With a mid-semester break coming up, there’s no better time to get out and explore the beautiful country of Australia!
While it’s tempting to get cosy inside and watch Netflix on the couch, you can take advantage of the cooler weather and fewer tourists by heading out on your next adventure.
Whether you’ve got money to spend and are keen for a big getaway, or you’d rather be a tourist in your own town, we’ve got tips for you. Read on for all you need to know about travelling Australia over winter.
Best travel destinations for Australian winter
Australian winters are generally quite mild, especially if you’re based in Queensland or by the coast, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get cold! Whether you want to chase the sunshine up north or bundle up and get cosy down south, there’s no shortage of exciting and beautiful travel destinations in Australia. Here are some of our top picks:
The ski resorts of Victoria and New South Wales
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, or you’ve never even hit the slopes, these are some of Australia’s hottest snowy destinations. You heard us right – it does snow in Australia! At resorts like Thredbo, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, you can take skiing or boarding lessons, chill out at a restaurant or spa, or head straight up the mountain and ski to your heart’s content.
Tasmania – Cradle Mountain
Up for an adventure? Tasmania’s beautiful Cradle Mountain and the surrounding national park are an iconic destination for hiking and bushwalking. You don’t have to be a seasoned trekker – you can experience the magic of the Tasmanian wilderness on one of the many walking tracks throughout the area.
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
Want to escape the cold instead? Head north! Winter in Queensland still means swimming weather and sunny skies, lucky us. It’s also the best time to visit the iconic Great Barrier Reef, as there’s less rainfall and clearer waters in the dry season.
Uluru and the Red Centre
You can’t get much more Aussie than the outback, and winter is the perfect time to experience the red sand and incredible landscapes. Spot iconic Australian animals like kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat, sleep under the stars, enjoy picturesque hikes and learn more about Aṉangu culture.
What’s your budget?
No matter how much you are able to spend, there’s an Australian winter holiday for you. Here are our top recommendations:
Big budget
If you’ve saved up and are ready to go big, you can experience the best that Australia has to offer, from the mountains to the sea and the outback in between.
Skiing & snowboarding: Head to the Snowy Mountains (Thredbo or Perisher in NSW, or Mount Hotham and Falls Creek in Victoria). You’ll need to budget for gear hire, lift passes and accommodation.
Outback adventures: Book a tour through the Northern Territory and experience the beauty of Uluru, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges. It’s a chance to see a side of Australia that feels worlds away from city life.
Tasmanian road trip: Hire a car with friends and do a loop around the island, starting in the beautiful city of Hobart. You’ll see everything from beaches to forests, and winter means fewer crowds (and fewer cars on the road).
Medium budget
Don’t have much cash to spare? There are plenty of options for affordable trips, both interstate and closer to home.
Beach vacation: Fly into Brisbane and take a bus or train down the coast, where the weather will be in the balmy early 20s. Enjoy long days on the beach and long nights out – a Gold Coast specialty.
City break: Take this time to check out Australia’s capital cities. Head to Melbourne to watch an AFL game and check out the artsy laneways, or down to Adelaide for winery-hopping and the Illuminate festival. Domestic flights can be cheap if you book early, and choose a hostel or budget hotel to meet new friends and keep costs low.
Weekend trips: Just a few hours from Sydney by train, the Blue Mountains are a great choice for a short trip if you’re in NSW. Go for a bushwalk, visit cute mountain villages, and warm up in local cafes.
No budget
Don’t worry if travel isn’t in the cards for you right now – being a tourist in your own city is just as fun.
Check out free winter events: Markets, art exhibitions or pop-up winter festivals are common in many Aussie cities, so you’re sure to be entertained.
Get into nature: Rug up and get outside! Explore your local parks, hills and beaches, or head to a nearby winery and enjoy the views with a mulled wine.
Try new things: Visit that museum you always walk past but have never been inside, try a new cafe, or embrace the cold and head to your local ice rink for a skate. The world is your oyster!
