The Best Winter Getaways in Australia
With dropping temperatures, who isn't dreaming of a sneaky winter escape? Many people tend to hibernate during the winter months from June-August, but we think this is the best time of year to travel. A winter getaway is often cheaper and most places are less crowded than in summer. What's not to love about that?
We've rounded up our favourite winter getaways Australia has to offer, from breathtaking mountains to beautiful beaches, there's something to suit everyone.
1. Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone or a relaxing family trip, this location on the south coast of Australia is the perfect spot.
How To Get There
Reaching the Adelaide Hills takes just 20 minutes by car from Adelaide.
How Many Days To Stay
If you're planning on exploring nearby areas (like the Barossa Valley!) then we recommend setting aside at least four days for your trip. If you just want to rest and recharge in the hills, two days is enough.
Where To Sleep
No matter who you're planning on going with, there's Adelaide Hills accommodation to suit every winter escape. With stays including everything from pubs to vineyard cottages, and romantic luxury villas to off-grid eco retreats, there's something for every occasion and budget. If you're game to camp out during the colder months, prices start at as low as $8 a night!
What To Do
- Day trip to the Barossa Valley to drink wine and eat your way through the region.
- Explore the antique shops in nearby Hahndorf, a German-settled town with tonnes of personality and charm.
- Winter Reds - every July, the region hosts this festival where you can keep warm by a cosy open fire, enjoy dinner with wine pairings, and sample local produce.
Packing Essentials
- A beanie and some gloves if you tend to feel the cold as average high temps are a chilly 11-13 degrees.
- Lip balm - there's nothing worse than chapped lips in winter! Keep your lips hydrated, soft, and protected from the sun with We Are Feel Good Inc's SPF 50+ lip balm.
- We Are Feel Good Inc's Signature Sunscreen SPF50+. Yes, you should be wearing sunscreen in Winter.
2. Kakadu, Northern Territory
Compared to the majority of the country in the cooler months, the Northern Territory can often be ten degrees warmer. Package that with stunning red rock landscapes in Kakadu National Park, smaller crowds than the dry season, and minimal rainfall, and it's easy to see why it's on our list of the best winter getaways the country has to offer.
How To Get There
There are no flights directly to Kakadu but you can hop on a plane to either Darwin or Alice Springs then take a 3 hour road trip from either location to get there. You can access Kakadu by car, but to really explore the national park you'll need a 4WD (and a park pass).
How Many Days To Stay
We recommend spending at least 5 days in Kakadu to really take your time exploring. Kakadu National Park is a dual World Heritage Listed site for its cultural and natural attributes, so you want time to explore both aspects!
Where To Sleep
There are plenty of opportunities to camp in the national park, or if you like your creature comforts then you can bunk at one of the many hotels, cabins, or safari retreats.
What To Do
- Take in a sunset at Nawurlandja Lookout.
- Go on a Yellow Water billabong cruise and spot crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo and other wildlife.
- Visit the waterfalls: Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom Falls, and Maguk Falls are just some of the options available to you. With winter max temperatures averaging 33 degrees, why not take a dip!
- Hike to Nourlangie Rock.
- Take to the air for a 60-minute scenic flight.
Packing Essentials
- Comfy shoes - you'll be doing plenty of walking!
- A backpack for the hiking essentials
- We Are Feel Good Inc's signature SPF50 75ml traveller is perfect to carry with you when exploring the national park.
3. Blue Mountains, NSW
We think the best destination NSW has to offer in winter is the Blue Mountains. This world heritage listed area offers stunning views of nature in the Blue Mountains National Park, home of the Three Sisters.
While it only snows an average of five times a year during June and July, it's close enough to take a day trip from Perisher to Jindabyne if you want to hit the slopes. We might be biased but we think they're some of the best ski slopes not just in NSW or the country, but in the southern hemisphere.
How To Get There
Get there in just 1.5hrs from Sydney by car, or you can catch a train from Sydney and arrive in 2 hours.
