Australia’s glorious summers get all the attention, but travelling in winter shouldn’t be overlooked. Full of unexpected events, surprising stays and exceptional experiences, the low season also comes with domestic holiday deals hot enough to turn even a devout sun-lover into a bona fide winter person. Here are 14 you can’t miss.
What could be more warming than a weekend retreat with a soak in the mineral-rich waters of a hot spring. Head to the Mornington Peninsula, 80km southeast of Melbourne, and make the most of a Peninsula Hot Springs and Glamping at Yurt Hideaway deal. It includes a one- or two-night stay in a luxury yurt, a pamper pack on arrival, two hot springs passes and late check-out from $570.
Shake things up with a visit to Tangalooma Island Resort, an island paradise in Brisbane’s backyard. Its Tangalooma Adventure package includes three nights with return boat transfers from Brisbane and exciting adventures, including a six-minute helicopter tour and 4WD desert safari tour, an ATV tour or whale watching cruise and a wild dolphin experience. It’s from $1110 twin share until July 12.
Winter doesn’t have to involve shivering. Embrace a different kind of chill with a stay at the five-star Cicada Lodge at Nitmiluk Gorge, near Katherine in the Northern Territory. This two-night package includes sunset drinks and canapes as well as a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, which will immerse you in Jawoyn culture as you marvel at the spectacular scenery. Book before June 30.
Thredbo is continuing to up the ante, securing its position as Australia’s ultimate snow playground for another year. The resort just opened its new Alpine Coaster, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, with 1.5km of track that allows passengers to travel at up to 40km/h through a tunnel, over a bridge and around circles. The resort also just announced a new Olympic-sized half-pipe.
The Cabin Fever Festival is set to warm up the Margaret River region with 10 days of winter-themed food and wine events from July 12-21. More than 40 events will take place from Margaret River to Busselton, showing off the best local produce as well as award-winning wines and live entertainment. Tickets are selling fast.
Few things spark more delighted kids’ squeals than an afternoon of tobogganing. Novotel Canberra’s new Snowplay Package includes a night at the hotel with a full-service buffet breakfast and a two-hour snow session at the beautiful Corin Forest (45 minutes away) including toboggan hire until August 31. Take the kids to make snow angels, build a snowman, throw snowballs and warm up by a crackling fire.
Winter in the Flinders Ranges comes with stunning views of the Milky Way. Rawnsley Park Station, 415km north of Adelaide, offers a helicopter flight to the top of Chace Range, where you dine by a cosy campfire and sleep under the stars. Enjoy 15 per cent off until July 31.
It’s always a good idea to visit the mighty Murray River, but have you ever explored there by train? Take the Riverlander from Melbourne to Deniliquin with Slow Rail Journeys, stopping in the historic town of Echuca to cruise along the river by paddle steamer and visiting nearby Moama to see the Winter Lights Festival. This fully hosted tour includes all meals and it’s so popular it’s running twice this year, with trips departing on July 19 and July 26.
Escape distraction and embrace solitude at Sabi with an exhilarating ice plunge. You’ll bathe in a barrel bath on a private deck with forest views, before heading to the stone and timber cabin to warm back up. This beautiful Japanese-inspired retreat sits on a hillside overlooking Binalong Bay, a two-hour drive or so from Launceston, and the experience is included with bookings of three nights or more until August 31.
Nothing warms the soul quite like a hot pretzel. That’s one of the delicious European-themed eats on offer as Dreamworld transforms for Winterfest, from June 29 to July 14. The Gold Coast theme park will have a range of snowy surprises, including a full-size pop-up ice skating rink, an ice slide, a scavenger hunt and more. Single-day tickets start at $95. Buy online to save $10 on the gate price.
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has partnered with the British Museum to bring 3000 years of culture and more than 500 objects to Australia for its new Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Pharaoh exhibition. Enjoy late-night entry with NGV Friday Nights until October 4, with a constantly changing musical line-up featuring sounds from Africa and the Middle East.
Get cosy in front of a roaring fire with Chateau Elan’s Winter Romance Package, which includes a onenight midweek stay in a luxurious onebedroom apartment in the Hunter Valley, as well as buffet breakfast, local cheese platter and a bottle of Hunter Shiraz, from $369 until August 31. Add a discounted spa treatment for an additional $199 per person.
Sovereign Hill, an open-air Gold Rush museum 90 minutes west of Melbourne, transforms in winter. By day, faux snow falls in the streets, which are filled with food, theatre and activities. By night, it’s home to Winter Wonderlights and the heritage buildings come alive with spectacular light installations. This family-friendly event runs from June 28 until July 21.
Sydney’s Festival of Dangerous Ideas promises two days of bold, audacious and thought-provoking discussion from August 24-25. The event, held at Carriageworks, celebrates original thought and gives audiences access to thought leaders, culture creators and radical artists from around the world. It’s the perfect winter activity for curious minds – program is coming soon.
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