The best places in Australia to visit in June

June marks the official beginning of winter in Australia, and although in certain southerly locations it can get quite cold, Aussie winters are generally far more mild than many other non-tropical locations throughout the world. On the contrary, as far as travel goes, June is not particularly even that much of an “off season” - due to the size of the country there's still plenty of great places to visit regardless of if you're looking to escape from the frost or enjoy the cool climate.

Looking to kiss the cold goodbye this June? Then make sure Cairns is on your radar. This classic North Queensland spot is favourited for its family-friendly vibes and dry weather it boasts this time of year. Combining the end of stinger season with not-too-hot-not-too-cold temps, June turns it on, serving prime conditions for activities both on and off land.

A main seller for Cairns is the convenient location and bustling attractions scattered around the region. On one hand, you’ve got the most iconic reef a stone throws away, then on the other, you’ve got the famed <a href=" https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/cairns/attractions/kuranda-attractions?part3=kuranda-attractions&part2=attractions"_blank">Kuranda within arm's reach. And if that wasn’t enough, June is the month whale watching season begins in Cairns, meaning you can head out to spot a whale while you’re here too.

For families looking to tick the Great Barrier Reef off their bucket-list, you’re in luck because there are no shortages of tour options, from cruises to flights. You can also head to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for an unforgettable encounter with the resident crocs or nab a family deal and enjoy a day out exploring with the tribe.

Swap the big winter coat for bathers this June with trip to Port Douglas . Just 70km up north from Cairns sits a tropical paradise that is a go-to for many Aussies this time of year. June avoids the dreaded stinger and cyclone season while still lapping up average water temps of 24 degrees Celsius. Add that to the sunny weather, fewer crowds, minimal rainfall and fun activities, and it’s not hard to see why this month is a good time to stay in the small coastal town.

Enough about the conditions, did we mention the attractions? Sitting smack bang in between two World Heritage Listed sites, you can take a day trip to the Daintree National Park or head out and explore the Great Barrier Reef or the spectacular Low Isles. There are also golden sand beaches (that you can safely swim in, unlike most spots up north), and a whole treasure-trove of outdoor activities the whole family will enjoy.

To make the most out of your PD trip, you can’t go wrong with a reef or island cruise. Most include accommodation transport, snacks and all the gear you need to see under the water. Of course, you can also spend your time on land with the Daintree Rainforest right around the corner. If you’ve got a bit of time up your sleeve, try and squeeze in a visit to Cape Tribulation (we promise it’s worth the road trip).

Want to trade the cold for warmth this June but already covered the usual tropical spots up north? That’s where Broome comes in. Falling in the peak (and dry) season, June brings clear skies, and daytime temps that fall between the mid 20s to low 30s Celsius. Long story short? If you’re going to pencil in a trip to this Western Australia gem, this is the month.

Set in the heart of the Kimberley region, Broome tends to fly under the radar with its rugged and relatively isolated environment — but that’s all part of the fun. The gateway to a wide selection of natural wonders that are usually open and readily accessible in June, it’s hard to be bored here. We’re talking unique adventures on Cable Beach, jaw-dropping granite cliffs, untouched deserts and some impressive animal encounters that’ll impress the whole fam.

For those with Broome on their mind, you’ve got options when it comes to activities. Known for its famous supply of oysters, you can spend time learning more with a Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour . Once that’s done, go try a new mode of transportation with camel ride , see the speccy Horizontal Falls or see what other fun things are up for offer in town. All up, we would say 3-4 days here is a good amount of time to give this region the justice it deserves.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better time to visit Kakadu National Park . Offering prime accessibility and comfort with a long list of must-do experiences to boot, visiting in June is a no-brainer. The low humidity levels make for comfy conditions, with temps hitting a max of 30 degrees Celsius. The scenic roads also generally reopen this month, allowing access to the park's renowned sites without the challenges of the rain, and despite it being the dry season, you can still count on the waterfalls to put on a show.

One of the biggest drawcards for this Nothern Territory icon would be the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. Covering an area roughly the size of Slovenia, Kakadu is packed with natural wonders that peak in June. From the grand Jim Jim and Twin Falls to the ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and refreshing swimming spots like Maguk, Kakadu won’t disappoint. Heads up, many of the parks best spots require hiking, so we recommend about a week of exploration to experience it fully.

For an enriching Kakadu experience, take your pick from the range of tours led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who know the must-see locations. Most tours from Darwin include transportation, accommodation transfers, meals, and entry fees, making it a convenient choice. Alternatively, you can drive yourself, but a 4WD vehicle is often necessary for the challenging dirt roads. The drive from Darwin to the park's entrance takes about 3 hours, but additional time is needed to reach the park's interior highlights and do Kakadu National Park properly.

If it's a balmy mid-year break you’re chasing, spend your June in Exmouth . Blessed with turquoise waters and majestic creatures, this slice of paradise is a short two-hour flight from Perth (or a 13-hour drive for those wanting to make a road trip out of it). June will make you double-guess the season, with warm water temps, sunny days and pleasant sea breezes creating the perfect conditions to enjoy the lush scenery.

One of the main reasons to get yourself over to Exmouth is without a doubt the friendly marine life. Not only is June the start of humpback whale season, but it’s also right in the middle of whale shark season, too. With direct access to the world-famous Ningaloo Reef, you can also expect to see less crowds this time of year, making it a great time to stop on by and make new friends. On land, there’s also the Cape Range National Park, which is just as much of a treat for the eyes.

With so much to cover, we recommend at least 5 days here to get the true Exmouth experience. You can’t leave until you’ve swam with the whale sharks or dived in with a humpback whale. It’s something neither you nor the kids will forget! Once you’re done splashing around with the animals, there’s no rush to get out of the water because the pristine beaches are buzzing with water activities all members of the clan will enjoy, like flyboarding, SUP, and kayaking, just to name a few.

All about those tropical vibes, put Great Keppel Island at the top of your list if you’re searching for an island getaway this June. Seeing pleasant climate all year round, this month is no different, with sunny days and lukewarm waters being the norm. Tucked away 18km off the mainland, you’ll need to jump on a ferry from Yeppoon to reach this peaceful part of the world.

This island might boast a laid-back charm, but don’t be fooled by the quiet. With over 3500 acres of untouched land, there’s plenty of nature to keep both kids and adults occupied, providing much-needed relief to budgets. We’re talking over 17 beaches, countless colourful coral gardens, and a hefty number of hiking options in the hinterlands. In June, they see fewer visitors, but most notably they see whales cruising past on their migration journey.

Other than exploring on your own watch, there are a few different activities to choose from. Head out and discover the underwater world with a snorkel or take in the clear waters from a glass bottom boat. Most of the tours include lunch and transfers, which is always handy on an island. You’ll only really need a few days here, so it’s perfect for those strapped for time, dropping by for a long weekend or even just a day trip.