How Many Days To Stay
We recommend taking at least 2 days.
Where To Sleep
Keen on a luxurious stay? Boutique hotels and heritage guesthouses offer spas, fine dining, and breathtaking views. Self-contained cottages and cabins are perfect for families or groups. For those travelling on a budget, hostels and budget motels provide affordable options.
What To Do
- Check out the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains National Park.
- Go on the Scenic World cable car for truly amazing views.
- Take a horse riding tour.
- Glow Worm Tour - visit the Glow Worm Canyon at Newnes Plateau.
- Take a moonlit walk through the Katoomba Falls trail that stays lit up until 11pm.
Packing Essentials
- Hiking boots and warm socks - the days maximum temperature averages just 11 degrees during winter.
- Sunscreen - Especially if you're planning a visit to the ski slopes as snow reflects up to 90% of UV radiation, doubling your exposure. We Are Feel Good Inc's Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ will keep your skin protected.
- A beanie and gloves to keep you warm if you do the glow worm tour or go walking at night.
4. Fraser Island, Queensland
Being less crowded when cooler weather sets in yet still warm enough to camp outside and enjoy the winter sunshine, Fraser Island is the perfect choice for a winter getaway. Be sure to check the forecasts before you go to know what clothing to pack, as the temperature can vary wildly in the winter months, with average maximums of 22 in July jumping up to averages of 30 degrees in August.
Regardless of the temp, you can get outdoors, switch off your phone, and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature.
How To Get There
Fraser Island is accessible via 4WD vehicles only. You can book public tours but we recommend either renting your own 4WD, or nagging your Queensland friends to take you! You can purchase your barge and camping tickets online here.
How Many Days To Stay
Anywhere between 2 – 5 days is the perfect amount of time to spend on Fraser Island.
Where To Sleep
There is lots of options for couples, groups, or families in private holiday rentals, lodges, or resort accommodation. If you would love to beat the crowds and backpacker tours, we’d recommend bringing your own camping gear and go past Indian Head further up north to set up camp.
What To Do
- Get up with sunrise and go to bed with sunset.
- Bring fishing gear, lemon, seasoning and a BBQ for the ultimate outdoor cuisine.
- Go exploring – Fraser Island has some of Australia’s most stunning nature to offer – from Lake Mackenzie to endless dunes.
- Go for a hike at Indian Head – but stay out of the ocean as shark sightings are frequent.
Packing Essentials
- Fishing gear.
- Camping gear if you're going to be sleeping under the stars.
- Sunscreen - Even in winter the NT sun can be harsh, so make sure you're sun safe by using We Are Feel Good Inc's Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+.
5. Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
One of Victoria's most popular winter destinations is the Mornington Peninsula. Forget Melbourne - the Peninsula offers stunning coastal walks, hot springs, rugged landscapes, and scenic drives. If you're really lucky, you might even get to see the Southern Lights.
How To Get There
A 1.5hr drive from Melbourne will get you there.
How Many Days To Stay
2-4 days is enough time to take in what the Peninsula has to offer.
Where To Sleep
There are a plethora of accommodation options to choose from, whether you're looking for a cheap hotel or a luxury escape.
What To Do
- Enjoy the region's renowned mineral spas including the Peninsula Hot Springs
- Explore the wine tasting options at the local wineries
- Try local produce at the farmer's markets
- Take a coastal walk
Packing Essentials
- Comfy and warm walking shoes for those coastal walks.
- We Are Feel Good Inc's Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+ to protect your skin while out and about.
- A reusable bag for all the goodies you'll pick up at the markets!
6. Exmouth, Western Australia
Escape the cold weather and visit northern WA during their dry season to enjoy some winter sunshine. Complete with pristine beaches and unique marine wildlife, Exmouth in Western Australia is the perfect warm winter getaway destination.
How To Get There
The closest airport to Exmouth is the Learmonth Airport, about 40 minutes from Exmouth town centre.
How Many Days To Stay
We recommend staying for at least 3 days in Exmouth.
