Amazing Places To Escape The Cold This Winter
- Family
All Ages
The colder weather has finally started to set in, which can only mean one thing for Sydneysiders and Melbournites, it’s time to start planning your winter escape! Due to travel restrictions, Aussie's are relatively limited to exploring our own backyard (or New Zealand—check out some epic skiing options here!), so here are our top picks for Australian getaways that will help you escape the cold this winter.
1. Daydream Island
If picturesque island beauty is on your wishlist for a winter escape this year, look no further than Queensland's stunning Daydream Island. Known as the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef, this unique destination has something for every type of visitor—regardless of age or stage. We're talking plenty of restaurant and bar options, plus tropical vistas from pool and gardens to Reef and beyond—all whilst being home to all of the inhabitants of their very own Living Reef; the centrepiece of the island.
There's plenty on offer for the littlest visitors too—all of whom are sure to delight in getting to know more than 100 species of fish, 80 species of coral and plenty of starfish and crabs—in-between swims and non-motorised water activities, of course! Other things to do include an educational tour of the coral propagation program organised by the Island's marine biologists, snorkelling, helicopter, sailboat or jet ski adventures, as well as coral beaches, an outdoor cinema, gym facilities and a jaw-dropping pool landscape. Sign us up!
2. Uluru
Uluru is the ultimate bucket-list destination; bursting with beautiful sights, plenty of culture and stunning nature to immerse yourself in. In winter, the weather can still get up to the low-20s in winter—making it a great time to be going with kids!
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is a great place to introduce kids to the significance of the sights they're seeing. There are chances to walk, bike ride, helicopter, bus and hike around Uluru throughout the day and at sunrise and sunset—with each experience offering a new element to discover. The well-known Ayers Rock Resort is a super family-friendly resort, brimming with tonnes of different accommodation options and fun things to do.
3. Cairns
Anytime you decide to holiday in Tropical North Queensland with the family, is frankly the perfect time to go thanks to its year-round glorious climate. It's also home to one of the country's most popular BIG4 resorts—Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort.
The resort is a family-friendly way to have a wonderful staycation in a tropical location. The park has a list of facilities as long as your arm that suit all types of families on all types of budgets, plus 14 different styles of accommodation. Onsite facilities include a super fun waterpark with splash bucket, giant jumping pillows, adventure playgrounds, mini-golf, pools, tennis courts, kids movies, go-karts, toddler indoor and outdoor playgrounds, plus a pool and the list goes on and on and on.
If you manage to get bored of the park (which let's face it, is highly unlikely) you're close to shops, tourist attractions including the Daintree Rainforest and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef.
4. Kingscliff
Kingscliff is a wonderful location on the NSW far north coast, only 15 minutes from Gold Coast Airport and 30 minutes from Byron Bay. It's home to two world-class surfing breaks and reefs with soft white beaches, it's a kayaker's and cyclist's paradise, there are animal encounters galore, plus you have so many mouth-watering food options, as well as markets and shops AND World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park on your doorstep.
What's more, the weather averages around the low-to-mid 20s during the winter months, making it the perfect place to escape the colder weather!
5. Darwin
The best time to visit Darwin is during the Australian winter months, from June to late September. Visiting Darwin and nearby Kakadu makes you feel like a tourist in your own country—it's so far removed from our southern cities that you gain a newfound appreciation for the wonderful country we live in and your kids will feel it, too. Darwin is so much more than just crocodiles and Cyclone Tracey.
There are the family-friendly Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, the free water and recreational lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront precinct, the deckchair cinemas (watch out for the possums!), the history, the Aboriginal culture, the museums, the parks, and the gardens, and it's home to some seriously amazing sunsets. And of course, there’s the wonder of Kakadu and Litchfield National Park!
6. Noosa
A true jewel of Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is one of the most popular family holiday destinations in Australia - and for good reason. This bustling seaside town has a truly unique feel to it, and it's perfect for family holidays thanks to a vibrant food scene, plenty of lakes, national parks, hinterland and beaches that are ripe for exploration. Access to a host of activities that will keep energetic youngsters occupied all holiday long is a plus, too!
If your kids are fans of the great outdoors, there is no end of things to see and do. Whether it's action on a jet ski or relaxing on a tranquil sandy beach or getting to know the diverse range of local wildlife—there's something for every type of family in Noosa.
7. Lord Howe Island
Another destination for the bucket list—if you don’t like being surrounded by tourists and just need to recharge and reconnect with the family, then Lord Howe Island is the perfect place for you. Only 400 visitors are allowed on the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Island at any one time and it's actually only 600km northeast from Sydney (less than the drive from Sydney to Byron!). The flight “over” seas really does make you feel like you are, well going overseas, when in fact, you haven’t left New South Wales.
Thanks to the surrounding warm seas, the climate remains mild all year round and average temps for winter are predicted to be around 20 degrees.
This is a place for nature lovers as 75 per cent of the Island is protected, leaving the most pristine environment, aquamarine park and an abundance of wildlife! See you there!
8. Broome
A true jewel of WA, Broome is bursting with beautiful beaches, picturesque waters, plenty of wildlife and a tropical climate that makes winter a really comfortable time to visit.
Broome is the gateway to The Kimberleys—one of the world's great wildernesses. It's the perfect destination for a family road trip, and you can experience some of Broome's most iconic things to do—like a camel ride on Cable Beach, learn all about the history of pearl farming, kayak with the region's diverse marine life and meet the ultra-adorable snubfin dolphin!
Weather Tips
While the temperatures in the places listed will provide a welcome respite from both Sydney and Melbourne climates (particularly lookin' at you, Melbourne), they can still get pretty chilly at night during winter, so make sure you pack lots of layers for your littles (and yourself!).
More Family Getaway Ideas
Why NRMA Holiday Parks Are Perfect For Families
5 Awesome Australian Islands That Are Great For Kids
Ultimate Guide to Camping with the Family
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