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It's also the end of the school holidays (yay? boo?), so if you haven't yet given the kids a treat, you can find yourself a last-minute break before the new term commences.
Where will you go?
1. Best for events: Perth, WA
Perth blossoms over spring and when the kids have returned to school, you can get busy soaking up that sun and those beautiful wildflowers. Before you get stuck into its exceptional wines, that is.
- October weather: 13–22℃, spring
- Top October events: NAB AFL Women's Competition, Dettol T20 International – Australia v England, ST. ALi Italian Film Festival, Nanga Music Festival, Oktoberfest in the Gardens, Elmar's in the Valley Oktoberfest, Boardwalk Beer Festival, The York Festival, Entwined in the Valley and WA Beer & Beef Festival.
2. Best for hiking: Freycinet, Tasmania
Located a couple of hours' drive away from Hobart, Freycinet National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in spring. Enjoy clear skies as you hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for some true Instagram-worthy photos.
Once you've finished your trip, head back to Hobart to wine and dine on Tasmania's fresh produce at the Royal Hobart Show.
- October weather: 8–17℃, spring
- Top October events: Royal Hobart Show, Tasmania Writers Festival, Halloween at The Foreshore, Brixhibition Hobart and Bloomin' Tulip Festival.
3. Best for country town visit: Grafton, NSW
Just 3.5 hours' drive from Brisbane, Grafton is a historic country town featuring classic Australian pubs and farmers' markets. Each year, the town hosts the Jacaranda festival to honour the trees which blanket Grafton in a sea of purple flowers.
- October weather: 14–22℃, spring
- Top October events: The Clarence 100 and Grafton Jacaranda Festival.
4. Best for adventure: Townsville, QLD
Townsville is viewed as the gateway to tropical north Queensland where colourful reefs, verdant rainforests and blissful beaches roll into view. From Townsville, it's a short trip to Magnetic Island which awaits with hikes and history. Otherwise, jump into your car and drive north to tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list.
- October weather: 21–28℃, dry season
- Top October events: Towers Rush, Dinner under the Stars, Paluma Village Trail Run and Oktoberfest at the Brewery.
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5. Best surprise destination: Broome, WA
Broome has become one very popular destination to visit lately. And why not? It has beaches, craggy coastlines, dinosaur footprints and camel rides. Celebrate Indigenous art and culture with the Yawuru people of Rubibi (Broome).
Get in this October before the weather gets too hot.
- October weather: 23–33℃, dry season
- Top October events: Staircase to the Moon and Oktoberfest Fitzroy Crossing.
6. Best for activities: Sydney
There's always something going on in Australia's biggest city. During October there are art exhibitions and food festivals aplenty to attend either in person or (this year in particular) virtually.
- October weather: 22℃, spring
- Top October events: Spot On Children's Festival, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Taste of Talisker, Emerge Festival, whale watching, Good Food Month, spring racing, Sydney Night Noodle Markets and Oktoberfest in the Gardens.
7. Best for beaches: Byron Bay
If rest and relaxation are on the cards Byron Bay has it in spades. This sleepy coastal town is so laidback it's practically horizontal. Spend your time here getting golden on the beaches, hitting the surf or reading a book with a cup of coffee at a beachside cafe.
- October weather: 24℃, spring
- Top October events: Byron Bay International Film Festival.
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The best of the rest:
Best places to visit in Europe in October
- Greece. The summer crowds have gone back home but the sun's still out. For some beach time, head to the island of Kos where daily highs can sit around 26ºC in October.
- Prague, Czech Republic. October is an ideal time to visit. Not only have the crowds thinned out, but you're also in for a month full of festivals, including the SIGNAL Light Festival and Designblok, the largest design and fashion show in Central Europe.
- Germany. Spring is showing its true colours and the month is full of festivities. Catch the tail end of Oktoberfest at the start of the month or head to Ludwigsburg for something quirky and traditional – the largest pumpkin festival in the world.
Best places to visit in the US in October
- Hawaii. Weather-wise, October sees consistently sunny days and a little rain. The swell is just starting to pick up for the surfers and the water is usually around 26.5ºC, which is great for a swim.
- Manchester, Vermont. Famous for the brilliant fall foliage that peaks in October, Manchester is a top spot to see the colourful show.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico. Picture the sight of over 500 hot air balloons of all different shapes and sizes taking off at dawn. The International Balloon Fiesta (pictured) is on at the most beautiful time of the year in New Mexico, so get your cameras ready.
Best places to visit in Asia in October
- Taiwan. The month of October is that sweet spot when the south-west typhoons have been and gone and the typhoons from the north-east have yet to arrive, so there's a low chance of rain and lots of sun to look forward to.
- South Korea (pictured). This month you'll find near-perfect weather, the beautiful changing of the leaves and a whole slew of events including the Busan International Film Festival and the Jinju Lantern Festival.
