There’s a specific energy shift when Australia leaves its shortest days behind for warmer weather.

People emerge from hibernation to eat lunch in the park, flowers bloom from their slumber, and a general air of optimism ripples through stunning spring towns nationwide.

Spring is arguably the best time to pack up the car and embark on an adventure to experience everything Australia has to offer. Often summer is so busy that carving out time for a spontaneous weekend away feels impossible, whereas spring tends to offer a quieter pace.

Dip your toes in the refreshing ocean or let the afternoon sun soothe your overactive brain while visiting these incomparable spring towns.

1. Olinda, Vic

Day trips to Olinda, a town within the Dandenong Ranges just east of Melbourne, are a rewarding excursion any day of the year, but its abundance of flora and wildlife flourishes during springtime.

Pick a hiking trail from one suitable for beginners to those more advanced and try to spot the city skyline in the distance. Once the trails have been suitably traversed, stop at the collection of old-timey shops for a fossick.

As a post-hike treat, the Chelsea Australian Garden at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden on Wurundjeri Country will sweep you off your feet as you explore its 15,000 plants from more than 400 native Australian species.

Don’t miss the ye olde shopfronts of Olinda. Photo: Visit Victoria

2. Hahndorf, SA

Maintaining a firm hold on its German heritage, Hahndorf is unlike any other town in Australia.

Flourishing trees line the streets, adding splashes of reds and greens to the town’s Germanic pubs and cafes, none of which would be out of place in a fairytale book.

There’s a month-long festival every September, honouring the varied and unique culture of Hahndorf. Join in on the shenanigans in a pair of lederhosen while sipping a frothy pint on a balmy spring evening. Próst.

Hahndorf is a little slice of Germany in the Adelaide Hills. Photo: Hahndorf Business and Tourism Association

3. Denmark, WA

The distinct forest-coast collision in Denmark is worth exploring on its own; however, there’s another activity to tick off once enough nature has been absorbed.

Throughout spring and summer, Denmark Thrills Adventure Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime trip. A trip down a hill encased in an inflatable ball, to be precise. Take in the sights at lightning speed as the ball sails down a steep incline, while you remain safely strapped inside.

For more casual thrills, explore the rock formations that line the sea or brave the heights and walk among the treetops in the Valley of the Giants.

4. Mullumbimby, NSW

Ten minutes from Mullumbimby’s town centre, the Lotus Cafe at Crystal Castle remains unrivalled during golden hour.

Featuring the world’s largest crystals and a cave littered with these stunning natural formations, the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens are a must-snap when in Mullumbimby.

The town also has a unique tropical appeal, dotted with palm trees like a smaller version of Los Angeles. In the middle of spring, the annual Mullum Music Festival takes over and for four days in November, the streets are filled with carefree revellers having a good old-fashioned boogie.

Shades of LA in downtown Mullumbimby. Photo: Destination NSW

5. Sheffield, Tas

No one has ever tired of the backdrop in Sheffield, as Mount Roland watches over this art-saturated town from more than 1000 metres above sea level.

In the town itself, murals coat the walls of buildings in vibrant shades of the rainbow, so a well-timed photo with the spring sun illuminating the artwork will go a long way.

Just 25 minutes south of Devonport, Sheffield has flown under the radar for most eagle-eyed travellers, making it all the more special.

For a touch of whimsy, head to the Sheffield Berry Gardens to pick juicy fruit and add another mural sighting to the collection.

Sheffield is famous for the murals that decorate its buildings. Photo: AAP

6. Montville, Qld

Usually, a clock shop alone wouldn’t be enough to entice travellers on a whirlwind cross-country trip, but you might reconsider once you see this Montville landmark.

It’s reminiscent of a secret cottage filled with pixies, and a souvenir cuckoo clock is all but guaranteed to find its way into car boot.

Similarly, the Montville Chapel lit up against a fading night sky is exquisite, while the rest of the town has an enchanting aura with its humble cafes and top-notch restaurants. For sweeping views of Mount Coolum and the Obi Obi Valley, reserve an outdoor table at The Flamehill Vineyard.

Take in the delights of Cowes, on Philip Island, before the summer hordes arrive. Photo: Visit Victoria

7. Cowes, Vic

Before summer-exclusive surfers flock to Phillip Island in search of invigorating and oft-relentless waves, make the two-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD to see a slightly sleepier version of Cowes.

Spring’s milder nights allow for a complete vacation experience without the busy foot traffic. Lick gelato down to the cone at Isola di Capri, get an eyeful of adorable penguins making a break for the ocean, and follow the palm trees down the esplanade as a familiar sweet breeze wafts overhead.

If penguin sightings aren’t enough, the nearby Koala Conservation Reserve is home to a colony of Australia’s cutest critters thriving in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a paddle on the delightful Bellingen River. Photo: Destination NSW

8. Bellingen, NSW

Make use of the sweet spot between winter and summer to roam Bellingen’s twee markets and vibrant rainforest.

With fewer than 4000 residents, this small NSW town appears almost frozen in time, with its fetching architecture and undisturbed way of life. Reserve a day to visit Bellingen’s Promised Land, where the water is so blue it almost looks animated and there are dozens of spots to unpack a picnic blanket and tuck into a spread of spring-ready fruits.

As the warmth disappears with the sun, stop by the Bellingen Brewery to get toasty with a glass of house red and a bowl of nibbles.

Thorngrove Manor offers a castle-like accommodation in Stirling. Photo: Thorngrove Manor Hotel

9. Stirling, SA

By looks alone, Stirling might have more trees and plants per capita than any other small Australian town – glance in any direction and there’s a canopy of trees providing shade to passers-by below.

With the tagline, “Four seasons, a thousand reasons”, Stirling bursts with colour in spring, so settle into a cosy seat and sip a latte as the leaves seemingly emerge before your eyes.

For those who love nothing more than strolling wide streets and inspecting historic homes, Stirling has them in abundance.

Spring hits different in Tasmania – cruising on Lake St Clair. Photo: Pexels

10. Derwent Bridge, Tas

Nature lovers will have a field day in Derwent Bridge, the entry point to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a mere five kilometres away.

Pack some sturdy hiking boots and prepare to set off through the wilderness with the perk of not breaking too much of a sweat—spring in Tasmania differs a touch from the mainland.

Book a trip towards the tail-end of spring to hop aboard the Ida Clair ferry, which gives you breathtaking views of Lake St Clair, or meet fellow hiking enthusiasts at the roadside public house – all will have adventure on the brain.

Beekeeper Hamish shows a family how to harvest the honey at Bowral Honey Farms. Photo: Destination NSW

11. Bowral, NSW

Hop in the car and within 90 minutes of Sydney, you could be in beautiful Bowral. This town knows how to do spring right, with the Tulip Time festival showcasing the 80,000 tulips that have come into bloom this season.

If flowers aren’t your thing, there’s a plethora of gardens to explore, gourmet restaurants to try and vintage shops to comb.

If you’re looking for an activity that’s truly unique, you can book a group tour of the largest private teaching apiary (also known as a bee yard) in NSW, Bowral Beekeeping. The one-hour session offers a tour, tastings of up to six honeys and lots to learn about bees.

Republished from Australian Traveller