It might be winter here, but if you’re looking for sun, Australia’s got a fair few places that never see cold weather. If you’re already thinking of taking your holidays in Australia, there’s no reason to wait – shove your jumper back where it belongs – at the bottom of your drawer – and escape the cold with a trip to the land of Oz. Which destination wins? Let’s find out.
Warmest Destinations for Your Winter Holidays in Australia
Hervey Bay
One of the country’s best places for whale watching during July and August, Hervey Bay also brings mild winters, with daytime temps of around 23 degrees. That means you can pack your shorts, swimmers and thongs, ready for fishing, water sports, kayaking and barbecues by the beach. Off the water, check out the Botanic Gardens, Reefworld Aquarium and the Hervey Bay Go Kart Track. Along the beachfront Esplanade from Scarness to Torquay, you’ll find an array of restaurants, pubs and even a few nightclubs for drinks after dark.
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Airlie Beach
Longtime backpacker favourite, Airlie Beach is the place to spend winter months in Australia chilling out, Whitsunday Island hopping and reef snorkelling. With soothing temperatures of around 23 degrees, soak up the tropical atmosphere, sunbake by the Airlie Beach lagoon, shop and dine on the main street, and get your arts and crafts fix at the Saturday morning markets. After dark, start the night with a local seafood feast, before sipping cocktails at trendy bars, just like you’d do in summer.
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Mission Beach
Crisp blue skies, sunshine-soaked sand and Cassowary-spotting characterises winter beach holidays at Mission Beach. Located between Townsville and Cairns, four villages stretch across a golden coastline, with inland rainforest completing the natural paradise. Though the vibe is one of utter relaxation, thrill-seekers won’t be bored, with tandem skydiving and white water rafting on hand whenever the urge strikes. Don’t forget to check out the Mamu Tropical Skywalk and romantic Paronella Park.
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Cairns
In terms of Australia tourism, Cairns is a front-runner as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. If you haven’t yet experienced our great natural wonder, winter is the time to go. It’s also a great spot for cheap family holidays, with a range of free activities like hiking and having a splash at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. There’s hardly any rainfall and temperatures average at a welcome 26 degrees – perfect for snorkelling, diving and pretending winter doesn’t exist.
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>>Looking for more to do around Cairns? Click here
Port Douglas
If you’d rather bask in the sun with your loved one instead of cosying up in winter cottages, Port Douglas is the romantic escape you’re looking for. This is a town that oozes sophistication and glamour while retaining a casual, North Queensland atmosphere. Take a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest, go boutique shopping and stroll along the golden sands of Four Mile Beach in 25-degree heat. It’s the romantic resorts that really shine here though, including the adults-only Shantara Resort and the Peninsula Boutique Hotel. Rent a car from Cairns, for an hour drive to Port Douglas.
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Broome
Winter in Australia doesn’t even touch Broome, so it might just take the crown for the best balmy, sunny spot in the country. Temps remain around 29 degrees, perfect for Indian Ocean swims, sunset camel rides, kayaking, snorkelling at Cape Leveque and chasing dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point. For a culture hit, visit the Japanese Cemetery. To have one of those truly awe-inspiring travel moments, head to Roebuck Bay on a full moon to see the ‘Staircase to the Moon’, as it reflects on the tidal flats.
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Darwin
Just like Broome, cold weather and Darwin don’t really know each other, though night time can be refreshingly crisp. So, the top end city takes equal billing for the best spot in the country to warm your bones, with average daily temps of around 30 degrees. You’ll find endless things to do under those sunny skies, like meeting the giant crocs at Crocosaurus Cove, cruising the Mary River wetlands, boating around Darwin Harbour and basically just loving the fact that you’re escaping winter, at least for a bit.
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>>Not afraid of the cold? Here are some spots to make the most of the Australian winter. Bring your skis 🎿
*Note: These rates are based on search queries made on nz.kayak.com on 20 August 2018. The prices are quoted in NZD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
