Best time to visit Freycinet National Park

Best for: hiking, wildlife and smaller crowds 

Spring is ideal for hiking as the weather is mild and it's not too busy on the trails. The coastal woodlands are a treat for all senses in spring; wildflowers blossom and a floral aroma fills the air. Look out for white kunzea, bright yellow wattles, purple Melaleucas and pink Bauera rubioides.

You can see wildlife in Freycinet throughout the year, but spring is particularly good. It coincides with nesting season so there's lots of bird activity, and if you’re lucky, you might see joey wallabies or possums peeking out from their mother’s pouch.

Best for: beaches, swimming and hiking 

With around 15 hours of daylight, summer is an ideal time to bask in the park's beauty. The weather is warm enough for long days at the beach and clear conditions call for kayaking or paddleboarding trips around the bays. The water is the warmest at the end of February/March when it's had a few months to heat up.

December and January are also the busiest months in Freycinet  — particularly during the festive period and Australian school holidays — so be prepared to share the trails and the views with more people. Set off early to beat the crowds and the midday sun.

Best for: hiking, smaller crowds and amazing sunsets 

If you want a balance of good weather and fewer people in your holiday photos, autumn is a great time to visit. The mild temperatures are ideal for tackling more strenuous hikes like Mount Freycinet or Mount Graham, and the lower position of the sun makes for fantastic sunsets over the Hazards.

Whales can sometimes be seen off the coast from late May, but winter is the best time to visit if whale watching is on your bucket list.

Best for: exploring in solitude and whale watching

Winter is quiet in Freycinet – and arguably one of the most beautiful seasons. The weather is fairly dry, highs average 14°C and you'll have the walking tracks, lookouts and beaches practically all to yourself. If you’re out walking in the morning, just be mindful of frost and ensure your shoes have decent grip.

Winter is whale migration season. Every year between May and October, humpbacks, southern rights and pilot whales travel from Antarctica to mate and birth their young in the warmer waters of the East Coast. Cape Tourville Lighthouse is a prime vantage point to see these gentle giants.