Best Winter Holiday Destinations In Australia

When we think of Australian holidays we commonly think of sun-soaked afternoons by the beach and bright days exploring the major cities, but have you ever considered a red-tinged Winter holiday?

More than just the land of sparkling beaches and incredible architecture, Australia is covered in incredible road trip destinations perfect for a visit during the cooler weather. With the weather cooling down and the tourists retreating from the beach, Winter is the perfect time to hire a car and hit the road to visit these incredible Winter holiday destinations.

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is by far one of Australia’s most popular road trips during Winter, and for good reason. Running along the Victorian and South Australian coastline, the Great Ocean Road is dotted with quaint towns, breathtaking formations and adrenaline-pumping adventures, providing plenty of opportunities for you to step out of your comfort zone and explore. Running for 243 kilometres, we highly recommend taking at least three days to enjoy everything that the Great Ocean Road has to offer. Book a hotel in Lorne, Apollo Bay or Torquay, and ensure you stop by iconic places such as The Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge and the incredible Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles lookouts are also the perfect place to see Fairy Penguins and whales if you’re lucky!

Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

While a trip to the southern lands of Tasmania during winter may not be for the faint of heart, we can promise you that it will be totally worth it. Think untouched beaches, hidden rocky coves and incredible natural rainforest. Enough said!

One of Australia’s more hidden treasures, Freycinet National Park is known for its dramatic granite mountains leading down to crystal clear ocean and sparkling white beaches. With plenty of hiking trails, guided tours and cosy accommodation to help you feel at home, you’ll be able to easily whittle away an entire week exploring this incredible part of the country. Book yourself in with Freycinet Lodge, Saffire Freycinet or Freycinet on the Bay, or book a Tasmanian Adventure and let an experienced local guide show you the best spots.

Dandenong Ranges, Victoria

Not afraid of a little cold weather? Then a trip to the Dandenong Ranges needs to go on the list!

One of the most iconic mountain ranges in Victoria, the Dandenong Ranges are packed with old-world charm. Home to the Yarra Valley, Puffing Billy, fine spirits and plenty of scones, you’ll find plenty to do among the mountains, as well as plenty of quaint hotels and retreats to rug up in. Head down to the Yarra Valley to indulge in some of the region’s finest cheese and wine (we recommend visiting the iconic Yarra Valley Dairy, Coombe Vineyard or Helen and Joey Estate), or head up into the mountains and book yourself onto the iconic Puffing Billy, one of Australia’s oldest and most famous steam trains.

Margaret River, Western Australia

We’re certainly not afraid of a good road trip, and when it involves a trip to the Margaret River wineries, it’s even better.

Nestled in the South-western most corner of the country in between Perth and Albany, the Margaret River is by far one of the most popular wineries to visit on a winter road trip. Home to over 150 wineries and boasting plenty of bright, brisk days, spend your time jumping between wineries and sampling the world-class wines on offer, or indulge your sweet tooth and visit Gabriel Chocolate or the Margaret River Chocolate Company, two of WA’s most famous chocolatiers.

The Margaret River region is also famous for whale watching, so if you head down during the second half of the year, make sure you book a whale watching tour with our leisure team!

The Barossa Valley, South Australia

One of the world’s greatest wine regions, if you consider yourself a fan of red wine and lazy weekends away, a trip to the Barossa Valley is a must. Located about an hour out of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley’s thriving food and wine scene and strong European Heritage leaves plenty of room for romantic adventures, with over 150 wineries and dozens of retreats dotting the gently rolling hills.

While the vines aren’t lush and green during the cooler season, for wine-lovers, there are still plenty of adventures to be had in this tipsy haven. Curl up next to a fire in the Novotel, Barossa Shiraz Estate or Jacobs Creek Estate, attend a wine tasting at one of the many local cellar doors, or take a pleasant stroll through the lush pastures. We highly recommend booking a winery tour to make the most of your experience.

If you don’t consider yourself such a wine lover, or want to explore everything that the Barossa Valley has to offer, Hot Air Ballooning is a fantastic way to take in the sunrise and explore the valley from a new angle. The Barossa Valley is also home to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, which is a must-do during any trip to South Australia!

While Australia is often considered a popular summer holiday destination, the vast mountain ranges, world-renowned wineries and endless ocean roads offer plenty of opportunities for a winter adventure. Whether you’re after a romantic weekend away, a great Australian road trip or you’re looking to book a more complex group tour, our experienced team of leisure consultants will be able to create a tailored itinerary to suit your needs and ideal budget. To find out more about our available holidays and how we can create the perfect holiday for you, get in touch today.