I am considering making a trip to Oz in 2003. I very flexible on the dates but I am looking for some opinions for Spring vs. Fall. I would prefer slightly warmer temperatures rather than cooler. Any opinions?

Nov thru March

What parts of the country do you want to see?

I was in Sydney last year from Feb to July and I loved every minute of it. However, I did find some days in Feb a little warmer than I am used to here in Boston. But overall, I thought it was a perfect time to go. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

I heven't gotten that far in my planning yet. Mostly the southern portion(Sydney and Melbourne).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by iwantanupgrade:
I heven't gotten that far in my planning yet. Mostly the southern portion(Sydney and Melbourne).</font>

Then go during their summer, Nov-Mar as ranles mentioned. If going to the north end think about going during their winter.

just back from Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane from Christmas to MLK Day.

Weather was great ('tho fires are an issue - depends on where you are when AND are completely undpredictable) in those cities - low 70's to mid 80's, mostly sunny, maybe 3 partly rainy days.

More importantly, it's school vacation period in Oz from mid-December to late January so the whole country is more or less in holiday mode. Beach resorts are more crowded and expensive though "expensive" is a relative term: the prices are the same as in the US except when you get the cc bill, they've been cut in half due to the exchange rate. City hotels are empty and the rates were unbelivable: staying in suites at each property: Westin Sydney with breakfast and drinks came to $115/nt., the Park Hyatt in Melbourne (w/same deal) was $150, Canberra Park Hyatt (same deal) $135, Sheraton Towers Brisbane (same deal) $140/nt. Comparable rooms and or packages in US cities would be at least double, more like 3x those prices for the calibre of accomodation and service.

Local lore is that Melbourne gets muggier towards February, Sydney breezier. Brisbane, our last stop, was hot: high 80's to 90 by mid January but not too muggy. Told it can be.

Great country, though. Go. Enjoy.

..

[This message has been edited by Feebster (edited 02-20-2002).]

My favourite time of year here in Oz, would have to be from October to mid April.

I love Sydney in the summer time, though yes fires can be an issue, but it's not a yearly occurence, thank goodness.

There is not a great difference between temps in spring or fall. In fact in Sydney the average winter temp is around 15 degrees and the average summer temp is around 25 degrees, so it doesn't very wildly anytime of year.

My advice is to work out what you want to see and do first, then do some research on the best times of years to see it and do it. Obviously trekking through the Northern territory would not be good in the summer and bushwalking through Tasmania is not something you want to be doing in winter.


Phoebe