Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Australia

Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Australia? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.

Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Australia
Sydney, Australia

Most Expensive Time to Visit Australia

The most expensive time to visit Australia is during peak season, when each region enjoys its best weather or hosts major events that draw large crowds—and prices hit their highest.

  • Southern Cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide) – Summer & Holiday Season (Mid-December to Late January)
    Warm weather and school holidays bring domestic travelers and international tourists in large numbers. Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and the Australian Open in Melbourne push hotel prices to their highest of the year.
  • Queensland & Great Barrier Reef – Winter Dry Season (June to August)
    Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make this the prime time for reef tours and beach trips in Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays. Accommodation demand is high, especially in coastal resorts.
  • Western Australia (Perth, Margaret River) – Spring Wildflower Season (September to October)
    Mild weather and colorful landscapes draw visitors from across the country, increasing rates at hotels and wineries.
  • Tasmania – Summer (December to February)
    The warmest and driest months for hiking and exploring wilderness areas like Cradle Mountain.

Cheapest Time to Visit Australia

The cheapest times to visit Australia are when weather is less favorable for the region’s main attractions, keeping tourist numbers low.

  • Southern Cities – Winter (June to August)
    Cooler temperatures and fewer festivals lead to lower hotel rates, though you’ll still find skiing crowds in the Snowy Mountains.
  • Tropical North Queensland – Wet Season (November to March)
    Hot, humid conditions with frequent rainfall and stinger season in the water mean fewer visitors and cheaper rates.
  • Western Australia – Summer Heat (January to February)
    Inland areas can be extremely hot, deterring most travelers and lowering accommodation costs outside coastal hot spots.
  • Tasmania – Winter (June to August)
    Cold weather and shorter days reduce demand, except in ski areas.

Best Time to Visit Australia on a Budget

The best time to visit Australia for good weather without high-season is during it's shoulder seasons.

  • Southern Cities – March to May & September to Early December – Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds between summer and winter peaks.
  • Queensland – April to May & September to October – Lower humidity and good beach weather without the cost of peak dry season.
  • Western Australia – April to May & November – Comfortable weather before or after the hottest months.
  • Tasmania – Late February to March – Still warm enough for outdoor adventures but without the peak summer prices.

Price Summary Table For Australia

Time Period & Region Price Level Why It Matters
Mid-Dec – Late Jan (South) 💲💲💲 Highest Summer holidays, major events
Jun – Aug (Queensland) 💲💲💲 Highest Dry season, reef & beach tourism
Sept – Oct (WA) 💲💲 High Wildflower season
Dec – Feb (Tasmania) 💲💲 High Warmest hiking season
Jun – Aug (South) 💲 Lowest Winter low season in cities
Nov – Mar (Queensland) 💲 Lowest Wet season, stinger season
Jan – Feb (WA) 💲 Lowest Extreme summer heat inland
Jun – Aug (Tasmania) 💲 Lowest Winter low season
Mar – May / Sept – Dec 💲💲 Medium Shoulder months with good weather

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