Top 10 Things To Do In Australia In March: Festivals, Wildlife & Beach Fun

Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef, showcasing the many things to do in Australia in March.

March is a good month to explore Australia as summer starts to wind down and the first signs of autumn roll in. Things to do in Australia in March include walking through Melbourne’s laneways and galleries or relaxing on the beaches of Byron Bay. In Sydney, the Mardi Gras Parade brings thousands to Oxford Street for one of the country’s biggest celebrations. Over in Tasmania, national parks like Freycinet and Cradle Mountain offer cooler weather for hiking and wildlife spotting.

10 Best Things To Do In Australia In March

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Australia In March for your next visit to this continental country:

1. Explore The Great Barrier Reef

An underwater image of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the best things to do in Australia in March.

Photo: Wise Hok Wai Lum / Wikimedia Commons

March is a good time to explore the Great Barrier Reef, as the water is warm and marine life is active. You can snorkel, dive, or take a boat tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. People love seeing colourful corals, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Visibility may vary with the wet season, but tours are still available. Many visitors say this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s one of the top things to do in Australia in March for nature lovers and those looking for a world-famous adventure in the ocean.

Ideal Duration: Full day
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Location: Cairns/Port Douglas, Queensland

2. Attend The Melbourne Food And Wine Festival

People enjoying food and drinks outdoors during the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in Australia.

Photo: Tourism Victoria / Wikimedia Commons

Held every March, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is a top event for food lovers. It features pop-up dinners, cooking classes, wine tastings, and food stalls across the city. People enjoy trying dishes from top chefs, meeting local producers, and tasting wines from across Victoria. Events are held in parks, laneways, and restaurants. You will have an amazing time here if you enjoy food, culture, and lively social events in beautiful city settings.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 4 hours per event
Timings: Multiple events daily
Location: Melbourne, Victoria

3. Visit Uluru At Sunrise

The sun rising over Uluru with glowing red rocks, one of the top things to do in Australia in March.

Photo: Thomas Schoch / Wikimedia Commons

March offers warm mornings and fewer crowds at Uluru. Seeing the sunrise over the red rock is a powerful experience, with changing colours and quiet desert views. People often join guided tours or take self-drive trips to viewing areas. It’s one of the great things to do in Australia in March for those who want to connect with nature and learn about Aboriginal culture. Walks around the base of Uluru are cooler in the early morning too, making it the best time to explore.

Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: Sunrise varies (approx. 6:30 AM)
Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

4. Explore Sydney’s Coastal Walks

People walking along the Bondi to Coogee track with ocean views in Australia in March.

Photo: Athena Lao / Wikimedia Commons

March brings cooler mornings and sunny days, perfect for exploring Sydney’s famous Bondi to Coogee walk. This 6 km trail offers ocean views, cliffs, rock pools, and beaches along the way. Locals and visitors enjoy it for its mix of exercise, scenery, and photo spots. There are cafés along the route for breaks. It’s one of the best activities for those who enjoy easy outdoor activity with fresh air and great coastal views.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: Open all day
Location: Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales

5. Go Wine Tasting In The Barossa Valley

Image of a vineyard in the Barossa Valley, one of the popular things to do in Australia in March.

Photo: Olivier Lemoine / Wikimedia Commons

March is harvest time in the Barossa Valley, making it the best month to visit for wine tasting. The vineyards are full of activity, and many wineries offer special tastings and tours. People enjoy trying red wines like Shiraz, eating cheese plates, and walking through grape fields. The weather is warm but not too hot. It’s one of the best things to do in Australia in March if you love food, wine, and countryside views.

Ideal Duration: Half or full day
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Barossa Valley, South Australia

6. Watch Penguins At Phillip Island

Image of Eudyptula minor, small penguins at Phillip Island in Australia in March.

