6 of the top places for winter holidays in Australia

Dreaming of a winter getaway? Whether you’re keen to hit the ski slopes or escape to warmer weather, here are six ideas for your next trip.

Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), is expecting a “bumper winter snow season” with Aussies flocking to ski fields in New South Wales and Victoria. A number of resorts in New South Wales and Victoria have announced they will be opening early following strong snowfalls.

“We’re also seeing a bit of a return to normal patterns in Far North Queensland where Southerners who previously haven’t been able to head north for their annual winter–summer vacation are now escaping their winter to go to a lovely warm location.”

Here are some of the places he expects will be popular this winter.

1. New South Wales ski fields

If you’ve decided to hit the slopes, New South Wales is home to four snow resorts – Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort. The resorts and nearby villages are located within Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains and are about a five and a half hour drive from Sydney.

Perisher and Thredbo are the two most popular resorts. Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere and offers plenty of runs for skiers and snowboarders to choose from, while Thredbo is home to Australia’s longest ski runs and is also known for its European-style alpine village.

2. Victoria ski fields

If you’re south of the border, head to the High Country to discover Victoria’s alpine resorts. Victoria’s major snow resorts are Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham.

Mount Buller is a few hours away from Melbourne, making it ideal for day-trippers as well as those after a longer holiday. Falls Creek is Victoria’s largest alpine resort and is known for its cross country trails. Mount Hotham is regarded as Australia’s ‘powder capital’ and is Victoria’s highest ski resort, giving visitors a 360 degree view over the slopes.

3. Whitsundays

If you’re keen to escape the winter chills, the Whitsundays offers average winter temperatures of between 18 and 25 degrees. The Whitsundays is located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and it is home to 74 islands, including the popular Hamilton Island and luxe Hayman Island.

Winter is the ‘dry season’ in the Whitsundays, meaning you can get crystal-clear water ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. June to September is also whale watching season with humpback whales migrating north from the Antarctic.

4. Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is sunny year-round and in winter you can expect temperatures of between 12.5 degrees and 21.5 degrees. The Gold Coast’s main attraction is its beaches and in winter water temperatures are between 21.5 and 22.6 degrees on average, meaning it’s often warmer in the water than outside of it.

If you’re after a cooler winter experience, head to the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland. The Hinterland has maximum winter temperatures of around 16 degrees. Explore Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park or head to one of the many vineyards.

5. Noosa

Winter can be a good time to travel to Noosa as the weather is still warm and there are fewer crowds to contend with. The temperature averages about 20 degrees, but dips to about 10 degrees at nighttime. Soak up the sun at Noosa Heads and head down Hastings Street for its food and fashion.

For a change of scenery, the Noosa Hinterland is just a short drive away. It stretches from Doonan and Lake Weyba down to Eumundi. Soak up the mountain views, explore the national parks and check out the local vineyards and breweries.

6. Byron Bay

Known for its beaches, laidback locals and wellness culture, Byron Bay is another warmer destination to escape to with winter temperatures sitting between 13 and 21 degrees. In winter too, you’ll be more likely to be able to experience the beautiful Main, Clarkes and Wategos beaches without the crowds.

You can also take a scenic drive through Byron Bay Hinterland. Stop in at Bangalow, trek the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia or visit the nation’s most easterly point at the Cape Byron Lighthouse (you might even be able to spot a migrating whale).

While you’re busy planning your trip, also consider whether it’s worth taking out domestic travel insurance. This can help you out if you need to cancel your trip because of sickness, or if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged. Many providers also now offer cover for COVID-19 related claims in certain circumstances.