Australia's top seven winter destinations

Sure, there’s plenty of wintery adventures to be had on Australia’s snow fields, but the chillier months present an opportunity to experience popular destinations in a totally different way.

Get your coat and grab your hat! As the temperature drops, it’s time to embrace winter and celebrate the seasonal differences with one of these perfect winter destinations.

Blue Mountains, NSW

Blue Mountains, NSW

This beautiful national park offers the awe-inspiring Three Sisters and Scenic World to get those enviable selfies. For the more romantically inclined, take to the tracks on horseback or simply watch the mists swirl into the valley by a roaring fire in one of the region’s many small bars.

With an impressive range of facilities and services, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains offers comfortable and affordable accommodation close to scenic walks and other attractions, such as Wentworth Falls.

Melbourne, VIC

Melbourne is an ultimate winter escape, with sport, theatre, art and of course food to suit all types of travellers. Take in an AFL game at the MCG, enjoy a musical at Regent Theatre, spend a few hours exploring what’s on show at the National Gallery of Victoria - the list really does go on and on.

While you decide what to do, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in the perfect winter hot chocolate or coffee at the almost endless number of cafes. You should also put aside some time for shopping, especially for the Night Markets at the Queen Victoria Market.

From winter fireworks and Solstice Celebration, to Fed Square’s ice rinks, there is much to do during winter in Melbourne, making the city perfect for a ‘wintervention weekend’ or a week.

There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from in Melbourne. If you’re after comfort and convenience but trying to stick to a budget, the Victoria Hotel on Little Collins Street is a short walk from many of the city’s most popular spots.

If you’re after a more up-market experience, Southbank’s plush Quay West Suites will place you right in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant arts precinct.

Canberra, ACT

Canberra is rapidly evolving as a fun destination for girls’ weekends as well as families. The cool bars and restaurants of our nation’s capital often feature roaring fires and contrast well with the out-of-doors activities. Hire a bike and cycle the Kingston foreshore or rug up well for a bracing hike around the Australian National Arboretum for the best views of the city. There is plenty of museum fun for the kids, housing some of our greatest national treasures, or head to the Old Bus Station Markets on Sunday mornings for hand-crafted wares, clothing, jewellery and the region’s tastiest morsels.

The four-star Mercure Canberra offers tourists a charming combination of old architecture and modern comfort close to the city centre. Or, to keep you right amongst the action, Novotel Canberra is close to the city’s beautiful and iconic lake, as well as all the drama of Parliament House.

Launceston, Tasmania

Launceston, Tasmania

The preserved Colonial and elegant Victorian architecture of Launceston makes for a vividly different destination. If you can draw straws for designated driver, the Tamar Valley Wine Route is a must, as it’s considered to be in the top ten wine trails in the world with its 32 different vineyards. Allow a few days to explore the Cradle to Coast food trails or follow produce from paddock to plate food trails.

Launceston also has plenty of comfort food on offer to soften winter’s bite. Allow a few days to explore the Cradle to Coast and Paddock to Plate food trails.

The The Sebel Launceston hotel is located within the city centre and just minutes away from the seaport. It’s located just less than a kilometer from the Tamar River, and offers boutique accommodation with many rooms featuring balconies to takin the full view of the breathtaking scenery.

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Southern Highlands, NSW

Southern Highlands, NSW

Being stuck in the city during the depths of winter can become depressing. There’s no better cure for the urban winter blues than an escape to the countryside.
From the celebrated Bradman Museum and International Hall of Fame, to the antique specialists around the town, Bowral, located amongst the gentle rolling hills of the Southern Highlands, certainly doesn’t lack tourist attractions.

A visit to the Milk Factory art gallery and exhibition space in the town’s centre should dispel any notion that rural Australia has nothing to offer the tourist interested in contemporary culture. Enjoy lunch among the diverse array of art works before heading off to the Bowral Lookout to take in the picturesque view of the town and surrounding countryside.

The Southern Highlands can be best explored from the relaxed apartment-style accommodation at Sebel Bowral Heritage Park. From here, you can take in a few rounds at the Bowral Gold Club or relax and enjoy the pool and fitness centre

Margaret River, Western Australia

Margaret River, Western Australia

Just three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River Region is home to beautiful scenery, premium wineries and beautiful architecture.

Surrounded by lush forests that meet the ocean, the town centre is bustling with culture, with many foodie restaurants, wine bars, breweries and pubs complete with live music to fill the atmosphere.

Wine drinkers will be able to taste award-winning wine at one of the amazing vineyards around town, and you’ll be able to stock up on fresh produce at the Farmers Markets every Saturday morning.

For those who are a bit more adventurous, why not travel down to the Lake and Mammoth Caves, only a 20 minute drive from town, and end the day by watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean at Surfer’s Point in Prevelly.

Relax, unwind and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean from the balcony of your own contemporary, bungalow-style villa at Pullman, Bunker Bay Resort. Featuring boardwalk access to the white sands of the beach, an outdoor heated pool, day spa and outdoor tennis courts, you can appreciate the beauty of this region from magnificent 5-star luxury.

Barossa Valley, South Australia

The Barossa is the perfect getaway for foodies and wine-lovers alike, with an abundance of fine wineries and restaurants. Boasting some of world’s best wines, there is nothing quite like snuggling up with a fine bottle of wine in front of an open fire. When not enjoying the local fare, there are plenty of beautiful, scenic drives with stops to stock up the wine cellar on the way. Or pause amongst the scenery to appreciate some of the interesting architecture, such as the 19th century stone cottages from early German settlers to the area.

Four-star accommodation can be found just across from Jacobs Creek Vineyard at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, offering pleasant views of the surrounding hills.