Winter in the southern hemisphere (June – August) can be a sad occasion for many in Australia.
However, for me, I look forward to saying goodbye to summer’s humid and hot days and am happy to exchange those bikinis, singlets and shorts for something more cosy and warm.
Winter is also the best time of the year to explore a range of destinations in Australia that is a bit too hot in the summertime.
So, if you are wanting a warm winter escape here are my top warm winter holidays in Australia to visit.
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Whitsundays, Queensland
This is an iconic destination in it’s own right. As the getaway point to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays is a tropical paradise that will leave you breathless.
There are 74 islands in the Whitsundays leaving you scratching your head on where to begin. My favourite island spots to explore are Hamilton Island, Long Island, Whitehaven Beach and Whitsundays Islands National Park. Top activities to try are jet skiing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, beach lazing, cocktails by the pool, and ocean dinner cruises.
Whitsunday Islands National Park Lookout
Whitsundays Island National Park Beach
To discover the Whitsundays during winter is a must as the weather is on point – comfortable, refreshing, warm (around 22-23 degrees celsius), dry and sunny.
Port Douglas, Queensland
Another favourite during winter is Port Douglas located in Far North Queensland approximately 70km from Cairns. Port Douglas is a diverse destination serving up two world heritage listed areas on a platter – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
There are a lot of activities and attractions to indulge in whether its adventure, outdoors, spa and wellness, budget or family-friendly focused. Some of my favourite things to do here are: Four Mile Beach, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda half-day trip, see a crocodile at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, take a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef and jump on a cruise out to Green Island.
Barron Falls, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Winter temperatures in Port Douglas average from 19-24 degrees celsius and its dry, low humidity and of course, the best time to swim to avoid the notorious box jellyfish.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Famed for its relaxed lifestyle and beautiful beach and ocean views, is the rural town of Byron Bay. It’s also a popular getaway for the rich and famous with the likes of Chris Hemsworth (aka Thor) living there in his downtime.
Located in north New South Wales and approximately two hours from Gold Coast, Byron Bay is another warm winter holiday spot with clear skies and average daily temperature of 20 degrees celsius.
A perfect spot to relax and recharge the batteries and embrace its hippy-esque, yoga loving vibe. There’s a bunch of things to do here as well. From beach lazing, surfing (bring a wetsuit though water is a little chilly), checking out the lighthouse and ocean views, roaming the local markets and shops, indulging in the many cafes, find your inner Zen at Crystal Castle or go whale watching.
Uluru, Northern Territory
If all else fails head north to Uluru which is bound to be warm. Winter is the best time to visit the Red Centre as its dry season and the heat is comfortable, unlike summer. Average winter day temperatures are around 20 degrees celsius however bring warm clothing, as the Red Centre desert gets cold during the night.
Uluru is a bucket-list item for Australia and there’s a variety of things to do while there. Activities include camel riding through the sand dunes, bushwalking, jumping on an indigenous-guided tour, visiting the cultural centre, watching the sunrise or sunset over Ayers Rock and dining under the stars.
Tell us where your favourite warm winter holidays in Australia are?
