Aussies share their favourite winter destinations

From Ningaloo to Tasmania, these are Australia's favourite winter getaways.

From the sun dappled reefs of Western Australia to the darkest depths of Tasmania, here's where Aussies like to spend their winter holidays.

Aussies are taking to Reddit to reveal their favourite winter holiday destinations, and there are some absolute stunners among their picks. 

There are also some great ideas for sunny places you can still escape to, even during the coldest time of year. 

As Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager for Airbnb, Australia and New Zealand recently shared with Escape, winter is a great time for travellers to have the best of both worlds, because you can "head overseas for a dream Euro summer trip, or stay local and explore some of the warmer locations on your own doorstep such as Cairns, Gold Coast and Noosa."

"Or for culture vultures - head to the likes of Melbourne and Tasmania."

Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, where you can swim with whale sharks, also got a shout out.

The whole gamut was recently on display in Reddit's r/Australia community, after Reddit user r/snaphappyadventurer asked other Aussies: "Cold weather is coming: where are you favourite aussie winter getaway destinations?" Here are the top answers.

Tasmania

The top response came from Reddit user r/stankas, who wrote: "Tasmania in the middle of winter is wonderful."

Tasmania in winter is something else.

They're not wrong, with Tasmania's spectacular scenery taking on an enchanted quality during winter. Not only is winter the best time to see the southern lights (and then to warm up with a whiskey tasting), but it's also a great time to experience some of Tasmania's best events, like MONA's Dark Mofo festival in June, and the Huon-Valley-Mid-Winter festival in July.

The Whitsundays, Queensland

The next most upvoted winter destination in the thread (other than "In front of a fire with a cup of tea and a good book") was The Whitsundays, a spectacular group of islands off Queensland where you can snorkel The Barrier Reef and see some of the world's best beaches, of which Reddit user r/ortho85 wrote: "Can see the whales if you're lucky... also some wallabies on some islands."

The Whitsundays are a great way to get your vitamin D fix in winter.

Although early spring is prime time to visit The Whitsundays, winter is great too, with balmy 25 degree days common, sunlight plentiful, and snorkelling conditions pristine thanks to the cooler weather. There is also hiking and The Great Barrier Reef festival at Airlie Beach from August 4-7.

The NSW South Coast

The next suggestion was the NSW South coast, which Reddit user r/Willing_Television77 talked up for its "fishing, fire and refreshments."

The South Coast of NSW is a sublime place to escape the maddening Sydney crowds.

The NSW south coast in winter is another great choice, with all sorts of activities available, from curling up with a good book in a cosy rental, to fishing, swimming with seals, SCUBA diving, surfing and hiking as well as exploring towns like Milton and Bega (to name just a couple).

The Blue Mountains, NSW

Another popular destination was The Blue Mountains, which is a great place to escape to in winter. Though you might assume hiking and camping is better in summer, for many multi-day adventures winter is actually the best time to go, as there is a much smaller bushfire risk, and you've less chance of getting sunstroke.

If you've got a warm sleeping bag, winter is arguably the best time to hike in the Blue Mountains.

For those who want to take it a little easier, there are lots of local breweries and cider houses, as well as a burgeoning cafe and restaurant scene, as well as accommodation ranging from basic backpackers to world renowned luxury. 

Daylesford, Victoria

A classic country escape.

Finally, the country town of Daylesford in Victoria got a mention. It's a popular place to hibernate for a week, drinking in its rustic charm, or relaxing in its mineral spas and bathhouses (or hiking along its Gold Fields Walking Track or shopping at the local markets).

Originally published as Aussies share their favourite winter destinations