Photo: Magnus Kjaergaard / Wikimedia Commons

March evenings are ideal for seeing the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. Visitors sit on viewing platforms and watch as hundreds of little penguins waddle back to their burrows after sunset. It’s a unique wildlife experience that families and couples both enjoy. People love the soft sounds, the setting sun, and seeing animals in their natural habitat. It’s one of the great things to do in Australia in March for nature lovers and photographers.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: Around 7:30 PM (varies by sunset)
Location: Phillip Island, Victoria

7. Attend Adelaide Festival

Adelaide Festival centre, attending this is one of the popular things to do in Australia in March.

Photo: Stu’s Images / Wikimedia Commons

The Adelaide Festival is one of the country’s top arts events and takes place every March. It includes theatre, music, dance, and visual arts across the city. People enjoy its creative energy, international acts, and lively outdoor atmosphere. Events happen in theatres, parks, and riverside venues. It allows you to enjoy culture, live performances, and festival energy. Tickets sell out fast, so booking ahead is a good idea.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 4 hours per event
Timings: Day and night events
Location: Adelaide, South Australia

8. Take A Road Trip On The Great Ocean Road

Image of the Great Ocean Road, driving here is one of the best things to do in Australia in March.

Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

With cooler, dry weather, March is perfect for a road trip on the Great Ocean Road. This scenic drive includes beaches, forests, cliffs, and small towns. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surfing spots. People love stopping for photos, wildlife sightings, and coffee in small coastal towns. It’s best for those who want to explore at their own pace and see natural beauty along the coast.

Ideal Duration: Full day to 2 days
Timings: Best during daylight hours
Location: Starts in Torquay, Victoria

9. Visit The Blue Mountains

Image of Blue Mountains; visiting here is one of the popular things to do in Australia in March.

Photo: Catcall27 / Wikimedia Commons

March is a great time to visit the Blue Mountains as it’s cooler but still sunny. Visitors enjoy hiking, scenic train rides, and the view of the famous Three Sisters rock formation. There are also caves, waterfalls, and forest walks to explore. People love the fresh mountain air and slower pace just two hours from Sydney. It’s one of the great things for nature lovers and those wanting a short escape from the city.

Ideal Duration: Full day
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Katoomba, New South Wales

10. Snorkel At Ningaloo Reef

Image of Ningaloo Reef; snorkelling here is one of the best things to do in Australia in March.

Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons

Ningaloo Reef is quieter than the Great Barrier Reef but just as beautiful, and March marks the beginning of whale shark season. Visitors enjoy snorkelling just off the beach to see coral, rays, turtles, and fish. The reef is close to shore, making it easy for beginners. People love how calm and clear the water is during this time. It’s one of the top things to do in Australia in March if you want a laid-back but amazing nature experience.

Ideal Duration: Half or full day
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Location: Exmouth, Western Australia

There are plenty of things to do in Australia in March, from beach days and food festivals to hikes and wildlife tours. You can travel from city to coast, enjoy cultural events, or escape into nature, all in great weather. Whether you’re planning a full holiday or a short escape, this list makes planning easy. To make your trip smooth and memorable, book your travel and stay with TripXL today.

Cover Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

March brings warm days and cooler nights as autumn begins. In most parts, temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. It’s a great time for outdoor travel, with fewer crowds and more comfortable weather compared to peak summer months.
March features big events like Melbourne’s Moomba Festival, Adelaide Festival, and WOMADelaide. You’ll also catch the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and Sydney’s Mardi Gras. These events offer music, art, food, and parades that bring cities to life.
March is fine for Outback travel, especially in the Northern Territory. It’s cooler than peak summer but still hot. Be prepared with water, sun protection, and check road conditions, as some areas may have rain or flash flooding.
You can see kangaroos, koalas, and tropical birds across national parks. In Queensland, March is a good time for turtle hatchlings. Head to coastal parks, zoos, and wildlife reserves for close encounters in safe, natural settings.
Pack light clothes for warm days, a jacket for cooler nights, sunblock, and walking shoes. If heading north, bring insect repellent and swimwear. For festivals or wine regions, casual smart wear is ideal. Always check local forecasts before packing.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month