The best places to travel in Australia this winter

Best for: Water babies

With temperatures sweltering between 30 and 35 degrees, it’s almost too hot to visit the world’s largest fringed reef in summer. But winter? Now we’re talking! The window between June and August is an absolute dream for visiting the Ningaloo Reef, with daytime temperatures hanging in the mid-20s. The ocean temps hover just above, at a very pleasant 22 to 25 degrees, making it comfy enough for swimming, snorkelling and spotting marine life. However, the best reason for visiting Ningaloo in winter is to catch the end of whale shark season! Serious bucket list stuff!

Time Out tip: Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, which migrate through the waters of the Ningaloo from June to October, along with giant manta rays, dugongs and spinner dolphins, who drop by year-round.

Best for: Ski bunnies

Victoria's biggest alpine region transforms into a winter wonderland from June to September, offering some of the country’s best skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Known for its unique upside-down layout (with the village at the summit and the slopes at the base), Mount Hotham is our top pick for a winter snow holiday within the region. As Mount Hotham is nearly a five-hour drive from Melbourne, this resort absolutely requires an overnight stay, or better yet, a very long weekend. For your dedication, you’ll be rewarded with plenty of restaurants and bars to explore, along with snow tubing, tobogganing and terrain park areas when you need a break from the downhill action. 

Time Out tip: Dedicated skiers can save a bit of moolah by purchasing an Epic Australia Pass, which scores you unlimited, season-long entry to Mount Hotham, along with Falls Creek, Perisher and 80 overseas resorts.

Best for: Sun seekers

No need to jet off to Greece for a slice of island paradise this winter, as it’s waiting right here in the Whitsundays. This dreamy destination basks in warm, sunny weather year-round, with its crystal-clear waters comfortably hanging around 22 to 24 degrees. Along with relaxing on the silica-white sands of Whitehaven Beach (ranked fifth best in the world), it’s absolutely essential that you go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. Bonus: winter is stinger-free, so you can even swim without worrying about those pesky jellyfish. 

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for a family-friendly winter holiday, check into The Sundays on Hamilton Island. This waterfront hotel features a stunning waterfront restaurant helmed by award-winning chef Josh Niland, which is worth the trip alone.

Best for: Wine buffs

If you’re picture-perfect winter consists of fireplaces, red wine and cheese platters, Adelaide Hills should be top of your list. South Australia’s most underrated wine region is the easiest to reach by car, located just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD. The cool climate jewel is home to almost 4,000 hectares of vineyards, including 50 big-name and boutique cellar doors, where you can cosy up with a glass of red and enjoy some hearty winter fare. For the ultimate winter treat, book a snug stay at Sequoia Lodge, where you can wake up to misty views of Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens and soak under the stars in a private artesian hot pool.

Time Out tip: If you’re visiting in early winter, stroll the tree-lined streets of heritage-listed Hahndorf – Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement – to catch a glimpse of the fiery red and yellow autumn foliage before it disappears.

Best for: Waterfall chasers

In Australia’s Top End, there are six seasons, each bringing something wonderful to the table. The Dry Season, which runs through winter, is the most popular (and arguably the best) time to hit up Kakadu. With daily temps averaging 30 degrees by day and 17 degrees by night, the floodplains dry out, the major attractions swing open and bird lovers can see thousands of rare water birds frolicking in the shrinking billabongs.

Time Out tip: One of Australia’s most iconic waterfalls, Gunlom Falls, typically reopens during the dry season in mid-late June. Along with the lower plunge pool, it’s worth taking the trail to the natural infinity rock pools at the top.

Best for: Culture vultures

Sure, Canberra experiences a slightly chillier winter than the rest of Australia, but we think that makes it even more magical. Instead of cranking up the heater and bundling yourself in blankets, why not embrace the season? You can check out the latest blockbuster exhibitions at the National Gallery, National Museum or National Portrait Gallery; then warm up in one of Canberra’s top restaurants. Feeling adventurous? You can also go truffle hunting with adorable pooches or take in the cool, crisp air on a hike up to Mount Ainslie Lookout.

Time Out tip: Drive just 40 minutes from Canberra City towards Corin Forest, where you’ll find the longest alpine slide in the Southern Hemisphere. During the colder months, snow machines transform the forest into a winter wonderland with plenty of snow activities for the fam.

