Best Australian winter escapes

FROM sloshing wine in the Barossa to lounging in Darwin's deckchair cinema - here is Australia's must-do winter travel guide.

Don't miss Mindil Beach Sunset Markets in Darwin, which are spectacular in winter during the dry season. Picture Tourism NT

WINTER is a great time of year to snuggle on the lounge with a book, but it's also the ideal time to see some of the best of what Australia has to offer.

From wine tasting to deckchair cinemas, here is a taste of some of Australia's top travel destinations which are unmissable during winter. State by state, these destinations have been voted on by Escape.com.au readers.

QLD
Surfers Paradise
Australia's most popular holiday destination has everything you need for a fun and relaxing beach break. Sun, surf and sand can be enjoyed all year round at this Gold Coast hot spot, making it the perfect place to escape the winter chills. By day hit the beach, browse the shops in Cavill Mall or take the kids to one of the famous theme parks a short drive away. By night, head along to the beachfront markets, held every Wednesday and Friday.

Not just for schoolies, Surfers Paradise has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget. The same goes for dining, from cheap eats and bistros to award-winning restaurants such as Absynthe at the Q1 building. Until the end of June, catch the inaugural Surfers Paradise Festival, celebrating music, fashion, film and art.

Hot list: Best of Australia

NSW
Sydney
The big city continues to steal the hearts and minds of travellers to New South Wales. Between world-famous landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and the spectacular beaches of Bondi and Manly, it's no wonder. Sydney has a packed calendar of events, festivals and exhibitions throughout the year. It also boasts some of the country's top restaurants - think Quay, Tetsuya's and Rockpool.

The Biennale of Sydney celebrates the best of contemporary art and runs until August 1, while other events include the Alpine Winter Festival from June 24 and Opera Australia's A Little Night Music from June 28.

VIC
Melbourne
The weather might not be one of its strong points, but what Melbourne lacks in sunshine it makes up for in character. Australia's culture capital is living up to its reputation this winter with an onslaught of shows, exhibitions and events across the city. The European Masters exhibition arrives at the National Gallery of Victoria on June 19, showcasing 19th and 20th-century works from Germany's Stadel Museum. At nearby Federation Square, Tim Burton: The Exhibition opens at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image on June 24, while Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition is on at Melbourne Museum until October 17.

For theatre lovers, Mary Poppins The Musical, opens at Her Majesty's Theatre in July and Circus Oz presents its latest show at Birrarung Marr from June 16 to July 11. Foodies can check out restaurants including the famous Vue de Monde, Pearl and Gordon Ramsay's latest venture, Maze. Last but not least, explore Melbourne's laneways - Block Place, Degraves St and Hardware Lane are but a lively few.

TAS
Hobart
It might be Australia's smallest capital city, but Hobart is big on history. Beautifully restored Georgian buildings and colonial cottages abound, with almost 60 heritage-listed in the city centre alone. Walk from City Hall up Macquarie St to Harrington St, down towards Salamanca Place and back along Davey St to see them all. There are plenty of heritage trails in Hobart, along with beautiful gardens, streetscapes and, of course, the harbour, the final destination of the famous Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race.

Hobart has a relaxed pace and it's easy to get around. The city's winter festivals program, Lumina, runs until late August.

WA
Margaret River
Western Australia's famous wine country beat Perth to the title of the state's most popular travel destination. Margaret River has a young and vibrant wine industry. Its first vines were planted a little over 40 years ago in 1967 and it is now home to 120 wine producers in the region. Between beautiful vineyards and spectacular surf beaches, the scenery will take your breath away. It's no coincidence the Margaret River Classic and Margaret River Pro surf competitions are held here annually.

Award-winning restaurants and cafes can be found throughout the region, while events including the Leeuwin Estate concerts and Margaret River Wine Region Festival are popular with locals and tourists alike. A variety of accommodation options are available, from luxury retreats and trendy hotels to budget lodges and camping sites.

NT
Darwin
The tropical and multicultural capital of the Northern Territory is famous for its vibrant markets and extraordinary harbour. Darwin's proximity to Asia makes it an important Australian gateway to countries such as Indonesia and East Timor. It is also the perfect base from which to explore the World Heritage-listed Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks as well as the Tiwi Islands.

Visitors to the Top End can hand-feed fish at Doctors Gully, head along to the 1930s Burnett House or check out the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, at the wharf precinct. You can also visit the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, taking place from August 12-14, and don't miss Mindil Beach night markets.

SA
Barossa Valley
Experience the glorious beauty of one of the world's best winemaking regions at Barossa Valley. Its soft rolling hills and fertile valleys are lined with vineyards owned by some of the country's best known winemakers including Yalumba, Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Jacob's Creek and Seppeltsfield. As well as all the big names, the Barossa Valley is also home to smaller labels including Henschke and Grant Burge.

Just as good as tasting wines from cellar door to cellar door is taking in the extraordinary architecture of the region, from the grand chateaux of Yalumba and Tanunda to the colonial glory of Grant Burge. The region is also starting to build a reputation for fine dining, with restaurants such as Appellation at luxury retreat The Louise offering an inspired and modern menu. The Barossa Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning and don't forget the Barossa Gourmet Weekend of food, wine and music is on August 21-22.

Hot list: Best of Australia

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