- Hong Kong. The rain is mostly gone, so you'll get to sightsee with clear skies and days that are not too hot. National Day is celebrated on 1 October and is culminated with a massive fireworks show.
Best places to visit in Thailand in October
- Chiang Mai (pictured). If you want to avoid the rain that is likely hitting most of the country, Chiang Mai is a safer bet. You'll find much less rain here, cooler temperatures and fewer crowds as the peak season is yet to begin.
- Bangkok. While it's still in the rainy season, it does start to retreat by mid-month. It's worth a shower or two, though, to take part in the many festivals including Awk Phansa and the Kin Jay Vegetarian Festival.
- Mae Hong Son. You can expect much less rain than in the previous months as well as moderate temperatures, making sightseeing a lot more pleasant than in the south. The Chong Para Festival is also on this month.
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Best places to visit in Japan in October
- Kyoto. In October, you'll find some of the best weather of the year and a calendar full of events such as the Kurama Fire Festival and the popular Jidai Festival.
- Hokkaido. If you're travelling around Japan in October, this is one of the few places to see some dramatic spring foliage. Another highlight is the Hokkaido Food Festival, which is a celebration of regional flavours.
- Nagasaki. Undoubtedly the most famous festival in the city, the Nagasaki Kunchi (pictured) is hundreds of years old. Arenas and streets are filled with dances and shows designed to showcase the unique culture of the city's various districts.
Best places to visit in the UK in October
- Nottingham. The UK has some unique customs and traditions and Nottingham in October gives you a huge serving of that quirky taste with its variety of festivals. Check out the Goose Fair, Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival and the Hockley Hustle.
- The Cotswolds (pictured). Get ready for lunches in charming pubs with a fireplace roaring and bracing walks among the stunning fall foliage. In October, you also avoid the crowds of the peak summer period and still get to enjoy pleasant weather.
- Edinburgh. The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is all about traditional entertainment and attracts bards from Scotland and around the world.
Best places to visit in Italy in October
- Rome (pictured – Vatican). After a scorching summer packed with tourists, Rome finally starts to cool down. For a taste of the traditional, schedule in the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi and for a more avant-garde experience, check out the Romaeuropa Festival on all month.
- Perugia. If you're a chocolate fan, the Eurochocolate Festival is one not to be missed with chocolate tasting and workshops from makers around the world.
- Alba. Love it or hate it, there are few things more decadent than the white truffle. The International Alba White Truffle Fair is definitely one for the foodies.
Top October events
- Labour Day. NSW, ACT and South Australia celebrate Labour Day in October with a public holiday. While not an event, it is a day off and often welcomes local events within city centres.
- Spring school holidays. The school holidays may run from late September to mid-October depending on which state you're in.
- Oktoberfest. Even though Oktoberfest starts in September, it runs through the first half of October. You don't even have to be in Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest as numerous destinations around the world host their own parties.
- Halloween. 31 October is Halloween and is a day of tricks, treats and parties.
- Good Food Month. Specifically a Sydney event, Good Food Month is an annual gastronomic celebration that overtakes the city throughout October.
The best time to travel in October
Outside of the school holidays, October is relatively quiet for travellers, making it low season and a great time to travel.
The best time to travel is mid-end October as kids are back in school and, if you're planning to travel around Australia, the weather will be warming up.
October is also a quiet month for international travel as again, it's outside of the major school holiday period. Being that period between the summer break for the Northern Hemisphere and Christmas, people tend not to take leave during this month, preferring to save it for the Christmas holidays.
Latest October travel deals
Up to 25% off Europe trips
Get up to 25% off select Europe tours with Contiki. Destinations include France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Iceland, and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 48% off on select Aussie accommodations
Book your accommodations at Wotif and get up to 48% discount on select bookings. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Up to 30% off top-selling tours and activities
Book the best tours and activities and get huge discounts that will end soon. Travel destinations include Port Douglas, Cairns, Perth, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Free access to select camp grounds in Australia
Available on select travel dates on handpicked campsites around Australia when you book with Travellers Autobarn.
$50 off your first campervan experience
Available when you book a JUCY car or campervan rental on your preferred dates at all JUCY locations across Australia. T&Cs apply.
NSW caravan park stays from $85
Available on select dates on destinations including Dunbogan, Tamworth, Tweed Heads, Woollama, Port Macquarie and more. Sample rate is for a stay at Eden Holiday Getaway Park.
Sydney: Up to 15% off stays using members only rate booking
Available on select stay dates in 2024 in Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney. Additional 15% off for Radisson Rewards Members. T&Cs apply.
Additional 10% off when booking through app
Discounts are available at Radisson Blu Sydney hotel when booking through our Radisson Hotels app. T&Cs apply.
