19 Amazing Places In Australia That Are Perfect To Visit In Winter

Chase the sun or embrace the cold. It's totally up to you.

1. El Questro, Kununurra, Western Australia

instagram.com

This wilderness park extends 80 kilometres along the eastern perimeter of the Kimberley region. El Questro closes over the summer wet season, while winter sees temperates in the high 20s and low 30s - perfect for horse riding, fishing, and ~getting away~ from it all.

Hot tip: Take your hiking gear. There are waterfalls to be seen and tracks to be trekked.

2. Barossa Valley, South Australia

instagram.com

Wine in winter is always good - but it's even better when this winter wine is being sipped by a fireplace. If you've been daydreaming about a visit to the vineyard with friends forever, now's the time to make it all a reality.

Hot tip: When (read: if) you get a little tired of wine, head to the farmer's markets that are held every Saturday at the Mount Pleasant Showgrounds. They're also a great place to get a cheeky hangover bacon and egg roll.

3. Falls Creek, Victoria

instagram.com

Snow, snow, wonderful snow! Falls Creek is bloody glorious at any time of year, so schedule in a summer and winter trip to see both pretty sides.

Hot tip: Don't you dare miss the sunrise.

4. Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park, Northern Territory

instagram.com

Located between Uluru and Alice Springs, unlike El Questro, Kings Canyon doesn't close over summer, but the weather is still best this time of year. Ride a camel, go quad biking, hike through a canyon, or just enjoy the camping experience.

Hot tip: Book yourself in for the Desert Moon dining experience. Eat outside with a menu that focuses on fresh Australian produce.

5. Snowy Mountains, New South Wales

instagram.com

If winter means skiing to you, the Snowy Mountains are obviously better to visit when the cold season rolls around. Set yourself up near Jindabyne and visit the surrounding snowfields.

Hot tip: Stay somewhere pretty, so you have a good place to relax when you get too cold and too tired to keep on keeping on. Novotel Lake Crackenback is a 15 minute drive from Thredbo and Perisher, and Moonbah Hut is 15 minutes from Jindabyne. Both are equally wonderful.

6. Coober Pedy, South Australia

instagram.com

The opal capital of the world is much more comfortable to visit in winter, because if the red dirt didn't give it away, this place gets hot in summer. Explore dugout underground homes, and buy some pretty rocks to call your own.

Hot tip: Don't miss the art galleries filled with the work of amazing local talent.

7. Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales

instagram.com

Less than two hours from Sydney and Canberra, this place is perfect for those who are feeling a winter weekend roadtrip - especially if you want to get somewhere with picture-perfect lookouts, walking trials, and amazing places to retreat after a big day, like the shed at Broger's End.

Hot tip: While you're in the area, don't miss the glorious Fitzroy Falls or Gerringong Falls.

8. Pink Lake, Western Australia

instagram.com

If haven't already guessed it - this 600 metre Western Australian lake is pink. Pretty pink! For the best views of the lake, take a walk to the appropriately named Pink Lake lookout and get all the photos your phone can hold.

Hot tip: Pack warm clothes, and enjoy being close to water without the need to go swimming.

9. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

instagram.com

You haven't beach-holidayed until you've done the Whitsundays, and winter is the perfect time to go and thaw out. The perfect place to head if you're into that whole ~paradise~ thing, this QLD spot is also a great place to escape with your favourite person.

Hot tip: Don't leave without taking a flight over the beyond amazing Heart Reef.

10. Blue Mountains, New South Wales

instagram.com

Nothing beats the fresh air of the Blue Mountains, and in winter that fresh air is even crisper. About an hour and a half drive from Sydney, these mountains are dotted with lookouts, cafes, and specialty shops.

Hot tip: Head early in winter for the Blue Mountains Winter Magic Festival. It's over for this year but is an annual occurrence of wintery ~wonder~.

11. Daylesford, Victoria

instagram.com

If you're just so done with winter, you need an escape. Daylesford is the perfect place to go treat yourself to spas and some of the damn best food (and wine) in the country.

Hot tip: If you want this to be a fancy pants getaway, book yourself into Lake House. You might have to max out all of your credit cards, but the joint is top notch.

12. Flinders Ranges, South Australia

instagram.com

If you've got holiday leave banked up and need a mid-year break, a South Australian road trip could be just what you're after. If you feel like a bit of an ~adventure~ hire yourself a 4WD and head off.

Hot tip: Don't miss the Aboriginal rock art in the national park.

13. Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

instagram.com

Tasmania is damn beautiful - it's a fact you can't dispute - and in winter, this beauty is amplified. Make the most of this national park by trekking to Wineglass Bay, and beyond.

Hot tip: If you like birds, head to Moulting Lagoon, and enjoy.

14. Cape Range National Park, Western Australia

instagram.com

With temperatures hitting 50 degrees in summer, it's understandable why winter is the best time to visit this amazing place. Head to the pretty blue Turquoise Bay, and set up camp, or go canoeing while you're here.

Hot tip: Book to stay at Sal Salis, where you can stay in an eco tent by Ningaloo Reef.

15. The Pinnacles, Western Australia

instagram.com

The Nambung National Park, where the amazing Pinnacles are located, is one of this area's biggest attractions - and you don't need an expert to explain why. Drive to the park and enjoy the short 100 metre walk to the formations.

Hot tip: While you're in the area, keep your eyes peeled for the famous WA wildflowers that bloom this time of year.

16. Darwin, Northern Territory

instagram.com

The winter dry season is the best time of year to visit Darwin, which is why the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets run from April to October. Eat, shop, and soak in the pretty, pretty sunset.

Hot tip: Don't eat a thing before you go. Seriously, save all the stomach room you can.

17. Merimbula, New South Wales

instagram.com

The annual whale migration takes place between May and December, with winter being the best time to take off, and go see some big ones. Boats leave from Sydney, but they also leave from this spot on the South Coast, which is luckily also a great place to spend a day out of the city.

Hot tip: Visit between August 14 and 16, and check out the Sapphire Coast Orchid Club's Winter Show.

18. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

instagram.com

This capital city gets damn cold - but it also does a good job at embracing this time of year. If you want to spend your winter eating, drinking, and hanging out by crackling fires, you need to check out the annual Fireside Festival, which runs from August 1 to 31.

Hot tip: Before you book your trip, check the festival's itinerary, and make sure you're getting as much as possible out of your time in the ACT.

19. Margaret River, Western Australia

instagram.com

Proving that the best is generally in the west, the Margaret River has tons to offer in winter. Whale watching runs from June until November, and if you're into surfing big swell, you'll also find your happy place here.

Hot tip: When hunting for the sweetest surf spots, don't forget to check out The Farm and Boneyards.