Seasonal Destination Guide

Australia

When to visit the Kimberley Coast

Discover the rugged natural beauty of the Kimberley Coastline with its striking red cliffs, unique Aboriginal rock art and dramatic waterfalls. Experience luxury cruising and fine dining paired with heli-hikes and boating adventures to secluded spots on a Kimberley cruise.

• Best time to travel: April to September; aim for April to May for powerful waterfalls after the wet season, or June to September for ideal warm and dry conditions. March and October are also options, but expect humidity with rain in March and heat in October.
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When to visit Tasmania

A hiker and nature lover’s paradise with some of Australia’s most loved National Parks found here. From world-class walking trails to luxury coastal escapes and wilderness lodges, Tasmania has it all.

• Best time to travel: October to April; aim for December to March for reliable dry conditions and warmer beaches, if you plan to swim. Winter in Tasmania is also a great option, but hiking is more difficult in some locations (we’re happy to assist with some advice for your specific planned activities).
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When to visit Australia's Outback (Uluru, Flinders Ranges, Northern Territory Top End)

Rich with culture and raw beauty, Australia's Outback is an unforgettable destination. From views of Uluru from your luxury accommodation, overnight rail journeys on the bucket-list Ghan, to exploring the Mary River floodplains and unique wildlife of the Kakadu region, to walks with expert guides in the Flinders Ranges and soaking up the best of the Barossa wine region, there is a journey for you.

• Best time to travel: April to October is considered the best season to avoid the heat and humidity. It is a personal choice though - if you can catch Uluru in February or March after a big rain event, it can be magic to watch the waterfalls created on Uluru and to see the desert coming alive with plant-life.
  
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When to Visit Ningaloo Reef

Discover a UNESCO World Heritage gem on the West Coast of Australia, offering the opportunity to swim with whale sharks and humpback whales to exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, all just steps from the shore.

• Best time to travel:March to November is the recommended season, to avoid the extreme heat in the Summer months. For whale sharks, aim for late March to July. March is also the time for turtles to hatch so is a great time to see this spectacle as they take to the water for the first time. To see the humpback whale migration, aim for August to October. Any month is great for snorkeling, with a huge range of marine life visible year-round.
  
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When to Visit Margaret River & Perth

Experience the world-famous Margaret River wine region paired with some of the best coastal scenery in Australia along the Cape to Cape Track, home of one of the Great Walks of Australia. Just three hours north, explore the best restaurants and bars in Perth and cap it all off with an unforgettable day trip to Rottnest Island.

• Best time to travel: Margaret River is typically about 5 degrees cooler than Perth, making it a great destination to visit year-round. If you plan to hike the Cape to Cape Track while in Margaret River, we recommend March to November to avoid the hottest Summer days. Winter months of July and August can be particularly wet and windy, so are only recommended for those who enjoy a bracing walk and the chance to warm up by the fire at the day’s end.
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When to Visit the Great Barrier Reef & Daintree National Park

Explore the diverse natural beauty of Queensland’s North Coast, from the Daintree Rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy river snorkelling, guided walks, kayaking and mountain biking in the Daintree, and exclusive island accommodation and day trips on the Reef, including sunset cruises, snorkelling and fishing.

• Best time to travel: May to September is recommended for Great Barrier Reef to avoid the stingers, otherwise swimming with a wet suit is an option for added protection. This is also a great time for the Daintree, as it is the mild dry season in the tropical north-end of Queensland, meaning less rain and humidity.
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When to Visit the Blue Mountains & Sydney's Central Coast

Amidst the best hikes and awe-inspiring views of the Blue Mountains region, you would never know that you are only 60 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city. Further north of Sydney, enjoy the spectacular coastal walks and secluded beaches of the Central Coast.

• Best time to travel: The Autumn months of March to May are an ideal time to walk in the Blue Mountains and Sydney’s Central Coast as the conditions are mild and less humid. September to November is another option, though rain events can occur. The heat from December to February makes Sydney good for swimming, but less so for walking. A winter walking trip in NSW is another solid option, with the chance to cosy up by a fire with a glass of wine after a day in the fresh air.
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When to visit Kangaroo Island

Immerse yourself in Kangaroo Island's wild, natural beauty through a range of exclusive guided scenic walks and native wildlife tours. A not-to-be-missed destination in South Australia!

• Best time to travel: The timing of a visit to Kangaroo Island really depends on your reason for visiting. In the Summer (December to February) and shoulder months of November, March and April, you will have wonderful opportunity to cruise calm waters and swim the turquoise beaches around Kangaroo Island. It can be hot though, so if you plan to hike while on the island, we’d suggest April to October, with the shoulder months offering the best chance of mild dry conditions.
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New Zealand

When to Visit Queenstown & Hike the South Island

The South Island of New Zealand is full to the brim with experiences, from world-class ski resorts, the best hiking trails (including two of New Zealand's Great Walks), heli experiences, cruises, jet boats, epic scenery and famous wine regions.

