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Cosiest Winter Escapes in Australia
Written by Georgia Pearce
Winter in Australia’s southern states means it’s time to venture into the countryside, snuggle up before a roaring fire, and warm your bones with a decadent nightcap.
As colder months approach in certain states, we dream of destinations that celebrate misty mountains, quaint countryside estates and the magic of a local pinot noir — highlights of Australian winter.
Make the most of these brisk mornings in your thickest wool sweater while staying warm in some of the most beautiful, secluded regional destinations.
Scroll down for the cosiest winter escapes in Australia.
Ready to get cosy? Discover our collection of Australian escapes here.
Cosiest Winter Escapes in Victoria
Alkina Lodge Great Ocean Road
Alkina Lodge, crafted to ‘touch the earth lightly’, provides unmatched privacy for groups of up to eight in the serene bushland along the Great Ocean Road. Tucked amid grassy plains and emerald trees, the surrounding landscape is the clear star of the show. Some rooms feature skylights that fill the space with natural light, offering guests the unique experience of stargazing from their bathtubs. These contemporary sanctuaries also make the perfect home base to explore endless deserted beaches, meet native wildlife and hike through the Otway rainforest. Return to your lodge and cosy up to your fireplace with a bottle of red from the local winery or unwind as you admire the twinkling night sky.
Hotel Frangos
You don’t need to travel far to experience the cosy ambience of a Parisian winter when Daylesford’s Hotel Frangos is just 90 minutes outside of Melbourne. This boutique stay immerses you in the charm of this historic Victorian town as it’s right on the main street, marked by the naked vines that trim the exteriors of this landmark building. Daylesford is the perfect destination to idle away during winter in Australia with its abundance of antique shops, restaurants, art galleries and of course, the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa natural hot springs.
Cosiest Winter Escapes in New South Wales
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains by MGallery
Think rolling mountainsides where mist gathers each morning and native gum trees emit a mystic blue glow in the dawn light. Amid the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed region you’ll find an idyllic winter escape at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains by MGallery. Rug up in your thickest wool socks and step outside your chalet-style room to revel in crisp morning air and the blessed bushwalking terrain of Jamison Valley. Watch as the landscape transforms from ancient rock formations to cascading waterfalls. Then return for a hearty meal and a haven warmed by glowing fire as you step into the Embers Grill Restaurant — or another of the resort’s five exceptional eateries — before ending the night sipping a robust single malt at Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern.
Château Élan at The Vintage
Didn’t make it for the European summer? Find your own slice of Tuscany in the Hunter Valley at Château Élan at The Vintage. Set within its own 100 acres, the property is surrounded on all sides by rolling greenery and leafy vineyards. With a restaurant serving flame-grilled and smoked favourites, a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course and a spa onsite, complete with two outdoor mineral spa pools, you won’t need to go far, but the call of the 150 cellar doors in the vicinity may lure you.
Cosiest Winter Escapes in Tasmania
The Picker’s Hut
Cuddle up in seclusion while gazing across the vineyard-strewn hills of southern Tasmania’s Jordan Valley in The Picker’s Hut private cabin. Here, Australia’s winter months are best spent with a glass of red wine in hand as the silence of a sleeping countryside lulls the busy mind. As the sun settles behind a rugged mountain landscape, you can cosy up around the expansive deck’s half-cask fire pit to watch as the Merino sheep frolic in the brisk air. When you’re done, retreat indoors for a hearty meal, hot off the barbecue.
Freycinet Lodge
Keep warm in the embrace of nature at Freycinet Lodge, the ultimate off-grid gem on the east coast of Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park. Here, tucked away in the bush between the mountains and the waters of Great Oyster Bay, this homely lodge promises crackling fireplaces, serene bushland views and some of the finest seafood in Tasmania. Keep warm with an in-room massage and local wine and food tastings, or rug up and venture into the great outdoors. The beauty of Wineglass Bay is well worth braving the cold for, as is a local oyster farming experience, where you can shuck fresh oysters riverside.
Cosiest Winter Escapes in Western Australia
Ampersand Estates
For lovers of wine, gin, and stargazing, the elegant Ampersand Estates is an ideal Western Australian refuge during winter. Reminiscent of a bygone era, this countryside property showcases the sophisticated charm of a thriving vineyard, a picturesque lake with resident ducks, and a night sky lookout point. Layer up and take a stroll from one of three self-contained cottages to the Rainfall Distillery where you can warm up with a nip of vodka or gin infused with essences of the Southern Forests. Sit overlooking the lake from the cellar door and spend the rest of your day tasting homegrown wines before returning to your cottage for a snuggly night and steamy bath.
Cosiest Winter Escapes in South Australia
CABN X Kangaroo Island
For those seeking uninterrupted privacy with a special someone, there’s nothing more secluded than a destination accessible only by boat. Situated at Cape Saint Albans on the easternmost point of Kangaroo Island, the luxurious CABN X Kangaroo Island promises idyllic days. Thoughtfully designed spaces look out over wilderness and crashing waves – ideal for adventurous couples who find romance in snuggling under blankets after a day of hiking, exploring historic lighthouses or strolling to their private beach at Antechamber Bay. Rise to the sounds of native birds as you tuck into your locally sourced breakfast, and, come nighttime, enjoy the sea breeze on your deck as you soak in your outdoor bathtub or warm up by the indoor fireplace.
Mount Lofty House
Seeking toasty tipples as you bask in lush vineyard views? Let the sparks fly at Mount Lofty House, only 15 minutes from Adelaide CBD. With its spectacular gardens, a three-chef hatted restaurant and an elegant spa, Mount Lofty House is lodging steeped in proper old-school glamour. Built in 1852, this grand estate’s peaceful grounds are a delight to explore – stumble upon a firepit to toast marshmallows, sip mulled wine in the library or visit Hardy’s Bar for a classic cocktail. When it comes to dining, reserve a table at the exquisite Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant. Crackling fireplaces, leather chairs and views of the Piccadilly Valley set the proceedings for a delicious degustation dinner that showcases the best local produce and wine. If you get itchy feet, the wineries of Adelaide Hills are a short drive away.
The Frames
Slip into the picture-perfect surroundings of South Australia’s Murray River at the ultimate winter escape for romantics. At The Frames adults-only retreat you’ll discover pure bliss, with views overlooking a magical sunset each evening as it dips below the horizon of the river. Spend your afternoons hopping between the exquisite wineries and distilleries of the region, then return to warm yourself against the frosty breeze in the luxury of the Pastiche Retreat’s private infrared sauna, or listen to the sound of nature as you take a dip in the outdoor heated pool of the Collage Retreat.
Cosiest Winter Escapes in New Zealand
Gibbston Valley Lodge
Soothe the soul at acclaimed Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, resting in the shadow of Central Otago’s ruggedly beautiful mountains. Here, you’re invited to savour some of the finest wine, views and food that New Zealand has to offer, just 25 minutes from Queenstown. A range of activities captialise on the region’s natural majesty – private wine tasting, a unique cave dining experience, private picnics and bike tours through historic vineyards. As night falls, take to the open hot tubs for a late-night soak surrounded by snowy mountains and a sky full of stars. Make sure to book a treatment at the spa, recently awarded New Zealand’s best in the 2023 World Spa Awards.
Featured image: CABN X Kangaroo Island. Source: supplied.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out The Bed, The Bold & The Beautiful: Australia’s Most Stylish City Stays.
