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Feeling the Cold? 5 Different Ways to Escape Winter in Australia
Written by Siri Smith
Whether lounging on tropical beaches under the sun’s golden rays or indulging in a glass of wine by the crackling fire of a charming countryside retreat, there are countless ways to banish the winter blues.
The autumn leaves have officially fallen in some Australian states, and with the chilly air and shorter days, we often find ourselves bundled up on the couch. Yet, there are more ways than staying home to escape the winter chill. From faraway adventures to local getaways, here are five enticing ways to leave the cold behind.
1. Take a far-flung sunshine holiday
Dreaming of white sands and turquoise waters? Destinations like Bali and the Maldives promise endless sunshine and idyllic island living year-round. Head to the luxurious Mulia Villas to spend balmy Bali days by seven glistening pools and nine restaurants and bars, all with Nusa Dua Beach (one of the island’s best) at your fingertips. With a secluded one-kilometre stretch of beach to explore, you’ll quickly forget the dreary, wintry monotony of home. Nusa Dua is a classic choice, but you could visit the trendier shores of Uluwatu or picturesque Tabanan too.
Fiji is another stellar winter holiday option when you’re looking to escape the cold. Enjoy a romantic, secluded escape at Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, an adults-only paradise equipped with everything you need to defrost, including an award-winning beachfront spa. Nestled amidst lush tropical greenery, this boutique resort comprises only 18 luxurious, traditionally thatched bures, each just moments from the tranquil white-sand beachfront. The perfect time to visit is between April and October, as you’ll have the chance to catch a rare glimpse of manta rays as they pass through the Yasawa Islands. Plus, winter temperatures here average between 24 and 28 degrees – need we say more?
Travel a little further to defrost at the all-inclusive Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, surrounded by warm sands to sink your toes into and complete with signature Maldivian villas over a crystal-blue lagoon. Indulge at four exceptional beachside restaurants or at the resort’s two-storey Beach Club. Discover serenity at the Yoga Pavilion and pamper yourself with a spa treatment in one of Fehi Spa’s 10 traditional huts. Featuring an expansive wellness menu designed to soothe and rejuvenate, it ensures you emerge feeling profoundly rested and warmed to your core.
2. Cosy up with a regional Australia retreat
Though your first instinct may be to flee your chilly state, a staycation could cure your winter blues. If a charming and intimate escape is more your style, consider a retreat in regional Australia. Discover serenity at Château Élan at The Vintage, an elegant European-inspired retreat nestled among the scenic rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales’ foremost wine region. Here, you can enjoy tastings of local wines and spirits, and after a day of activities, unwind in your villa with a spa bath overlooking the onsite golf course.
Hotel Frangos in the small Victorian town of Daylesford offers a quiet and cosy refuge from the harsh winter air. Rooms are adorned with luxurious velvet linens, antique chandeliers, black spa baths, artwork by the renowned artist David Bromley and vintage-style ensuites. When you’re ready to head, thaw out in the indulgent mineral waters of Hepburn Springs, located just down the road. At just 90 minutes drive time from Melbourne, it’s an easy – and rejuvenating – mini-break.
3. Indulge indoors with dining and distilleries
If you’d prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of activities you won’t need to brave the cold to enjoy. Why not try a sophisticated afternoon tea at Barossa Chateau, nestled in the heart of the iconic Barossa Valley, complete with Barossa Chateau scones, handmade jam and fresh whipped cream? Sydneysiders may be tempted by a decadent, savoury afternoon high tea of kingfish sashimi, cashew ricotta and dry-aged duck breast in the opulent interiors of Shangri-La Sydney‘s Blu Bar on 36, accompanied by breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Opt to elevate your winter evenings with a luxurious degustation menu at various top-tier venues: enjoy a unique 10-course multi-sensory experience with drink pairings at Shelanous Restaurant in Melbourne, indulge in a seven-course tasting menu at Scott Pickett’s Audrey’s on the Mornington Peninsula or savour an intimate eight-course Japanese dining experience for two with sake at the chef-hatted Bay Nine in Sydney.
You can find slightly fewer courses, yet equally fantastic dining experiences at the boutique Shadowfax Winery in the heart of Werribee, offering a Mediterranean-inspired three-course dining experience with paired wines. Alternatively, enjoy a two-course lunch with paired wines at the renowned Yering Station winery in the Yarra Valley.
4. Head to Australia’s sunnier states
Head to Australia’s sunniest states for a winter reprieve that doesn’t require a long-haul flight. From the lively urban scenes of Brisbane and Perth to the breathtaking beaches of the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find plenty of sunshine and outdoor adventures to enjoy. Experience the vibrant energy of Elizabeth Quay in the heart of Perth at the conveniently located Duxton Hotel Perth, offering easy access to Western Australia’s finest beaches. Alternatively, discover Novotel Surfers Paradise, just steps from the Gold Coast’s famous sun-drenched shoreline. For easy indulgence in Cairns, check out Green Island Resort, located on its very own coral cay in the glittering Coral Sea, or Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, with the magic of the Great Barrier Reef easily accessible just offshore.
5. Restore your energy with a spa day
Designed to rejuvenate your body and mind, a spa day can be the perfect way to feel warm from the inside out. Add a touch of bliss to your escape to sunny Queensland with a heavenly hot stone treatment and a sauna session followed by a high tea fit for royalty at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.
Take that special someone to the iconic Rialto building in Melbourne and melt your stresses away with a massage and a restoring frangipani-scented scalp treatment that’ll make you feel like you’re right in the tropics. From soothing massages and fortifying facials to sessions in a bubbling hot spring, indulge in a restorative experience and emerge feeling refreshed, revitalised and ready to face the season.
Looking for more ways to chase away the winter blues? Read Things to Do in Winter in Australia.
