Best Places to Take an Autumn Road Trip in Australia
While summer may seem the obvious choice of season for an Australian road trip, we at Mighty Campers thought we'd let you into a little secret. Autumn is an even better time for campervan travellers to explore Australia! The trees put on displays of vibrant colours, the temperature is cooler, and the crowds are smaller. It can also cost a lot less! You can snag great deals at campgrounds and attractions during autumn to help make your travel budget go further. Yep, if you’re wondering how to travel Australia cheaply, we reckon that autumn is the perfect time.
In this blog, we share some of the fun things to do in Australia in autumn. From the Northern Territory to Tasmania, we’ve got loads of great ideas to add to your Australian road trip itinerary!
When is autumn in Australia?
The autumn months in Australia are from March to May. This is also known as the ‘shoulder season’ – the season between the peak and off-season. It means that in terms of van travel, it’s less busy and prices are lower.
Why you should visit Australia in autumn
An Australian road trip by campervan is a fantastic experience all year round. However, autumn provides travellers with all the ingredients for a truly memorable experience, including:
Summer is the peak season for van travel in Australia. But during autumn, there are fewer people on the roads and you’re more likely to get preferred spots at campgrounds. You can also enjoy some of the fun things to do in Australia without the crowds.
Incredible colours
Autumn in Australia is an Instagrammers dream with a stunning array of foliage colours across the country. Depending on where you are in Australia, you may be treated to the magical sights of forests and trees looking stunning in shades of deep reds, bright oranges, and gold. And in late autumn, it’s a great time for the kids to play in the crunchy fallen leaves and enjoy the crisp fresh air.
More comfortable climate
Each state in Australia has its own climate. Having said that, wherever you go in Australia, it can be fairly hot year-round, especially in summer. The good news is that autumn should cool things down a bit and make travelling more comfortable. If you’re heading to the Red Centre, you’ll still be able to enjoy warm temperatures from anywhere between 12 – 27°C on average. It’s also worth considering Australia’s wet and dry seasons if you’re visiting the Northern Territory. Here, summer is often wet, and winter dry.
Why a campervan is great for travelling during autumn
From Uluru to Adelaide, you’re never far from a unique and magical landscape in Australia. To make the most of the stunning autumn scenery, book your campervan hire through one of Mighty Campers’ nine nationwide branches and plan an Australian road trip around some of the country’s top spots.
Campervan travel in autumn gives you the freedom and flexibility of van life. Stop when you feel like it, take your time, and enjoy travel at your own pace. Mighty Campers’ Australian motorhomes come in a range of sizes to suit all budgets and travel styles. And with all your travel must-haves onboard, you can enjoy some of the best things to see in Australia in total comfort.
The best places to visit during autumn in Australia
As we’ve mentioned, each state in Australia offers varying climates and experiences during autumn. But wherever your Australian road trip takes you, you can be sure there will be great views, exciting activities, and awesome campgrounds to stay in. Let’s have a look at some of the fun things to do in Australia during autumn:
Victoria
Tell your Insta followers to prepare for an influx of awesome imagery! Victoria in autumn will have you snapping photos at every turn. Here are a few must-see spots to add to your Australian road trip itinerary as you explore this beautiful state:
Check out the stunning colours of the old mining town Walhalla. This tiny but picturesque town becomes simply magical in autumn. For the best views, hike to the lookout along the Tramline Walkway.
Combine the ultimate trifecta of good food, great wine, and incredible scenery! There’s no better way to enjoy the autumnal beauty of the Yarra Valley than with a wine-tasting tour.
You can’t do a Victoria road trip in autumn without planning a visit to Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. There are 38 hectares with over 6000 tree species to explore, so pack a picnic and take your time.
Milawa’s Pedal to Produce tour is a fantastic self-guided cycling tour that takes in the major highlights of the Beechworth and Milawa gourmet regions. Cycle, enjoy the scenery, stop, eat, and repeat! The perfect way to spend an autumn day!
Autumn is the perfect time to discover Tasmania. Enjoy the dry days and relax in the crisp air of the cool evenings. Here are some of the best things to do in Australia’s smallest state:
Explore the diverse beauty, endless adventure, and unique charm of Derwent Valley. From pottery classes and produce markets to bike parks and asylum tours – there’s something for everyone!
Visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. For the best experience, join the 50-minute tour that departs from The Hub at 11 am each day.
Fancy a Tasmanian tipple? There are loads of great wineries in Southern Tasmania to explore. Each offers something just a little different – take your pick!
Combine excellent music, good food, and a great atmosphere at the Out Here in The Field music festival. The festival is set in the foothills of Mt Wellington at the Cascade Brewery.
