Top 10 Winter Getaways in Australia
You might be wandering if it snows in Australia during winters? Because let’s be honest, we have all seen Australia’s postcards with sunny beaches.
What if we tell you that the Australian Alps get more snowfall than Switzerland.
Surprised? Well, read on!
Australia may not be typically known as a winter paradise, but the reality is that there is plenty to see and do in winter here.
From snow-capped mountains to charming towns, there is a getaway to soothe everyone’s taste.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the top 10 winter getaways in Australia, where you can enjoy campfires, have hot meals, steam spas and generally just embrace the chilly weather in style.
So, join us on our journey to explore the best of winter in Australia.
Falls Creek
📌 State: New South Wales
🗺️ Closest City: Melbourne
🚗 Distance from city: 5 hours 20 minutes (approx.)
About the area
Falls Creek is an alpine village located in Victoria, and is one of the most popular winter getaways in the country.
Every year, there’s a fun-filled festival packed with music, science, arts, comedy, and a fabulous selection of food in the Falls Creek.
Things to do and see
Falls Creek village is a well-known destination for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. There are several other activities as well, such as scenic hiking, terrain parks, tobogganing and even ice skating.
One of the amazing things about Falls Creek is that people with all ski levels are welcomed, from families including young children to professional skiers.
The village also offers different accommodations options, including from cozy lodges to luxury apartments, and there are plenty of restaurant dining options, from cafés to restaurants and bars.
Falls creek is also part of the Alpine National Park, and there are plenty of hiking trails and nature walks to explore and enjoy!
Snowy Mountains
📌 State: New South Wales
🗺️ Closest City: Canberra
🚗 Distance from city: 3 hours (approx.)
About the area
The Snowy Mountains are a great winter getaway destination, located about a three-hour drive from Canberra.
The area is known for its stunning alpine scenery, with snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear streams, and beautiful national parks.
This popular winter getaway destination offers a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing..
Things to do and see
You will be spoiled with choices when it comes to things to see and do around the Snowy Mountain area.
There are multiple ski resorts like Perisher, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass for skiing and snowboarding lovers.
If you are not into skiing, then Snowy Mountain also has plenty of options for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
You can also visit Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre to learn more about the history of this project.
Yarrangobilly Caves is another popular location around this area. The cave stays around 27 degrees throughout the year, even during cooler months, making it quite a unique experience to visit.
Mount Hotham
📌 State: Victoria
🗺️ Closest City: Melbourne
🚗 Distance from city: 5 hours (approx.)
About the area
Mount Hotham is a ski resort located in the Victorian Alps in Victoria, Australia.
The resort is known for its challenging terrain, stunning alpine scenery, and excellent snow conditions.
Mount Hotham is also known as the powder capital of Australia.
Things to do and see
Mount Hotham is a Australia’s premier ski resort, offering 320 hectares of skiable terrain. All levels of skiers and snowboarders are welcome as the resort has a range of ski runs and lifts available. There are challenging terrains available for pro level skiers and snowboarders.
Alpine National Park is located adjacent to Mount Hotham and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing.
The summit lookout provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
Mount Hotham Village has a range of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly lodges to luxury hotels.
Mount Mawson
📌 State: Tasmania
🗺️ Closest City: Hobart
🚗 Distance from city: 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)
About the area
Mount Mawson is located in the stunning Mount Field National Park in Tasmania.
Just a few hours drive from Hobart is Mount Mawson, an amazing destination if you are in dire need of a peaceful retreat place surrounded by dazzling natural landscapes and various winter activities.
The mountain is a prime destination for professional skiing at various levels and winter camping.
Things to do and see
Visitors can enjoy activities like snowboarding and tobogganing in the park, and there are countless hiking trails for those who prefer to explore the winter field on foot.
The Mount Field National Park is home to different wildlife, including wallabies, badgers and echidnas, and visitors can often spot these animals while exploring the trails.
One of the great features of Mount Mawson is that it is entirely run by volunteers who aim to properly maintain and develop the ski fields.
There are also on-site facilities, including a rental shop, café, and public shelter for relaxation and dining. Mount Mawson has peaceful surroundings, a calm atmosphere, and astounding natural landscapes, making it a popular winter getaway.
Bunya Mountains
📌 State: Queensland
🗺️ Closest City: Brisbane
🚗 Distance from city: 3 hours (approx.)
About the area
The Bunya Mountains in Australia are a special winter gateway destination if you want to relax, calm and deeply feel nature’s tranquility.
Located in southern Queensland, the Bunya Mountains are a pristine natural wonderland that offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. One of the most remarkable things about the Bunya Mountains is their striking beauty.
The mountains are a haven of dense rainforests, rolling hills, and streams. The Bunya Mountain region is also home to the majestic Bunya Pine, which is a prehistoric tree that grows to heights of up to 45 meters.
Things to do and see
The Bunya Mountains offers several activities to its visitors, making it a perfect destination for families, adventurers and nature lovers. The mountains have hiking trails for all fitness levels, with easy walks and more challenging hikes that offer great views.
You can also explore the dazzling waterfalls, creeks, and wildlife, including koalas, and various bird species.
In the winter season the Bunya Mountains offers visitors a cozy stay in lodges or cabins. And trust, there is nothing quite like curling up in front of a roaring fire with a good book and a warm cup of cocoa, while the snow falls outside.
Asides from the mountains natural beauty and fun activities, the Bunya Mountains also offer a range of culinary experiences.
The region is famous for its fresh produce, including Bunya nuts, which are a traditional food of the local Indigenous people.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a break from the city, the Bunya Mountains are the perfect destination.
Margaret River
📌 State: Western Australia
🗺️ Closest City: Perth
🚗 Distance from city: 3 hours (approx.)