Best for: The best of both worlds (sunny-ish days and crisp nights)

With its sun-soaked beaches and sky-high bars, Sydney does summer well. But it also shines as one of the best winter sun hotspots in the world (tied with Darwin), experiencing an average of nine daily sunshine hours in the cooler months. During winter, Sydney also comes alive with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest winter light festival, Vivid, promising 23 sparkly nights of lights, music, food and bright ideas. It’s so incredible that you’ll forget about the cold!

Time Out tip: One of my favourite ways to spend a winter evening in Sydney is watching a live NRL or AFL game. Just don’t forget your team scarf or beanie – it gets cold after the sun disappears.

Best for: Whale watchers

Winter means whale watching season in Australia, and there’s no better place to witness these gentle giants than Hervey Bay – the world’s first Whale Heritage Site and Australia’s unofficial whale-watching capital. This coastal town offers front-row seats to watch humpbacks migrating with their playful calves to the calm, protected waters around the bay. Your best bet for catching a glimpse of their tail-slapping, blowhole-spurting antics is between July and October.

Time Out tip: Hervey Bay is the gateway to World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), the largest sand island on Earth, just a swift 40-minute ferry ride away. It’s totally worth tacking on a few extra days to explore its stunning beaches, lush rainforests and freshwater lakes.

Best for: Gourmands

Winter means truffle season in the Southern Hemisphere, with many of Australia’s cool climate regions rivalling traditional truffle powerhouses across Europe. For the ultimate truffle adventure, head to Manjimup – widely considered Australia’s truffle capital, producing more than 90 per cent of the country’s truffles. Established in 1997, Truffle Hill is the pioneer of black truffle farming in mainland Australia and is also one of the world’s largest single-farm producers of black Périgord truffles. You can get your hands dirty on one of their hour-long truffle hunts, with the option to upgrade your experience with a tasting platter and paired wines. 

Time Out tip: Time your trip with Truffle Kerfuffle – a three-day festival dedicated to all things truffle, including long lunches, masterclasses and truffle hunts. The festival is taking place on June 26 and 27 in Manjimup, with events in Perth and surrounds throughout July.

Best for: Snow junkies

If the name didn’t give it away, the Snowy Mountains region is the place to get your cold fix in New South Wales – and there’s plenty to explore within this winter wonderland. Standing tall at a frosty 1765 metres above sea level, Charlotte Pass is Australia’s highest and oldest ski resort, boasting some of the most consistent snowfall throughout the season. If you’re travelling with a mixed bag crew, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest snow resort, Perisher, offers more than 100 ski runs across four terrain parks – meaning there are options for all abilities. Meanwhile, adrenaline seekers can hit up Thredbo to slide down the country’s longest ski and snowboard run.

Time Out tip: Snowfall in Australia is incredibly unpredictable, but the third weekend of August has a track record of the best snowfall in Perisher and Thredbo.

Best for: Cosmic cadets

When it comes to ultimate winter getaways, it’s hard to beat the chilly charm of our only island state. Unlike other Aussie cities, Tasmania is built for the cooler months, with plenty of magical midwinter festivals (namely Dark Mofo), magical sauna experiences and stargazing opportunities. Our top winter pick here is Bruny Island. The clean air and prime southerly location make it one of the best places in Australia to chase the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). While it’s down to sheer luck whether or not you'll see the spectacular celestial show, winter definitely gives you the best chance. 

Time Out tip: Go fully off-grid with a few nights at Vipp Tunnel, one of the island’s most incredible new stays. Unwind in the outdoor bath, cosy up by the fire pit or rug up indoors while taking in the calming water views. 

Best for: Outdoor adventurers

It’s no wonder Broome’s population swells from 14,000 to more than 45,000 during the Dry Season from May to October. With clear blue skies, low humidity and very little rainfall, it’s hands-down the best time to visit if you want to dodge the sticky, rainy weather and enjoy the best of this beautiful city. You’ll find plenty of ways to entertain yourself on both land and water, whether you’re riding camels along the beach at sunset, trekking the red cliff rockfaces to Gantheaume Point, spotting dolphins and whales in Roebuck Bay, or cruising under Horizontal Falls.

Time Out tip: Try aligning your trip with the Staircase to the Moon – a natural phenomenon that happens around three times per month from March to October. Check here for the forecasted dates.