Get 10% off stays worldwide
Available on select stay dates when booking through the Agoda app. Destinations include Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, New Zealand and more. First-time users only. T&Cs apply.
Up to 5% off hotels
Available on select travel dates and select properties across Australia. T&Cs apply.
Up to $120 off hotel stays
Available on select travel dates and select properties across Australia when you spend a minimum of $168. T&Cs apply.
Up to USD$25 off business class flight fees
Available on select travel dates to USA and more. T&Cs apply.
Get USD$15 off service fees on weekend getaways
Available on select travel dates to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to USD$20 off flight fees on senior getaways
Available on select dates when you use the code. Destinations include USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Paris and more. T&Cs apply
Up to USD$15 off flight fees on family getways
Available on select dates when you use the code. Destinations include USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Paris and more. T&Cs apply
7-day car rentals from $350
Available on select dates at select KINTO locations around Australia including Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney, Hobart, Darwin and more. Distance fees apply.
Melbourne cooking classes from $69
Available on select dates on classes for Italian cuisine, Japanese cuisine, baking, cocktail mixing and more.
Up to 5% off Accor stays for ALL members
Sign up and become an ALL Accor Live Limitless member and receive a year-round discount of 5% on participating Accor hotels like ibis, Mercure, Novotel and more in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia. T&Cs apply.
Up to 5% off Pacific region stays for ALL members
Become an ALL Accor Live Limitless member and receive a year-round discount of 5% on participating Accor hotels in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia. Valid for Australia and New Zealand residents only. T&Cs apply.
New Zealand: 7% off McRent daily rental rate
Ends
Available for rental until 31 December 2024 at all New Zealand pick-up and drop-off locations. Must be booked 180 days prior to the travel date. T&Cs apply.
New Zealand: 3% off Pacific Horizon rentals
Ends
Available for rental until 31 March 2026 at all New Zealand pick-up and drop-off locations. Must be booked 120 days prior to the travel date. T&Cs apply.
Up to 25% off Cyber Sale USA and Canada tours
Available on select dates to destinations including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Alaska, Vancouver, Toronto and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 20% off select New Zealand adventures
Available on select travel dates until 2025. Destinations include Queenstown, Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 18% off select Latin America adventures
Available on select dates to destinations including Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 20% off select Africa tours
Experience the best of South Africa for 14 days and save up to 20% off your trips with Contiki. Available on select dates to destinations including Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 34% off things to do in Australia
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
Up to 5% off passes
Sign up for The London Pass's e-newsletter to receive a 5% discount on your next Go City purchase.
Up to 5% off passes
Sign up for The New York Pass's e-newsletter to receive a 5% discount on your next Go City purchase.
Up to 5% off passes
Sign up for Go City's e-newsletter to receive a 5% discount on your next Go City purchase.
Canberra tours from $1,215
Available on select travel dates from April 2023 – March 2024. Sample rate is for a 3-day tour Sydney-Canberra tour.
5% off select activities with code FDEXOZ300
Available on activities like hot air balloon flights, skydiving, lunch cruises, passes to attractions including Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madam Tussauds and more. Minimum spend of $300 is required. T&Cs apply.
Up to 10% off pet-friendly vehicle rentals
Ends
Available for travel until 1 October 2025 with Let's Go Motorhomes in all locations across Australia. T&Cs apply.
Save 10% off 2+ nights mystery getaway packages with code
Available on select travel dates to destinations including Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Melbourne. Includes return flights.
Queenstown experience from $14.06
Available on activities such as wine tours, sightseeing tours, pub crawls, bike rentals, go karts and more.
Philippines Holidays from $896
Enjoy savings when you book a hotel + flight or car together at Expedia. Destinations include Manila, Cebu, and Boracay. T&Cs apply.
Up to 18% off Darwin escapes
Available on select properties on select dates in 2024 when you book for 2+ nights. T&Cs apply.
Up to 41% off domestic stays + free cancellations
Available until December 2024. Destinations include Broome, Mackay, Launceston, Darwin, Perth, Cairns, Sydney and Gold Coast. T&Cs apply.
Busselton holiday rentals from $190 per night
Available on stays until December 2024. Sample stay is for a 3-bedroom Driftwood Cottage.
Get $50 off your next trip
Subscribe to Contiki's newsletter and receive a discount code for your next trip. T&Cs apply.
Up to 10% off Australia car hires for members
Available on 3 days' rental when you sign up with their loyalty program. T&Cs apply.
Up to 65% off Canberra tours and sightseeing activities
Available on select travel dates until 2023.
Up to 10% off Newcastle activities
Available on select dates when you purchase 2 or more vouchers. Activities include skydives, helicopter flights, sightseeing cruises, kayak tours and more. T&Cs apply.
Things to do in Hunter Valley from $15
Available on select dates and activities such as hop-on-hop-off winery tour, scenic flight experience and hot air balloon flight. T&Cs apply.
