Australian contemporary music scene and headlined by Liverpool’s The Wombats. You’ll be surrounded by the vines of Rochford Wines while sipping on their much-famed wares. More
When: Likely to be early October, 2024 (exact dates TBC)
Stay at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane

Queensland

Sun, sand, stages and spring

Carnival of Flowers (Toowoomba): Toowoomba becomes a floral wonderland during the Carnival of Flowers in September. The Grand Central Floral Parade is a highlight, but the entire city blooms with vibrant colours. More
When: September 13 – October 7, 2024
Stay at BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City

Groundwater Country Music Festival (Gold Coast): The Gold Coast gets a country makeover with Groundwater's three-day free country music festival. With an impressive lineup, outdoor stages, and a relaxed vibe, it's an event that'll have you hooked, even if you're not accustomed to wearing cowboy boots in the sand. More
When: October 18 – 20, 2024
Stay at BIG4 Gold Coast

2024 Australian PGA Championship (Brisbane area): Golf fans get excited! November is the time to head to the sunshine state to witness a stellar field of Australian and International players all competing for the Joe Kirkwood Cup and $2 million in prizemoney; the richest prize on the PGA Tour of Australasia. More
When: November 21 – 24, 2024
Stay at BIG4 Sandstone Point

South Australia

From blooms to the Barossa

Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Wine Festival: South Australia's top regional wine event, offering 70+ unique food and wine experiences to celebrate the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon. Located amongst the vines of the region. More
When: October 1 – 20, 2024
Stay at BIG4 Naracoorte

Handpicked Festival (Fleurieu Peninsula): Nestled amid vineyards and gum trees, rediscover yourself through barefoot dancing, lawn picnics, exceptional wine, world-class music, relaxed atmospheres, and delightful surprises. While the lineup hasn't been announced for 2024, last year included the likes of Ball Park Music, Lime Cordiale, The Temper Trap, Ziggy Alberts and The Waifs. More
When: November 9, 2024
Stay at BIG4 Mount Compass

OzAsia Festival (Adelaide): OzAsia Festival is an annual two-week arts festival in South Australia, hosted by the Adelaide Festival Centre in late October to early November. It showcases diverse Asian cultural performances in theatre, dance, music, film, and visual arts, alongside outdoor activities and food stalls. More
When: October 24 – November 10, 2024
Stay at BIG4 West Beach Parks

Western Australia

Wandering and wildflowers

Perth Hills Spring Festival: Offering up spectacular scenery, boutique shopping, sumptuous wines and tempting cafes, Kalamanda is abuzz with a host of events during the weekends of October and November. More
When: October – November, 2024 (Exact dates TBC)

Twilight Food Market (Perth): The city’s biggest street food market showcases the city’s diverse offering of cuisines. Find affordable food from right around the globe every Friday night from October until March. More
When: November 1 2024 – March 31 2025

Evernow (Perth): Back for its second year; EverNow festival is a homegrown event held on Wadjuk country in Perth (Boorloo) during the Noongar season of Kambarang. It’s inspired by the stunning land of one of the longest living cultures on the planet; our First Nations people. You’ll experience a rich dreamscape of installations, storytelling, music and dance. More
When: October 3 – 7, 2024
For the above, consider a stay at BIG4 Perth Midland or Perth Central Caravan Park.

Tasmania

Wines, weekends and Wynyard

Bloomin' Tulips Festival (Wynyard): Celebrate spring with a burst of tulips in Wynyard. The Bloomin' Tulips Festival in October is a charming floral festival with markets and live music. More
When: October 12, 2024
Stay at: BIG4 Ulverstone

Salamanca Market (Hobart): While held year-round every Saturday, the improving weather is a great time to head to the Salamanca Market, a Tassie institution. Featuring 300+ stallholders. It's the ultimate spot for Tasmanian-designed, handmade products, and a hub of creativity. Meet local artisans, designers, collectors and producers, discovering their unique stories that make the market so special. More
When: Every Sunday
Stay at: BIG4 Hobart Airport

Effervescence Tasmania Sparkling Wine Festival (Relbia): A sparkling wine festival? What could be better! The festival serves as a celebration of the world-class sparkling wines emanating from the island state of Tasmania and is renowned as one of the best sparkling wine festivals in the world. More
When: November 8 – 10, 2024
Stay at: BIG4 Launceston

Northern Territory

Nature's wonderland

Desert Festival (Alice Springs): Experience an exciting lineup of local and national artists during 11 delightful days, spanning a diverse range of captivating and intellectually stimulating events. More
When: September 27 – 29, 2024
Stay at: G'day Mate Tourist Park

Kakadu National Park: Obviously this one is there all year-round, but springtime is a wonderful season to head to Kakadu. The weather isn’t quite as hot as it gets in Summer, making it the perfect time to visit. Catch a sunset, witness the waterfalls at their peak and discover ancient Indigenous rock art. More
Stay at: BIG4 Hidden Valley or Mary River Wilderness Retreat

Australia in spring is undoubtedly spectacular. From vibrant floral displays and food and wine events through to cultural festivals set in breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these springtime destinations across the country have something special to offer. So, hitch your caravan to the car, book your BIG4 accommodation and embark on a memorable spring journey through the diverse beauty of Australia. Don't forget your camera, as spring is a season that likes to show off!

Isn’t it time you had a spring break? Book your BIG4 escape now. It starts here.