Australia is blessed with national parks and gardens that come to life each spring.
As we farewell the winter chill and welcome the warm days and pleasant weather, flower festivals are another way Australians embrace the season, and are a mecca for nature lovers, photographers, and hopeful romantics. From day trips to road trips, weekend getaways to family holidays, you're bound to enjoy outdoor exploration in the most colourful season of the year.
Pack the picnic rug, charge the camera, and enjoy this state-by-state list of the best places to visit in spring in Australia.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The Wildflower Way runs through nine local government areas north of Perth towards Geraldton. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Experience the raw beauty of Western Australia’s Wildflower Country and immerse yourself in carpets of incredible native wildflowers. Choose from a number of self-drive routes that take you to the heart of one of WA’s best-kept secrets.
Wildflower Way is the most eastern route and runs 300km from Dalwallinu in the south and passes through the local councils of Perenjori, Morawa, and Mullewa.
Coalseam Conservation Park is approximately 100km east of the town of Geraldton and is world famous for its explosions of colour that include Everlastings, Banksias, Hakeas, and Grevileas.
Where to Stay: Belair Gardens Caravan Park
Kings Park Festival is an annual celebration of the season held throughout September inside Perth’s Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. Don’t miss the chance to visit Kings Park, take part in dozens of free events, and be inspired by spring in full bloom.
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks – Perth Airport, Banksia Tourist Park
TASMANIA
Table Cape Tulip Farm in Tasmania's Northwest is a popular spring destination. Credit: Lauren Bath
Even though Tasmania is known as a wild frontier, the memory of row upon row of tulips that grow in fields close to the edge of a volcanic plateau won’t fade quickly.
At the annual Wynyard Tulip Festival, which is held near in Wynyard on Tasmania’s northwest coast each October, that's exactly what you can expect to see. Although it culminates on one Saturday, this doesn't mean you can't go there on any given day and enjoy the hospitality. The Tulip Festival Foreshore Market is an integral part of the festivities, and is open on the first and third Sunday of every month!
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks - Devonport
The Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens in Hobart. Credit: Tourism Tasmania
Explore the grounds of the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens, located on the Queens Domain adjacent to Government House. Home to significant plantations and trees that date back centuries, there are also several conservation collections to observe.
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks - Hobart, Discovery Parks - Mornington Hobart
VICTORIA
There are hundreds of species of wildflowers in Victoria's Grampians National Park. Credit: Visit Victoria
Pack your hiking boots! See the famous, ancient landscape of the Grampians transform with colour as pink and white Thryptomeme covers the ground like snow. Home to a third of Victoria’s more than 1,000 native species of wildflower, the Grampians turn on the colour during spring, so prepare to be dazzled while you enjoy outdoor activities.
Where to Stay: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, Lake Fyans Holiday Park
Mount Buffalo National Park is worthy of a visit all-year round. Credit: Visit Victoria
As if you needed more reason to visit Victoria's High Country, Mount Buffalo National Park is famous for its amazing views and spectacular wildflowers along the Bogong High Plains Road.
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks – Bright, Porepunkah Pines Holiday Park
Inspired by Japan’s cherry blossom season, Cherry Hill Orchards have made the Blossom Festival an annual event not to be missed in spring season.
Enjoy breathtaking views of this gorgeous property, browse craft stalls, or participate in fun workshops.
Where to Stay: Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Clare Valley's Canola Fields are a striking scene in spring. Credit: Lachlan Swan
When spring rolls around in the Clare Valley, be prepared to walk in fields of gold, literally. Slightly more laid-back than its neighbour, the Barossa Valley, you can still combine stunning spring walks with wine tasting in South Australia's world-famous cellar doors.
Polo in the Vines is another reason to visit during the season, part of the largest polo series in the world.
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks - Clare
Adelaide's botanic garden is a treat for the whole family in the middle of the city. Credit: Megan Crabb
Visit the Adelaide Botanic Gardens! In the middle of Adelaide’s CBD, this oasis of nature switches on the colour kaleidoscope during spring. The Wisteria Arbour is particularly beautiful while the jasmine arch opposite Palm House will transport you to another world.
Where to Stay: Levi Adelaide Holiday Park, Brownhill Creek Tourist Park, Discovery Parks - Adelaide Beachfront
QUEENSLAND
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a month-long series of events held in September each year. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Bursting with colour, each September the Southern Queensland city of Toowoomba comes to life with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
Normally featuring a world-class program of musical acts, food and wine events, and unique experiences around the city's award-winning parks and gardens, it's a brilliant way to mark the change of season.
Where to Stay: Crows Nest Tourist Park
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Canberra is a beautiful spring destination and plays host to Australia’s biggest celebration of the season at Floriade Festival, held between September and October every year. It's prime time to visit the nation's capital.
Truly an event that engages the whole Canberra community, Floriade transforms the city during September and October and plays host to a series of events throughout the year.
Where to Stay: Capital Country Holiday Park
NEW SOUTH WALES
Early October is Jacaranda season in Grafton. Credit: Destination NSW
Although brief, jacaranda season in Grafton comes into full bloom in early- to mid-October, when this northern New South Wales town starts to resemble something of a purple dream.
With street after street lined with decades old jacarandas, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival is a celebration of all things purple. Get into the spirit and enjoy some country hospitality.
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks - Emerald Beach
Take in the spectacular patchwork of green and gold fields in the regional town of Cowra, half a day’s travel west of Sydney.
Explore the region’s fascinating history, organic wine tastings and boutique shopping.
Where to Stay: Jenolan Holiday Park, Apex Riverside Tourist Park, Young Tourist Park
NORTHERN TERRITORY
George Brown Darwin Botanical Gardens is just off the Larapinta Trail. Credit: NT Tourism
Just off the Larapinta Trail, all the colours of spring will be in full bloom at George Brown Darwin Botanic Garden, flowering across the awe-inspiring desert landscape.
With nearly 800 species of native bush flora, expect flourishes of yellow, purple, and blue to provide a contrast to the ochre-red tints of the desert.
Where to Stay: Wintersun Cabin & Caravan Park, Discovery Resorts - Glen Helen