• Best time to travel: October to April is best for hiking trips on the South Island, as this is the official Great Walk season when all of the trails are open. Do be mindful of the potential for delayed opening of some trails such as the Milford or Routeburn Track, which may be closed in October in particular. For a Winter walking option (from May-September) we recommend a Fiordland Walk including a section of the Kepler and Routeburn Tracks, which are accessible year-round. Of course if you plan to ski, we’d recommend June to September as the best time to visit Queenstown – our Winter journey is an option to consider.
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When to Visit Taupo & Hawkes Bay

Taupo offers the chance to visit spectacular Huka Falls and Lake Taupo's picturesque walk trails, and combines well with a visit to the wineries of Hawke's Bay as part of a North Island luxury journey.

• Best time to travel: Like most of New Zealand, the Winter months of May to September can be very cold in Taupo and surrounding areas, but it is still possible to enjoy a good walking trip here, unlike some of the South Island Walks which close. The ideal time to visit Taupo would be October to November when Huka Falls is at its most mighty – post Winter rain – and conditions are milder so you can enjoy time on the trails around Lake Taupo. Tongariro Crossing is a popular day hike that is best hiked in October to April, but can be enjoyed in New Zealand’s Winter months with appropriate gear (provided by our guides).
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When to Visit Marlborough Sounds & Abel Tasman Coast

Discover the turquoise bays and calm waters of the Abel Tasman coast and Queen Charlotte Track, each of which can be combined with visits to the renowned wineries of Marlborough region.

• Best time to travel: Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman coast are both a water lover’s playground, and the coastal walks here are ideal for combining some walking with kayaking and swimming. For this reason, we’d recommend December to March as the best time to visit this region when the water is a bit warmer. The shoulder months of October and April are also very viable options, particularly if swimming isn’t a big priority for you.
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South America

When to Visit Patagonia

A vast wilderness area spanning the southern end of Chile and Argentina including popular Torres del Paine National Park (home of the W-trek), and Glaciers National Park. Enjoy lodge-based walking, cruising and multi-active journeys.

• Best time to travel: October to April is the recommended season when everything is open in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park and nearby Glaciers National Park. If you plan to hike the W-Trek and want to include the Grey Sector (Grey Bridges Hike) we recommend timing your trip from November to March to ensure the best boat access to this section (in shoulder months the boats are less frequent which can pose issues with timing a day hike with the boat in and out). If you’re more flexible though, October and April can be great times in these National Parks as there are less crowds and more of a chance of spotting a puma. In the Patagonian Winter it is still possible to have an active adventure in Torres del Paine National Park, but appropriate gear is essential and activities are more limited.
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When to Visit Atacama Desert

Truly one-of-a-kind experiences of salt flats, geysers, volcanoes, star-filled skies, unique flora and fauna and moon-like landscape on the world's most arid desert in northern Chile.

• Best time to travel: While Patagonia and Antarctica have quite narrow seasons, the milder conditions further north in Chile mean it’s possible to enjoy an active journey to the Atacama Desert year-round. The dry season runs from May to September and offers mild conditions and clear skies - considered the best time for stargazing. It can be quite cold at higher altitudes and at night though. The shoulder months of October to December offer less crowds with warmer temperatures, while avoiding the rainy months of February and March.
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When to Visit Antarctica

The world's southernmost continent features breathtaking natural scenery and is rich in extraordinary wildlife on and around its vast ice mass. Luxury cruises are available to Antarctica from Argentina and Chile, offering the chance to combine your trip with Patagonia and other South America highlights like Iguazu Falls and Atacama Desert.

• Best time to travel: November to February is the sailing season for Antarctica. Given it is a very narrow window, we recommend booking at least a year in advance.
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Japan

When to Visit Japan's Alps

Hike Kamikochi and Mt Hotaka on a Japan's Alps journey taking in the Northern Alps plus iconic Mount Fuji. This seasonal destination is best when the snow has melted if you're looking to hike up these impressive peaks.

• Best time to travel: Recommended from May to early November, aligning with the Japan Alps season and opening of seasonal towns like Kamikochi. Note: the Mount Hotaka alpine hike is available from June to September, and subject to conditions.
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When to Visit Japan's Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trails

Japan is filled with ancient pilgrim trails that showcase the natural landscapes and culture with walks often passing Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The Nakasendo Samurai trail and Kumano Kodo pilgrim routes of the Kii Pensinula are our favourite Japan walks.

• Best time to travel: Recommended from mid-March to end of November.
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