Just because the weather is getting cooler doesn't mean you have to put your holiday plans on hold! Whether you're looking to escape the cold and head somewhere warmer, or embrace the winter chill and hit the snow, we've put together some winter holiday destinations for your next great getaway.
Thaw out in the Top End Dry Season
Winter is a great time to head up to the Northern Territory and check out Darwin as it's the dry season, so daytime temperatures average in the low 30s and blue skies are the order of the day. Make the most of the delightful weather with a swim—but remember that the beaches are off limits for swimming due to saltwater crocs! Instead, head to the Darwin Waterfront precinct, featuring a wave pool and protected lagoon to enjoy the winter sun and balmy weather.
If you can't get enough of the Top End's spectacular nature, take a day trip to Litchfield National Park.
Darwin sunsets really turn on the goods, and the best place to watch the sky come to life with a thousand colours is from the ocean on a sunset cruise. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, take in the stunning sunsets from the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, which are on every Thursday and Sunday evening and feature a stunning array of food, arts, culture, and live music.
Nearest Park: Discovery Parks – Darwin
Cosy Up at a Cellar Door
South Australia's Barossa Valley wine region produces some of the best reds in Australia, so there's no better time to find yourself a warm cellar door to cosy up inside, away from the winter cold. It's also one of the best places to go wine tasting. With over 80 cellar doors to choose from, you'll be sure to find your new favourite spot. Many cellar doors these days have plenty to keep the kids entertained while you sample some of the wines!
Image credit: Epic Aussie Road Trip
Though this is wine country, foodies will also feel right at home choosing from the many fantastic food experiences. You can't miss the Barossa Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, with over 50 stallholders offering treats from seasonal, local produce to meats, pantry staples, baked sweets, and everything in between.
If you're looking to hone your cooking skills, head to The Farm Eatery when you can enjoy delicious local food, or take part in one of their many cooking classes.
Nearest Parks: Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley or Gawler Caravan Park
Hit the Best Winter Slopes
If you're a lover of the cold and snow, then head to Victoria's Alpine Region for a winter adventure! With snow season upon us, you'll be spoilt for choice with a selection of great ski slopes. Base yourself in Bright, where you'll be well-positioned to hit the snow on a few different mountains. If you're a beginner, head to Dinner Plain, which features gentle beginner slopes, or up the ante at neighbouring Mt Hotham, one of Australia's highest alpine villages with downhill runs up to 2.5km long!
Image credit: Visit Melbourne
To fill in your time not on the slopes, head to Red Stag Deer Farm located just outside of Bright, and see their red deer, emus, ostriches, and goats (many of which you can hand feed), or try your hand on their mini-golf course. Sample a local drop and keep warm at one of the nearby cellar doors, distilleries, or breweries!
Nearest Park: Discovery Parks – Bright
Seek Adventure in the Sun
With low humidity and fewer crowds, Australia's winter is arguably the best time to head to the Gold Coast! The average daily temperature still sits at a balmy 22⁰C, so it's warm enough for a dip in the ocean or swimming pool, enjoying a coastal walk, or to relax on the sand beneath clear blue skies. Head to Wave Break Island for a guided snorkel tour, where you'll have the chance to see up to 50 different species of fish!
It's also a great time to hit the theme parks, with queues being much shorter in the off season than the busier summer months. Get your adventure fix at Movie World, Dreamworld, and Sea World with their thrill rides offering endless fun for the whole family, just a short drive apart from each other. Wet'n'Wild also offers plenty of nonstop fun with the water kept at 25⁰C, but don't forget about the chill factor if it comes up breezy and be sure to pack some warmer clothes.
Nearest Parks: Ashmore Palms Holiday Village or Nobby Beach Holiday Village
Watch for Whales
Head to Albany, the oldest town in Western Australia, for the winter months when it's peak whale watching season. The incredible natural harbour of King George Sound is the nursery ground for the endangered Southern Right Whale, and a resting area for the southern migration of the Humpback Whale. It is one of the only places in Southern Australia where you can see the two species sharing the same water space. This nature lover's dream is the ultimate winter destination—just don't forget to bring your binoculars!
If you're looking to keep warm by getting your heart rate up, head to the Torndirrup National Park which features a rugged coastline and many spectacular granite formations including Natural Bridge, The Gap, and The Blowholes. Brush up on your history with a visit to the National ANZAC Centre, The Museum of the Great Southern, and the Historic Whaling Station.
Nearest Parks: Acclaim Rose Gardens Beachside Holiday Park or Albany Gardens Tourist Park
Explore Australia's Winter Events
The stunning coastal town of Byron Bay in New South Wales is a mecca of events throughout winter in Australia, providing plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Head to the Byron Music Festival, showcasing local talent, or the Byron Writers Festival with feature events and workshops to suit lovers of all genres. Byron is a hub for talented creatives, and there's no better way to immerse yourself than by visiting the Byron Bay Markets, held on the first Sunday of every month.
Image credit: NSW Tourism
Mild winter temperatures mean Byron's beautiful beaches are still a must-visit, but you also can't miss the hinterland with its rolling green hills, historic towns, and lush rainforests. Explore the World Heritage-listed rainforest in Nightcap National Park, along with the Minyon Falls, which drop a dizzying 100m. You'll be sure to work up an appetite, so grab a meal in the hinterland which features some of the best fine dining in the region.
Nearest Parks: Glen Villa Resort or Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
Hike Through the Snow
Tasmania's natural beauty means its hikes are stunning outdoor adventures at any time of year. Try tackling them during a snowy winter and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment like nothing else! The iconic Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park features many hikes to suit all fitness levels and gives you the chance to discover the snowy mountain landscape from a new angle in the cooler weather. Just make sure you've packed for the weather conditions!
Winter is also the best time to try to spot the Aurora Australis with a hot chocolate in hand, during the darkest months in Tasmania. It's almost impossible to predict the best time and place to see the lights, but being as far south from light pollution on a clear, cloud-free, cool night is your best bet.
You also can't go past the exquisite Tassie cuisine, many of which are at their peak in the winter months such as oysters, scallops, and truffles, as well as two of Tassie's favourite beverages—pinot noir and single malt whisky.
Nearest Park: Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain
Keen to find more of the best Australian winter escapes, from the Gold Coast to Cradle Mountain?
This list is only the tip of the iceberg—if you're on the lookout for a caravan park near Far North Queensland, Kangaroo Island, the Great Barrier Reef, the Adelaide Hills, Alice Springs, the Sunshine Coast, the Australian Capital Territory ... G'day Parks has all the best winter destinations covered.
Whether you're chasing warm weather on a weekend getaway or embarking on a winter wonderland road trip, G'day Parks has the best winter getaways up our sleeve. Search and book now via the G'day Parks app or online.
