I am trying to use an free airline ticket and want to go to Australia in September-Sydney,Melborne possibly Kangaroo Island and Cairns? I was wondering if anyone has gone during the month of September and still enjoyed their vacation despite the colder weather? Any tips?Thanks!

September is the beginning of Spring.

It will be warmer in the north, and not at all cold by North American standards in Melbourne or Kangaroo Island.

I guess it depends on your definition of cold. When the Aussies are fussing about being cold, I'm in short sleeves and loving it. (I'm a Colorado girl).

It also depends on the part of the country.

September is spring - it's one of my favorite months in Western Australia.

TAS does get cold and folks in MELB seem to frequently complain about the cold, but one man's cold is another man's comfortable.

We visited South Australia in September one year and we worried more about hiking in the heat than anything. It definitely wasn't cold. Wet, yes, cold no.

You're from the US mid-west, right? Being cold in Australia should be the least of your worries.

This weather chart should help:

http://www.aboutaustralia.com/travel...-in-australia/

If you are from the Midwest, I think September in Sydney and Cairns is likely to be great. I only say this because I am in the Midwest as well and once researched going at that time (didn't look into Melbourne). After a hot sticky July and August in the US Midwest, You are likely to be very happy in those two places in September.

(Disclaimer, I only researched this, I didn't actually go then I have only been in November and December, and never once thought it was too hot)

I've been to Cairns twice in September (school hols in NZ), and temperature both times was around 28 - 32 degrees C. Fantastic weather with the odd damp and windy day. Lots to do especially if you are interested in Nature. Some very pleasant drives around the area too.

Been to Melbourne same month and some days could be quite cold amid the warmth. Visited Melbourne several times as my sister used to live there. Many activities to do, depending on your interests. Admittedly that was over 15 years ago.

Both recent trips to Sydney have been in first week of October and both times weather was fine, temp 18 - 23 degrees C. Heaps to do - still need to return to continue our explorations. Really enjoyed our visits to Sydney.

Enjoy your trip, wherever you choose to go.

Dot

Oh dear-when are the school holidays for Australia and New Zealand? I was trying to avoid the usual one in January but didn't realize that there is one in September? weeks?

NZ school hols are Sept 27-Oct 14, 2013.

OZ school hols are similar, but it varies by state.

http://www.tapeka.com/australianschoolholidays.htm

I've been to Kangaroo Island and Cairns in August and Sydney in July & August and didn't find it too cold. I find the weather in Sydney about on par with southern California. Cairns was warm enough for snorkeling in August.

Tassie and the Alpine areas of Vic/NSW will be cool to cold but the rest will be OK for most travel activities.

No such thing as bad weather - just wrong clothes.

School holidays in September are 2 weeks. They are generally not as busy at the summer or Easter ones. You will only have crowds at the places that are always crowded- theme parks etc but they will still be less than summer and easter. Everywhere else will be fairly quite. Remember, the kids get all the holidays parent get 4 weeks they can't go away every holiday.

Forgot to mention - being teachers we go away every school holiday. Crowds are easy to avoid. Mind you for us more than 2 people (us) is a crowd.

In Sept in Melbourne & Sydney I have had plenty of warm September days and these are colder than Cairns.

Cairns will be warm in Sept.. possibly high 20's C

Up north around Cairns has good temperatures. In September its a really nice time of year with low levels of rainfall so you will see a lot of people travelling up north to escape the cold. So a perfect time to visit really. It's also a good time for snorkelling. We stayed at Villa Marine, just outside Cairns, close to airport and beach. There were direct flights from Sydney to Cairns and only takes a couple of hours. Also, some great places to visit on the east coast of Queensland such as Noosa, Hervey Bay and Arlie Beach. Enjoy your trip!

Hi Dutyfree,

yes there are school holidays in September for the Eastern states (and more likey the remainder as well). But they last for only two weeks and - as previously mentioned - the crowds are based around the 'usual' places: theme parks, movie theaters, perhaps the beach (depending on the weather) and the shopping centres (again depending on the weather). Both the beach and the shopping complex's crowds depend on whether it is heavy rain or a scourcher of a day.

we are locals and we have had our 'family' holidays in September for years, mind you we aim for outside school holidays due to work commitments (half of the family work in hospitality) and the difference in costs.

We have holidayed in Melbourne, Surfers, Sydney and Canberra in the month of September and we have been able to 'get out and about' each day. we still packed shorts/t-shirt as well as jeans and a light jacket and those options suited us for most days in those regions.

Tassie: we have travelled to in September as well. Tassie is worth a visit - if you are an outdoor person (hiking, walking, cycling etc) as well as for fine food and wine.

For tassie pack an extra layer or two. When we went in September one year, there was fresh fallen snow on the ground at Cradle Mountain and on top of Mount Wellington - its was beautiful! but a little cold so I threw on a thicker jacket and still enjoyed each day.

Hope this Helps.

Agree with the above. I'm a midwest 'girl' and I've been to Sydney and Cairns in September. It was great! I've usually gone in June/July/August (school vacation time) and that is the Aussie "winter".... if you can really call it that, by midwest standards. Anyway, yes, September should be a fine time for your holiday.