Winter in Australia is a bit of a plot twist. While the rest of the world piles on coats, we’re chasing whales off Sydney, road-tripping along wild coastlines, or soaking in hot springs under the stars. 

Up north, you'll find sun-soaked days. Down south is all about cosy fires and empty trails. From snow adventures in the mountains to sunny afternoons with a glass of local red, winter here is all about doing things your way. Whether you're keen to rug up or strip down to your bathers, there’s no shortage of good times waiting.

Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains come alive in winter. The air is crisp, the views are moody, and the trails are all yours. Wander through cute villages like Leura, warm up with a hot choccy, then catch the sunset over the Three Sisters. Fewer tourists mean you can actually hear the birds and feel the mist on your face. Book a cosy cabin, light the fire, and wake up to epic valley views.

No sweaty lines or scorching sun—winter is the best time to hit Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. Smash out all the big rides without the wait, get face-to-face with tigers at Tiger Island, or learn about local culture at Dreamworld Corroboree. Bring the family or round up your mates for a day of non-stop laughs and screams.

Catch the ferry from Perth and spend a day with the happiest locals around: the quokkas. Winter on Rottnest means quieter paths, empty beaches, and easier bike rides around the island. Snap a quokka selfie, dive into hidden bays, and grab a pastry from the bakery (trust us on this one). With fewer crowds, it feels like your own private paradise.

Winter makes this iconic drive even more dramatic. Think wild waves smashing into cliffs, misty rainforests, and whales cruising past the coast. Stop in Lorne for fish and chips, explore the Otways, then end the day at the Twelve Apostles looking extra moody in the winter light. Less traffic means more freedom to pull over, snap pics, and just take it all in.

Kangaroo Island is a stunner all year, but winter means lush landscapes and loads of wildlife. Spot sea lions at Seal Bay, wander through the Remarkable Rocks, or taste local honey and gin straight from the source. Fewer crowds mean more chances to have those epic views all to yourself. Pack a jacket and get ready for windswept beaches, hidden coves, and plenty of resident kangaroos (and koalas) to keep you company.

If snow’s your thing, head straight to the Snowy Mountains. Thredbo is all about that Euro-style village life, while Perisher offers wide runs and big terrain for every level. Not keen on skiing? Try snowshoeing, tobogganing, or just post up with a mulled wine and take in the view.

If you’re after a no-jumper-needed winter escape, Darwin’s your spot. When the southern states get frosty, the Northern Territory is in its dry season sweet spot. A winter visit means warm days, clear skies, and epic sunsets. Check out the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, cruise around the harbour, or take a day trip to Litchfield National Park for waterfalls and rock pools. Grab a barra burger, sip a cold one, and watch the sun dip over the ocean.

Winter means whale season in Sydney. From May to November, thousands of humpback whales cruise past on their annual migration. Join a boat tour from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour to get up close, or watch from epic coastal spots like Bondi’s cliffs or North Head in Manly. Sometimes they come so close you’ll spot tail slaps and breaches from shore.

Winter is perfect for long lunches and bold reds, and McLaren Vale nails it. Just 45 minutes from Adelaide, this coastal wine region is known for its top-notch shiraz and laid-back cellar doors. Cruise between wineries, tuck into wood-fired pizzas, or share a local cheese board by an open fire. Plenty of spots have sea views, so you can sip while watching winter waves roll in.

When it’s cold out, locals head straight for the hot springs. Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula hot springs are the ultimate winter chill fix. Soak in open-air pools, book a private bath, or slather on some healing clay. Finish up with a local wine and seafood feast nearby. Perfect for a romantic weekend, a solo recharge, or a cheeky spa day with mates.