Australia’s not just about impossibly white sand beaches and beautiful swimming spots (although we do those very well). Here are some ideas for winter holidays in every state.
Tasmania
Take a foodie road trip
If good food is your thing, rent a car and eat your way around beautiful Tasmania. From world class restaurants in Hobart, to apple country in the Huon Valley, to oysters in Port Arthur, the premium wines of the Tamar Valley to the fresh fish of Stanley and so much more, you certainly won’t be short of options. Perfect winter indulgence.
New South Wales
Hit that powder
New South Wales is home to three ski resorts in the Snowy Mountains, including the largest one in the Southern Hemisphere. Try downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding or night skiing - depending on what you fancy. Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte are all now officially open for the season, so get there soon!
South Australia
Immerse yourself in Australian wine culture
Fly into Adelaide and take your pick from the Clare Valley, the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula wine regions, all between one and two hours from the city centre. Get stuck into some of those amazing reds to warm you up and pair them with the incredible produce (don’t miss Adelaide Central Market) direct from growers and artisans - or cooked to perfection in one of the many outstanding restaurants all around the region. Adelaide’s wines are world renowned for a reason, find out why.
Northern Territory
Take a Red Centre adventure
For those who find the thought of the extreme summer heat in the NT too much, winter is a great time to embark on a Red Centre road trip. Fly into Alice Springs and drive via the stunning gorge at Simpson’s Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Kings Canyon to magical Uluru and Kata Tjuta. You don’t find terrain like this in many places, and these natural wonders of the world will truly take your breath away.
Victoria
Get your shop and culture on in Melbourne
When temperatures drop, indulge yourself in a Melbourne City break. Shop till you drop, whether it be in well-known brand name stores, independent boutiques or quirky arts and homeware stores. See a show at the East End Theatre District or head to the Southbank precinct – where you’ll find The Arts Centre, MTC, Malthouse, Recital Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria. Of course you’ll never go hungry in this city, known so well for its culinary clout.
Queensland
Connect with nature on both land and water
Rent a car and drive from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads to learn about Aboriginal culture with a guided walk along a beautiful rainforest walkway wrapped around Jellurgal, a mountain of great significance to the local people. Meet a traditional land owner and hear the Jellurgal creation Dreamtime stories and learn about the life and practices of the Yugambeh speaking people. There’s lots more to do in this area too including whale watching as the humpbacks migrate from June to October.
Western Australia
Glamping in Ningaloo
It’s still warm enough to swim in winter in Western Australia so why not fly to Learmonth Airport, hire a car and head to Ningaloo reef where you can swim with the famous whale sharks from April through to July. Ningaloo is the only place on the planet where such large numbers of these amazing creatures visit so close to land. Be assured that strict protections are in place to ensure they stay safe when tours are in place.
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Images courtesy of Tourism Australia.