About the area
Margaret River is a fantastic winter getaway destination in Western Australia.
While it’s better known for its wine and surf beaches during the summer months, it still has plenty to offer visitors during winter.
During the winter months, the Margaret River region experiences cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, which creates a lush green landscape.
Things to do and see
You can visit lots of wineries and breweries, try delicious local food, and do fun outdoor things like hiking, biking, and whale watching.
For those who enjoy surfing, the winter months bring larger swells, and there are several famous surf breaks in the region, such as Yallingup and Surfers Point.
Margaret River has many stunning limestone caves that are open to visitors year-round. These include Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, and Mammoth Cave.
Winter months are great for whale watching in Maraget River as they migrate along the coast.
You can visit retreats like Empire Retreat, a popular luxurious spa and wellness retreat place located at the Margaret River.
Overall, Margaret River offers a wide range of activities and attractions during the winter season, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Flinders Ranges
📌 State: South Australia
🗺️ Closest City: Adelaide
🚗 Distance from city: 5 hours (approx.)
About the area
The Flinders Ranges in Australia is a stunning destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and absolute adventure.
Located in South Australia, a few hours drive from Adelaide, the Flinders Ranges are known for their ancient rugged landscapes, spectacular sightings, and fascinating geological formations.
Things to do and see
In the winter seasons, Flinders Ranges offer a soothing climate, with gentle temperatures during the day and cool nights, which make it a perfect time to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Hiking is a very popular activity in the Flinders Ranges, with several trails that show you amazing views of the surrounding environment.
You can also take part in the arranged tours of the region, where you’d get interesting insights into the area’s rich Aboriginal history. The Flinders Ranges is also home to wildlife of different kinds, including kangaroos and wallabies in their natural habitats.
Asides from outdoor activities and historical-cultural experiences, the Flinders Ranges also offer great accommodation experiences with several theme options like luxury lodges and camping sites.
Flinders Ranges is definitely perfect if you are a nature lover, history enthusiast or just looking for a great adventure during a winter getaway.
Uluru
📌 State: Northern Territory
🗺️ Closest City: Alice Springs
🚗 Distance from city: 5 hours (approx.)
About the area
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a magnificent natural wonder located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. It is a destination that is truly awe-inspiring, and visiting it in winter is a superb way to experience its beauty.
The iconic rock formation is a stunning sight to behold, especially during sunrise and sunset when it transforms into a spectacular palette of red, orange, and gold.
The cool and crisp air of the winter months adds to the enchanting atmosphere and makes the experience even more memorable.
Things to do and see
There are many ways to get the full experience of Uluru, like hiking the mountains, cycling, and tours. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers a range of activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the region.
You can also hike the Valley of the Winds trail in the nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olga) to see amazing rock formations. Another unique way to enjoy your exploration in Uluru during the winter is to stargaze under the clear desert skies.
There are different accommodation options available in Uluru, from luxury hotels to camping sites, depending on your travel theme.
Uluru is a lovely magical winter gateway that offers an unforgettable experience. So, make sure to grab your camera, and get ready to be amazed by the astonishing beauty of Uluru.
Blue Mountains
📌 State: New South Wales
🗺️ Closest City: Sydney
🚗 Distance from city: 90 minutes (approx.)
About the area
The Blue Mountains in Australia are a perfect destination for a winter getaway if you want to escape the noise and rush of the city and just enjoy the calm and beauty of nature.
The Blue Mountains are just a few hours from Sydney, and they offer vivid scenery of the forests, waterfalls and the villages.
Things to do and see
During winter, the Blue Mountains are usually flooded with snow enthusiasts who love the atmosphere and chill feeling. The snowfall around the area makes it a great place for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports and leisure.
Asides the popular winter sports, the Blue Mountains are also famous for their picturesque beauty. The views from the mountain tops are simply breathtaking! From the top mountains you can view the vast forests and valleys stretching out as far as you can see. There are also numerous hiking paths in the region that offer stunning views of the landscape.
The Three Sisters, a rock formation that is a popular tourist attraction, is also located in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains also have several indoor attractions which include art galleries, museums, cafés and boutique shops.
The area has many spas offering relaxation and rejuvenation treatments, making it great for a self-care, romantic or family trip.
The Blue Mountains are definitely worth a visit in winter.
Great Otway National Park
📌 State: Victoria
🗺️ Closest City: Melbourne
🚗 Distance from city: 3 hours (approx.)
About the area
The Great Otway National Park is an extraordinary winter getaway destination in Australia. Located in the state of Victoria, this pristine wilderness is a place of incredible natural beauty and offers amazing adventure and exploration activities.
During the winter seasons, the Great Otway National Park is illuminated and transformed into a paradise of misty forests and sparkling waterfalls.
The park’s rainforest is a charming place to explore with the towering trees draped in ferns and mosses creating a tranquil atmosphere. The park also habits variety of wildlife like the koalas and kangaroos which can be spotted in their natural habitats.
Things to do and see
One of the main attractions of the Great Otway National Park is the stunning Great Ocean Walk. This coastal trail allows you to hike through some of the most astonishing scenery in Australia, including towering sea cliffs, beaches and rainforests.
During your hike, you might be lucky to spot whales, dolphins and other sea wildlife, making the walk a truly memorable experience. Another highlight of the Great Otway National Park is the magnificent waterfalls that leave you in awe at its sight.
For a more peaceful getaway, visit the Great Otway National Park, which has various hot springs and saunas where you can relax while admiring the stunning views. It’s the perfect way to soothe your muscles and unwind.
Great Otway National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and calm winter getaway.
If you find this article useful, then we suggest you check our article on Top 8 getaways in Australia during Autumn.