Kid-friendly workshops in Sydney from $35
Available on select dates in 2023 with workshops on cooking, glass blowing, painting and more.
Up to $50 off your first cruise
Sign up for Uniworld's newsletter and get a discount on your first cruise with them.
Up to 30% off Europe stays
Available on select stay dates at participating Best Western Hotels & Resorts when you book 21 days in advance. T&Cs apply.
Get 15% off international stays
Must be aged 55+ and proof to be presented at check-in. Available on select hotels in Australia, Athens, New Orleans, Las Vegas and more. T&Cs apply
Free nights with Best Western Rewards points
Earn points and redeem a free night on worldwide stays. Destinations include Canada, USA and more. T&Cs apply.
Flights to Malaysia from $256 return
Available on select travel dates until March 2023. Sample fare departs from Perth with Scoot.
Up to 10% off Service Personnel Discount
Available on select stay dates in 2023. Deal valid in Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. T&Cs apply.
Up to 10% off group bookings
Available on select stay dates in 2023 in Beaches Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. Must book 10 rooms or more to avail of the promo. T&Cs apply.
Up to 71% off international holiday cruises
Available on select cruise dates. Destinations include Alaska, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia and more aboard popular cruise liners such as Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and more.
London car rentals from US$86 per day
Available for car hire on select dates. Sample fare is on a mini Toyota Aygo to London Heathrow Airport. T&Cs apply.
Up to 10% off early bird rentals
Ends
Available from and to all locations on Let's Go Motorhomes rentals booked 90 days in advance. Minimum 7-day hire. Offer applicable for new bookings only. T&Cs apply.
Asia things to do from $2.38
Available on select dates. Destinations include Singapore, Japan, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and more.
Cocktail-making classes from $49
Available on select dates in 2024 in locations across Australia such as Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
15% off hotel stays in Australia and New Zealand
Plus 10% off if you sign up for Oaks DISCOVERY loyalty program on select dates for a stay duration of 7 nights or more. Destinations include Broome, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Queenstown and more.
Up to 5% off repeat traveller
Available on select departures in from 2022–2023 for all past guests. Destinations include Japan, Croatia, Brazil, Morocco and more.
Up to 16% off Philippines stays
Booking period is valid from 1st September 2024 to 15th December 2024 with a check-in date on or before 31st March 2025. Destinations include Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan and more.
Perth car hires from $62
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Europcar, Thrifty, Budget and more. Destinations include Fremantle, Busselton and more.
Auckland car hires from $71
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and more.
Sydney car hires from $50
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz, Avis, Budget and more.
Adelaide car hires from $45
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz and more.
Cairns car hires from $62
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar and more. Destinations close from Cairns include Palm Island, Mareeba and more.
Gold Coast car hires from $51
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar and more. Destinations include Brisbane, Toowoomba, Lamington National Park and more.
Brisbane car hires from $48
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar and more.
Melbourne car hires from $50
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Budget, DriveNow and more.
Get 5% off Victoria whale watching cruises
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $250.
Up to $59 off Gold Coast theme park passes
Available for travel on select dates. Other attractions include Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild. T&Cs apply.
Buy 2 or more and get 10% off with code
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Get 5% off activities with code
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
10% off activities with code FD300
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Brisbane stays from $32/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample accommodation is at Gonow Family Backpackers Hostel.
Up to 10% off Sydney getaways
Available on select stay dates until December 2023. Destinations include Woolloomooloo and Coogee.
Up to 26% off Gold Coast hotels
Available on stays until December 2024. Destinations include Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 10% off Melbourne stays
Available on select stay dates until December 2024, including Christmas and New Year's Eve. Destinations include Northern Suburbs, Southbank and more.
Up to 15% off Sydney getaways
Available on select travel dates until December 2024. Destinations include Coogee, Bondi Beach, Surry Hills and more.
Byron Bay stays from $64/night
Available on stays until December 2024. Sample accommodation is at Backpackers Inn On The Beach.
Up to 10% off Hobart stays
Available on select dates until December 2024. Sample accommodation is at Vintage Cuddle Guest House.
Up to 26% off Perth stays
Available on select hotels and select dates until December 2024. Sample accommodation is for Pan Pacific Perth.
Up to 15% off hotel getaways
Available on select travel dates on destinations across Australia and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 15% off hotel stays
Available on select travel dates. Destinations include Australia and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 25% off Australia tours
Available on select dates. Destinations include Whitsunday, Uluru, Blue Mountains, Eyre Peninsula, Cairns and more.
Up to 53% off Europe adventures
Available on tours in 2023 – 2024 to Rome, Budapest, Bansko, Santorini, Amsterdam and more.
Up to 79% off things to do in Perth
Available on select dates and activities including diving, sailing, surfing, classes and more.