Recently, I mentioned Australia as one of the 26 best countries to visit in August, specifically Northern Australia. This is because, while August may fall at the very end of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, it is actually one of the most pleasant times to visit this part of the country, since the usually extreme heat is at its balmiest. There’s nothing quite as special as soaking up some sun and hitting the beach in the middle of winter!
But of course, there is more to Australia than just a technical summer; in fact, there is so much to love about Australia in the wintertime. While many consider it the off-season, an Australian winter offers a unique experience and a variety of notable getaway destinations. So if you’re looking for more than just a sunny escape and wish to embrace all that the season has to offer, here are some of our top winter destinations in Australia.
1. The Victorian Alps or Snowy Mountains, VIC/NSW
It’s an age-old debate: whether Victoria or New South Wales has the best snow. The answer… it doesn’t really matter! Hit the slopes wherever is closest, grab yourself some snowboarding travel insurance, and enjoy some of the best skiing or snowboarding in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Snowy Mountains in NSW are the highest mountain range available and contain Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, a legendary skiing paradise. Falls Creek in Victoria has some of the steepest expert terrain, whereas Mt. Buffalo has some great snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and gentle slopes for downhill skiing. And similarly, Mt. Buller has fun toboggan runs, while Mt. Hotham is considered the powder capital of Australia.
Wherever you decide to shred the gnar, snow sports enthusiasts can keep their season running extra long by switching gears over to Australia in the winter!
2. Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Another Victorian locale that’s perfect for a winter holiday is the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington is just far enough away from the Melbourne CBD that you can escape the busy city life without going too far out into the sticks. The community there is friendly and lovely, and Mornington itself has garnered a strong reputation for being a wellness getaway destination, offering a range of quaint yet luxurious experiences.
One of those is the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, home to both a spa facility and geothermal hot baths. Winters in Victoria can be frigid, so for guests who want to immerse themselves in nature while staying comfortable, this is the perfect venue to explore the natural landscape and enjoy a range of wellness experiences. Pair this all off with a local vintage crafted at one of the numerous wineries in the area, and your winter in Victoria will feel extra warm and fuzzy.
Fine wine and hot water in the middle of July – what more can you really ask for?
3. Cradle Mountain National Park, TAS
For those brave souls willing to endure the cold, there is no finer expedition than the hiking trails of the Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania. Tasmania is a place for all seasons, but there is a distinct beauty here that comes to life when the air is at its chilliest. Cradle Mountain offers a world-class system of walking tracks to explore, ranging from very short, easy strolls to the legendary Overland Track.
This 5-6 day hike stretches 80km from Cradle Mountain through to Lake St. Clair and is an unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s alpine heart. Even if hiking boots and backpacks aren’t really your thing, you will find it hard to resist the allure of the well-formed tracks that lead you to surprising discoveries. Whichever way you look at it, the magic of Cradle Mountain is bound to captivate.
There’s no hiking or camping trip like one in Tasmania, and the wombats and platypuses you may see along the way will agree!
4. Barossa Valley, SA
On the other side of the Bass Strait and west of Melbourne by many hundreds of kilometres, there is South Australia’s crown jewel: the Barossa Valley. Just about an hour’s drive away from Adelaide, the Barossa is quintessential wine country, speckled with all the fare of a country hideaway mingled with a selection of equally impressive luxury resorts. South Australia is known for its shiraz, and what goes better with that than a brisk breeze, local cheese, and a fire at your feet?
There aren’t as many people around and not nearly as many big-ticket attractions here, and that’s okay; all the better to admire the vineyards, meet their winemakers, snap up some bargains, and be among the first to taste some brand new releases. And if you don’t want to be responsible for scouting the best spots in the Barossa yourself, then jump aboard the Barossa Explore bus! This 20-seater coach picks up and drops off around the region at stops including the famous Barossa Valley Brewery, Langmeil Winery, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, and Chateau Tanunda.
For foodies looking to get their winter fix, the Barossa in South Australia is your winter home away from home!
5. Broome, WA
And of course, you can always escape the cold with a warm winter holiday by visiting one of the many eternally sunlit spots in Australia, such as Broome in Western Australia. Broome Town is an eclectic pot of grunge and bohemian, with a touch of posh creeping in. You’ll find great shopping, cafes and restaurants, and the nightlife, which was much wilder when Broome was mostly a pearling town.
Then there’s Cable Beach, likely the real reason you’re there to begin with! Consistently ranked as one of Australia’s best, its 22 km-wide, flat sweeping beach is perfect for beach cricket, polo, long walks, meditation, building sandcastles, and just chillaxing. It’s also a prime spot for 5 PM sunset drinks.
BONUS: Broome is also the gateway to the Kimberly region, one of Australia’s most diverse and stunning natural beauties, so be sure to take a look while you’re there!
Make the Most of Australia’s Winter Adventures
Winter may be considered Australia’s off-season, but it’s actually one of the country’s best-kept travel secrets. From carving through fresh powder in the Alps to unwinding in geothermal hot springs, trekking Tasmania’s alpine wilderness to sampling world-class wines by a roaring fire, or escaping to the tropical sunshine of Broome, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting across the country. Wherever your winter travels take you, planning ahead with the right gear, preparation, and travel insurance can help ensure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons, from travelling in Autumn through Winter to Spring and Summer!