Planning your 2026 adventures and wondering when to go where? You’re not alone. Choosing the best time of year to visit Australia (and New Zealand) can feel like a bit of a puzzle, given the changing seasons, major events, and different climates across the states. The good news is that every month brings something incredible, and with the right timing, you can make the absolute most of each destination.
Whether you're chasing warm beaches, cultural festivals, wine country escapes or snowy mountain views, here’s your month-by-month guide to the best time to travel around Australia, plus New Zealand’s must-visit highlights. And because the perfect stay matters just as much as the perfect itinerary, each month includes a recommended Oaks property to make your trip feel effortless from check-in to check-out.
Best Place to Travel in January: Sydney
Why visit: Sydney shines brightest in summer. Think beach days at Bondi and Manly, sunset sails on the harbour and balmy nights in lively neighbourhoods. January also brings major events like Sydney Festival, outdoor cinemas and buzzing night markets. It’s peak holiday energy, in all the right ways.
Where to stay: Stay close to the action at Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites or choose to stay at Oaks Sydney North Ryde Suites. Both put you in easy reach of beaches, bars and New Year adventures.
Best Place to Travel in February: Melbourne
Why visit: February lands right in Melbourne’s sweet spot, with warm days, golden evenings and festival season in full swing. It’s ideal for exploring laneway cafés, hitting St Kilda Beach or catching the start of events leading into the bustling Moomba Festival.
Where to stay: Melbourne has plenty of options, but for style and convenience, head to
Oaks Melbourne St Kilda Road Hotel or the modern Oaks Melbourne Flemington Suites. Jazz lovers can also stay right above the iconic Bird’s Basement at Avani Melbourne Jazz Corner Residences.
Best Place to Travel in March: Brisbane
Why visit: Warm without being scorching, autumn is one of the best times to travel in Australia, and Brisbane is a standout. River breezes, outdoor dining, night markets and the start of more comfortable hiking weather in nearby national parks make March ideal. You’ll also catch events like the techy Curiocity Brisbane and early-festival-season vibes.
Where to stay: Make the most of your city break at Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites, just steps from the river, Queen Street Mall and Brisbane’s top dining spots. It’s a bright, modern base for exploring the best of the CBD and beyond.
Best Place to Travel in April: Adelaide
Why visit: April brings crisp mornings, sunny afternoons and the prettiest autumn colours across South Australia’s wine regions. It’s harvest season too, making it the perfect time for long lunches, cellar door tastings and scenic drives. Back in the city, Adelaide’s mild weather is ideal for festival-hopping, gallery visits and coastal walks.
Where to stay: Keep things central at Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites or Oaks Adelaide Horizons Suites, both spacious, modern and close to the best of the CBD.
Best Place to Travel in May: Auckland, New Zealand
Why visit: Wondering about the best time to visit New Zealand? May is a dream for travellers who prefer mild weather and fewer crowds. Think misty morning views, cosy cafés, volcanic landscapes and wineries on Waiheke Island. It’s shoulder season perfection.
Where to stay: Base yourself at Oaks Auckland Hotel for modern rooms, harbour views and easy access to ferry terminals, dining precincts and the Sky Tower.
Best Place to Travel in June: Queenstown, New Zealand
Why visit: If you love snow sports, June is the month Queenstown switches from “picturesque” to “pinch-me perfect.” Ski season begins, and the landscape transforms into a snowy alpine playground. Or, keep things cosy with wine tastings, fireplaces and lakeside walks.
Where to stay: Relax after your mountain adventures at Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort or Oaks Queenstown Club Suites, both with sweeping lake views and the warm après-ski atmosphere Queenstown is known for.
Best Place to Travel in July: Cairns & Port Douglas
Why visit: If you’ve been wondering the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef, winter is the answer. Clear water, comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall make July one of the best months to snorkel, dive and explore tropical rainforests. Plus, it’s the best time to visit Cairns for low humidity and sunny days.
Where to stay: Choose Oaks Cairns Hotel on the Esplanade for breezy ocean views, or head north to Oaks Port Douglas Resort for a relaxing, palm-lined getaway.
Best Place to Travel in August: Darwin
Why visit: Dry season in the Top End is unbeatable. Think warm days, cool nights, epic sunsets and markets buzzing along the waterfront. It’s also festival month, as Darwin Festival lights up the city with open-air concerts, art, food and fireworks.
Where to stay: Enjoy resort-style comfort minutes from the action at Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel, complete with sweeping harbour views and central convenience.
Best Place to Travel in September: Hunter Valley
Why visit: Spring brings vineyard breezes, fresh greens across the rolling hills and perfect picnic weather. It’s ideal for wine tasting, hot-air ballooning and long lunches with mountain views.
Wildflowers also start blooming across the region, creating a picturesque backdrop for a romantic getaway.
Where to stay: Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers villa-style stays right in the heart of the Hunter, with a championship golf course and panoramic views over wine country.
Best Place to Travel in October: Crackenback (Snowy Mountains)
Why visit: As the snow melts, the Snowy Mountains burst into bloom. October is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing and kangaroo-spotting by crystal-clear lakes. Crisp mornings and warm afternoons make it one of the most scenic months to visit the region.
Where to stay: Stay moments from alpine trails at Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort, offering spacious, cosy mountain-style accommodation with incredible views.
Best Place to Travel in November: Perth
Why visit: Sunshine, wildflowers and perfect beach weather. November sits just before peak heat, making it an ideal time to explore Perth’s coastline, Rottnest Island, the Swan Valley and Kings Park. Outdoor dining is at its best, too.
Where to stay: Choose Oaks Perth Hotel for a stylish central stay with spacious rooms in a walkable location near the river and shops.
Best Place to Travel in December: Port Stephens
Why visit: If you’re dreaming of a summer holiday with turquoise bays, dolphins, dunes, and beach picnics, December in Port Stephens is pure magic. It’s warm, bright and breezy, making it perfect for kayaking, snorkelling or simply enjoying long afternoons by the water.
Where to stay: Wake up to sea air at Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites, ideal for beach lovers, families and couples wanting a relaxed coastal Christmas escape.
Ready to Plan Your 2026 Adventures?
From beachy January days in Sydney to snowy June nights in Queenstown, wine country escapes, tropical winters and springtime city breaks, there's no wrong time to explore Australia and New Zealand; it’s all about choosing the right destination for the right month.
Wherever your travels take you, staying with Oaks gives you the comfort, flexibility and locations that make each trip feel effortless. Start mapping out your year. Adventure is calling.
