Best Time to Visit the Places We've Mentioned

1. Port Stephens-

Port Stephens is a coastal region you can visit year-round, but the months from May to November line up with the annual humpback whale migration. During this time, thousands of whales travel from Antarctica to the Coral Sea and pass directly along the Port Stephens coast. The water is calmer, the days are cooler, and it’s generally less crowded than the peak summer season.

This is when the town feels most alive without being busy. You can take a whale watching cruise from Nelson Bay, hike up to the Tomaree Head summit, or spend a quiet afternoon at Fingal Bay. Sandboarding at Stockton Dunes and snorkelling at Fly Point are still possible with a light jacket, and you’ll likely have more space to enjoy them. Restaurants and cafes stay open year-round, but bookings are easier during the shoulder seasons.

1. Bathurst

Bathurst is worth visiting any time of year, but autumn (March to May) and winter (June to August) show the town at its most scenic and relaxed. Autumn brings crisp days and trees that turn golden across the parks and main streets. Winter mornings often start with fog and quiet streets, while the cooler air makes walking through town and exploring heritage buildings more comfortable. Although the Bathurst Winter Festival isn’t running in 2025, the town still hosts weekend markets, small exhibitions, and regional events that keep things moving.

This is a good season to explore Bathurst on foot, visit its heritage sites, and enjoy the slower pace of local life. You can drive up to Mount Panorama for views over the Central Tablelands, visit Abercrombie House or the National Motor Racing Museum, and stop for coffee on *Keppel Street*, which has some of the best local cafes. The cooler weather also makes day trips through the countryside feel more enjoyable—open roads, small-town bakeries, and views that are all the better without the summer heat.

1. Grand Pacific Drive

   The best time to drive the Grand Pacific Route is from March to May, when the weather cools from summer yet remains warm, and visitor numbers are lower. Coastal towns like Wollongong and Kiama are less crowded, and you can enjoy the long daylight hours without peak-season traffic. Summer tends to get busier, and winter can bring rain that affects your drive.

   During this period, you can take your time crossing the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, stopping at coastal lookouts and beaches. Places like Bald Hill and Kiama Blowhole are all your own to explore. The towns offer fresh seafood, wineries, and ocean pools that are enjoyable during this mellow season.

2. Snowy Mountains-

   We recommend visiting the Snowy Mountains during June- September

   This season is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cozy fireside dinners in alpine lodges. But there are many things to do outside winter in the Snowy Mountains: rugged hikes up peaks like Mount Kosciuszko, mountain biking on alpine trails, wildflower spotting in Kosciuszko National Park, and trout fishing in crystal-clear streams.

3. Wollondilly-

Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are the ideal times to visit Wollondilly. These shoulder seasons deliver mild weather and vibrant landscapes—wildflowers bloom, autumn leaves turn gold, and rainfall is moderate. Summers can be too hot for relaxing strolls, and winters tend to feel chilly without much foliage to admire.

During those seasons, the area around Wollondilly, Burragorang Valley and the township of Oakdale has scenic bushwalks, lake views, and farm gate experiences. Places like Warragamba Dam are perfect for a picnic or paddle when the days aren’t too cold or hot. Locals recommend exploring vineyards, heritage trails, and seasonal farmers' markets!

1. Waterfall Way drive-

Waterfall Way, the 170 km stretch between Coffs Harbour and Armidale, is most impressive in spring and early summer (September–January). Warmer months mean stronger river flows, lush rainforest growth, and full waterfalls thanks to the spring rains. By contrast, mid-summer storms can cause road closures or muddy tracks.

If you visit during these months, expect to explore at least five national parks, including Dorrigo and Cathedral Rock. Don’t miss Ebor Falls, Wollomombi Gorge, and the ancient Gondwana rainforest at Dorrigo National Park. Side stops at New England National Park’s Point Lookout offer panoramic views, while afternoon light in the rainforest makes for epic photography and relaxed walking trails.

1. Blue Mountains-

The shoulder seasons of June to August bring crisp mornings and mist-draped cliffs in the Blue Mountains. The crowds of summer have soaked back into the city, but temperatures are still mild compared to inland NSW, ranging from 5 °C to 15 °C during the day.

During this cooler season, there’s no better time for scenic walks—try the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Wentworth Falls lookout, or the Grand Canyon track—without battling peak-leisure crowds. Day-trippers and photographers enjoy the mist, frost, and even light snow sporadically. Cozy mountain town cafés, open fireplaces, high teas at Lilianfels or Hydro Majestic, and winter festivals like Yulefest make these months both inviting and atmospheric. If you prefer wildflowers and greenery, spring (September–November) follows closely with vivid blooms in Botanic Garden Mount Tomah and the Leura Gardens Festival.