Australia in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited Australia in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Uluru without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Perth felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best Vegemite toast I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

world-class coffee was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.