There’s no better time than autumn to take in a spot of Tasmanian bird watching. And the best way to get involved is the Bruny Island Bird Festival in March. This awesome festival also features birdwatching tours and walks, a market day, an art exhibition and more.
Western Australia
With its mild weather, sunny days, and endless array of things to do and see, Western Australia is paradise in autumn. Here are some of our top picks:
Thanks to its pristine waters and isolated coastlines, WA is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. March to May is the best time to witness the epic northern humpback migration.
For something a little different, get onboard the Pedal, Pizza and Pint Friday night tour. The tour follows the Railway Heritage Trail into John Forrest National Park. Explore the sights before heading back to the Parkerville Tavern for a cold beer or glass of wine and a slice of pizza.
In the mood for a little adventure? See Perth from above with Liberty Balloon Flights or take a hike in the Mandurah region.
Head along to the Hand in Hand - Kidogo Irish Aboriginal Festival. Held in March, this unique festival celebrates the connection between the Irish and Aboriginal people of Australia.
Just 45 minutes east of Perth, you’ll find the Perth Hills. There is plenty to explore here, and the cool climate of autumn is the perfect time to do it!
New South Wales
From fun festivals and fruit picking to spectacular foliage at every turn, New South Wales simply shines over autumn. If this great state features on your Australian road trip itinerary, here are a few must-dos while you’re there:
Nothing says comfort food like a tasty warm apple crumble topped with fresh cream. For the very best apples, pick them yourself at Bilpin Springs Orchard.
Enjoy the great outdoors at its finest with a trip to the Blue Mountains. Spend a few hours, a day, or a whole week! Open in autumn and spring, the heritage-listed Breenhold Gardens is one of Australia’s most extensive privately owned gardens. Autumn is especially magical as the maple trees put on their finest displays of bright red leaves.
Ever fancied a spot of truffle hunting? Autumn is the ideal time, and Kangaroo Valley is the ideal place! Book a Truffle Tour where you can go foraging for truffles and then enjoy them cooked with a three-course lunch and wine tasting.
Queensland
With its abundance of fresh produce, world-class wineries, and beautiful beaches, Queensland is simply awesome in autumn. Here are a few of the best things to do while you’re there:
Head along to the Feast of the Senses festival. Held in March, this fantastic event showcases North Queensland’s delicious, rare, and exotic fruits. You’ll also find an impressive array of meat, seafood, herbs and spices, and wine.
Experience one of Mother Nature’s amazing miracles - turtle hatching season in Bundaberg. From early January until March, thousands of baby Loggerhead turtles make their way to the ocean. To see this natural wonder, it’s best to book a tour – but get in early.
If you enjoy opera, then don’t miss Opera in the Vineyard in Stanthorpe. The event includes a buffet lunch, concert, pre-dinner drinks, and a gala dinner dance.
South Australia
Autumn is when South Australia puts on its finest display of colours. As the weather cools, the trees transform themselves with shades of yellow, orange and red. And there are plenty of great places to make the most of the changing landscape, including:
Pack a picnic and head to Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Autumn is always a great time to visit a botanic garden, and this one is no exception. For the best views of the autumn colours, head to the Noel Lothian Viewing Platform.
Drive your campervan aboard the ferry and head to Kangaroo Island. You’ll find a bucket list of natural wonders here including the Remarkable Rocks, the Enchanted Fig Tree, Emu Bay, and more.
Fancy a fig? Pick your own at Glen Ewin Estate. Once you’ve picked your fill, head to the Figbar to enjoy some of the tasty local food and wine.
Don’t miss the Autumn Garden Festival held in Clare Valley each March. Hear from expert speakers, attend a workshop, check out the market stalls and enjoy the chilled-out autumn vibe.
Northern Territory
Sitting right at the top of Australia, the Northern Territory is known for its hot weather. That’s why autumn is one of the best times to visit. It’s the dry season, with cooler days and mild evenings. Here are a few tips on what to see and do while you’re there:
No road trip to the Northern Territory would be complete without visiting Uluru (Ayers Rock). At 348 metres high, Uluru is the heart of the ‘Red Centre’ and one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks.
Explore Kakadu National Park where you can find ancient Aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000 years.
Visit Darwin’s oldest market, the Rapid Creek Markets. Enjoy the amazing array of tropical produce, shop for souvenirs, and stock up on tasty goodies to fill your campervan cupboards.
Spanning 1500 square kilometres, Litchfield National Park is an ancient landscape shaped by water. There are lots of natural wonders to see including waterfalls, sandstone pillars, and magnetic termite mounds!
From colourful gardens to fun-filled festivals, there’s plenty to see and do over autumn on an Australian road trip! Get your next adventure underway and book your Mighty camper today.
