Weather
Australia's fall spans from March to May, and in March, visitors should expect temperatures to be on the warmer side, especially earlier in the month but cooler than in the summer.
Southern cities like Sydney and Melbourne have average highs in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, Adelaide is still a bit warmer with temperatures in the high 70s, while northern, western, and desert cities are still pretty hot: average highs are 89°F (32°C) in Alice Springs, 84°F (29°C) in Perth, 82°F (28°C) in Brisbane, and 89°F (32°C) in Darwin. In contrast, the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, south of mainland Australia, has a March high of just 68°F (20°C). This means that whatever kind of weather you're seeking—tropical heat to temperate—you'll find it somewhere this month.
Rainfall also varies a lot across the country. While southern cities like Adelaide and Melbourne don't get a lot of rain in March or autumn, in northern cities, this is the tail end of the wet season, and there may be cyclones. You can still expect very high rainfall in Darwin and northern Queensland, and flooding is common, so it's best to avoid these areas this month. Brisbane, in southern Queensland, is also quite wet. Sydney gets most of its annual rainfall in the autumn and early winter, so expect showers here.
Crowds & Costs
March is a popular time to travel to Australia and is still considered peak season. However, prices and accommodation availability won't be quite as tight as during the peak months of the summer. An important consideration is whether Easter falls in March or April. Schools take holidays around Easter, so you can expect more Australian families traveling, or at least getting out and about in their areas, at this time. Popular theme parks on the Gold Coast can be quite busy, and when the warm weather holds, beaches can also be crowded well into March, although less so than in the summer.
Where to Go
As in the summer months, most travelers will feel more comfortable sticking to the coastline of New South Wales (including Sydney) and Victoria (including Melbourne), the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) /Canberra, or Tasmania. Western Australia, particularly towns in the south like Perth, are still hot in March, but this is a good time to head out west.
To visit the outback, such as the famous Uluru and the town of Alice Springs, flying there from the southwest in March is more sensible than going overland. Conditions are still very hot in the desert in March, and northern access towns like Darwin are very wet. If you do want to venture to northern areas in March, including northern Western Australia and north Queensland, be aware that deadly box jellyfish are present in the sea until about May. You won't be able to swim in the sea. These creatures can kill an adult within minutes.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Travelers seeking a beach vacation can still find this in March, even though it's technically fall. Sydney might have the odd cooler day, but conditions will still generally be good for swimming and beach time. There are many beautiful beaches on the Central Coast and North Coast of New South Wales and southern parts of Queensland like Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Outdoor enthusiasts may appreciate the slightly cooler temperatures of March, and hiking in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, the mountains of southern New South Wales and the ACT, and Tasmania can be rewarding at this time of year.
Conditions are also good for city sightseeing in March, and there are many excellent museums, galleries, zoos, aquariums, theme parks, gardens, and restaurants in the major cities, especially Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The bush capital, Canberra, also shouldn't be overlooked, as it has some of the best galleries and museums in the country, and while it can be scorching hot in summer, temperatures are more pleasant this month.
March is also a good time for certain road trips (i.e., those that don't require traveling through the desert). The Great Ocean Road south of Melbourne is a scenic option at any time of year, but temperatures for driving will be good in March.
Events in March
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The Sydney Mardi Gras starts in February but often extends into March. It's a huge, colorful celebration of queer pride.
Moomba Festival, Melbourne. This festival offers family-friendly events and entertainment along the Yarra River and is held in early March.
Traveling to Australia in March? Check out these great itineraries
Southeast Australia Self Drive - 22 Days. Explore southeast Australia on this combination self-drive and flying tour, with a comprehensive 22-day itinerary that takes in many of Australia's best sights and experiences.
Gold Coast and Byron Bay - 7 Days. Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand on this week-long tour of Australia's famous Gold Coast and Byron Bay.
More Helpful Information
Australia in February
Australia in April
Best Time of Year to Visit Australia
How Many Days to Spend in Australia