Where in Australia to travel in April

April is a month with typically pleasant temperatures and weather that are still warm, however, they lack the scorching heat or uncomfortable humidity of summer. Yet does the fact it's the holidays mean everywhere is going to be annoyingly busy to visit? And if you're looking for the best places to travel in Australia during April, whether you're a local or visiting abroad, which destinations should you choose to get the most out of your trip? Taking the above factors into account, here's our list of the top 5 destinations to visit in Australia during April:

Average Temperatures: 17C

Just 2.5 hours from Sydney , the landscape looks very different from the bustling city of the CBD. Home to beautiful hikes, crispy fresh air and charming towns, April is a great time to check out the Blue Mountains

For incredible photo opportunities, consider visiting at the start of the month (or even late March) to catch the autumn leaves changing into red. It makes for picturesque walks and picnics, across all the towns. Some local favourites include Leura Mall, Everglades Gardens and Wentworth Falls.

If having the most walking tracks in Australia and beautiful autumn leaves in April are not enough, Blue Mountains is also home to the steepest railway in the world. Right in the heart of the mountains. Scenic World’s Scenic Railway was previously used for mining in the 1850s but now open to the public to soak in the beauty of nature.

Average Temperatures: 18C

For those seeking a cooler travel destination, take a trip south to Tasmania . Channelling a slightly warmer England, April in Tassie offers calm, sunny days and cool, crisp evenings adorned with autumn colour. Sure, this month can still see some rainfall, but don’t stress - the predictable weather allows for planned adjustments.

While Hobart is the go-to base, newcomers find Launceston a better alternative when strapped for time. The second-largest city in Tasmania, this spot radiates old-world charm with a waterfront district adorned with historical architecture, parks, craft galleries, and more. Positioned centrally, Launceston offers easy access to diverse trips within reasonable driving distance, so hiring a car is a handy way to get around (traffic also isn’t too bad down here).

If you head 2 hours north, you’ll find Cradle Mountain‐Lake in St Clair National Park. Named after its cradle-shaped mountain, this photogenic spot is rich with diverse trails, plush alpine scenery and the famed Overland Track hike—so bring your good camera. Alternatively, a 2.5-hour drive east leads to the East Coast with picture-perfect spots like Wineglass Bay, St. Helens, and St. Marys. For indulgence, head to Tamar Valley, known for culture, dining, and wineries.

Average Temperatures: 25C

Queensland's Gold Coast is a year-round destination known for its consistent weather. However, certain times have drawbacks, with winter lacking water sports, summer potentially being uncomfortably hot, and Schoolies disrupting mid-November to early December. Free from these issues, April is one of the best times to drop by this popular getaway.

Less expected rainfall makes it's an ideal time for spending time in the great outdoors. This means more opportunity to take the fam out to enjoy theme parks, beach fun, kayaking, jet skiing, and cruising waterways.

The ideal conditions of the Gold Coast during this time means there’s plenty going on, including key events like the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, SupaNova Cosplay Parade and the Gold Coast Film Festival. As for attractions, theme parks reign supreme for families. For those staying for more than a couple days, we recommend dedicating a weekday here so you can avoid the weekend queues. Keep an eye out for promotions and deals, especially in April and check our theme park deals for multi-park savings.

Hot tip: If you want to save, pre-book tickets to get $10 off gate price.

Average Temperatures: 20C

A major drawcard for South Australia is the Barossa Valley. One of the finest wine-producing regions in all of Australia, there are few places in the country during April that will provide you with a better balance of both sightseeing and food than here. The region's peak Mediterranean-style climate, coupled with the strong culinary culture makes this a quaint destination a must-visit in April.

The strong German and European influence give this region an exotic feel, making it more like an overseas destination within Australia. A heavenly spot for adults, get lost in the array of restaurants and wineries sprinkled throughout the townships. Looking to cover a bit of everything? The bi-annual Vintage Wine Festival is also on this month. Between wine and cheese tastings, carnivals, music, dance, and cultural events, there will be no shortage of wine-themed fun in your calendar.

For getting around and exploring, renting a car or taking a tour are both great options. With a hire car, you're free to move and can go at your own pace, while guided winery tours from Adelaide ensure responsible travel. Regardless of how you explore, Barossa Valley offers renowned Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Looking for more hidden gems? Visit any of the well-known cellar doors or boutique wineries.

Australia's Red Centre is renowned for its scorching summer heat and iconic landmarks like Uluru and the Olgas. Bringing a shift in weather, April gives Northern Territory visitors a different experience with cooler days and clearer skies. The outback town's usual arid landscape sees patches of green, mild weather, and fewer visitors this time of year, making it a good time to plan your trip.

The historic Alice Springs is a great spot for families searching for that authentic Australian outback experience. Allowing you to explore attractions at a leisurely pace, it also acts as the gateway to Ayers Rock. With camel rides, unique wildlife parks, treks, and more alongside the bucket-list Uluru, there’s plenty to do. For keen stargazers, the clearer conditions of April will also increase your chances of seeing the magical sky this region is known for.

For an alternative, head further up north to Kakadu National Park . The lower humidity, better accessibility, and active waterfalls before the dry season makes April a prime time to visit. Full of diverse ecosystems—sandstone escarpments, lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife—Kakadu is a true natural showcase. Accessible from Darwin via day tour, it's best explored over several days to truly appreciate its World Heritage-listed wonders.

Hot Tip: Traveling to Uluru in April? Grab a cheap fly-net for your hat to combat pesky flies, a common gripe during this time.

Despite its summer reputation, experts favour April for visiting the iconic Great Barrier Reef , Australia's natural wonder. The mild to warm weather, fewer rain showers, and clear skies provides consistency in Tropical North QLD's unpredictable conditions. This predictability aids planning water activities like snorkelling and diving.

For April visits, accessible sites like Knuckle and Hardy Reefs shine for aquatic exploration. Here you’ll encounter diverse fish and corals and find facilities such as pontoons and platforms that will enhance the experience. Note that stinger protection is still wise during this month, and operators provide wetsuits for safety.

Lastly, while April avoids the true peak season of the Great Barrier Reef in general, if you're planning to stay at one of the areas near the reef during this period, like Cairns, Port Douglas/a>, the Whitsundays/a> or Airlie Beach/a>, you'll still want to book your accommodation up to 6 months in advance, as accommodation rates tend to jump during the school holiday periods. There are numerous tour and holiday packages for the Great Barrier Reef available among the many different tour operators that service the reef.