Where To Sleep
There's no shortage of places to stay in the Exmouth region. You can camp, glamp (at the beach safari camp, Sail Salis, pictured above), find a holiday rental, or stay in a resort or hotel. It can get busy during the winter school holidays, however, so be sure to book ahead.
What To Do
- Explore Cape Range National Park
- Dive with humpback whales or take a whale watching tour (July-October)
- Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef (March-August)
- Take a walk along the beach
- Join a fishing tour
Packing Essentials
- Sunscreen - Even in winter the sun can be harsh, so make sure you're wearing We Are Feel Good Inc's Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+.
- A big, cosy towel for when you hop out of the water after swimming with whale sharks or humpbacks.
- Enclosed shoes for national park exploring.
7. Bruny Island, Tasmania
Prefer a real winter experience complete with cold weather and cosy nights sipping wine by a warm open fire? Just off the coast of Tassy is this little-known island gem that is well-worth a visit.
How To Get There
The Bruny Island ferry will take you straight to the island in about 25 minutes from Kettering, a half an hour drive from Hobart. It departs regularly and there's no need to make a booking.
How Many Days To Stay
Even a quick two night trip is enough to give you a taste of what the island has to offer. If you're looking for some serious rest and relaxation, indulge in a long weekend and spend three nights.
Where To Sleep
Two nights accommodation for two guests in winter can vary wildly depending on where you stay. Prices start at around $10 per night if you want to camp near the beach, or can be upwards of $1,000 per night for luxury accommodation. Looking for a truly luxe family escape? The Cloudy Bay Beach House sleeps 6 and has floor to ceiling windows with views to the beach and heaters in each room to keep warm at night.
What To Do
- Stroll along Adventure Day Beach.
- Take a Bruny Island Traveller full day tour and enjoy award-winning cheese, premium wine and beer, freshly shucked oysters, handcrafted fudge, local honey and a delicious lunch at one of the island's cosy restaurants with beach views.
- Go on a guided lighthouse tour.
- Visit the Chocolate Company.
- Enjoy a free tasting at Bruny Island Honey.
Packing Essentials
- Moisturiser - using heaters dries your skin out making winter skin care essential. We Are Feel Good Inc's Coco Milk body moisturiser will keep your skin moisturised.
- Warm clothing - during June and July the island averages highs of just 12-13 degrees so be sure to rug up to stay warm during the cold weather.
- Reading material - Chilly nights usually mean early to bed. Bring a good book to keep you company.
8. Margaret River, Western Australia
Wine, humpback whales, and plenty of cosy restaurants to enjoy - what's not to love? The Margaret River region in WA's south is absolutely magical during the cold weather months. Whether you're keen to explore the coastline with friends or spend your time indoors by a cosy fire, Margs (as WA locals affectionately call it) is one of the best winter getaway spots in the Southern Hemisphere.
How To Get There
Margs is about a 3.5hr drive South from Perth.
How Many Days To Stay
3-4 days is enough time to really get a 'taste' of the wine region.
Where To Sleep
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to where to stay in Margs. The options for holiday rentals are endless, and what's better, prices are cheaper in winter. Temperatures are cool (with average maximums of 17-18 degrees) so we recommend finding somewhere with a log fire to keep you warm and cosy at night.
What To Do
- Go whale watching on the whale superhighway.
- Take a wine tour in the finest wine region on this side of the country.
- Indulge your sweet tooth at the Margaret River Chocolate Co.
- Visit the picturesque Cape Leeuwin lighthouse (pictured above), it's the perfect spot to see whales from the shore.
- Take a hike on the cape to cape track, one of the top ten multi-day walking tracks according to National Geographic.
- Spend some time underground and enjoy the stunning views inside Jewel Cave.
Packing Essentials
- Binoculars to get a close look at the whales breaching off the beach.
- An extra suitcase for all the wine, cheese, and chocolate you'll be coming home with!
- Pack your chunky knits as those coastal winds can get icy.