Whether you’re embracing or shunning the colder months, winter is a great time to take a mid-year break and spend some quality time with the family.

If you’re one of the few Aussies who can’t wait to dust off the sheepskin boots and curl up in front of a crackling fire with a mug of hot chocolate, there are plenty of  Winter Holiday Destinations

If you’d rather avoid winter altogether, the entire top end of the country stays relatively warm and dry throughout the year, offering plenty of options for families who want to escape the winter chill.

Fast Cover have handpicked five Australian winter destinations to suit all traveller types and budgets for your next family holiday.

Want to hit the slopes?

Selwyn Snowfields, NSW

If you’re thinking of taking the kids to the snow this winter, you won’t have to agonise over a decision on where to go for too long. Your choices are fairly limited to either the Victorian Alps or Snowy Mountains in New South Wales.

Our pick is the Selwyn Snowfields in Kosciusko National Park as a more affordable and family-friendly option than some of the other ski resorts. There’s a safe snow play area with a toboggan run that children of all ages will love, and daily ski classes for primary-school-aged kids and above. Selwyn also has a choice of beginner runs for kids who are ready to hit the slopes on their own.

When the family has worked up an appetite, there’s coin-operated BBQs and picnic tables, or a cafeteria in the main lodge with plenty of options for fussy eaters. Everyone can warm up with a hot chocolate or cup of coffee before heading back outside for more fun.

Family fun in the sun

The Gold Coast, QLD

If you’re looking to escape the cold weather, head north! Queensland has plenty of family holiday destinations perfect for escaping the winter chill. The Gold Coast is only half an hour’s drive over the border from New South Wales, and is a popular choice for young families.

Let the kids run rampant at one (or all) of the Goldie’s famous theme parks: Dreamworld, Movie World and SeaWorld – all of which have rides and attractions to cater to both little and big kids. Then wind down your holiday with a visit to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to get close to some cute and cuddly animals and hand-feed lorikeets in a beautiful natural setting, or simply soak up the winter sunshine on one of the many beaches.

 

A relaxing family break

The Sunshine Coast, QLD

If you’re looking for a more low-key winter getaway, the Sunshine Coast is only two hours’ drive further north of the busier Gold Coast. Not only is it home to the legendary Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, Sea Life and Aussie World, but also some of the best beaches in the country.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with almost 100 kilometres of spotless sand from Noosa to Caloundra – but our pick is Coolum or Mooloolaba beach where you can wander along the Esplanade and tuck into a fresh seafood basket straight from the wharf.

The Sunshine Coast hinterland is also stunning. Take the kids waterfall and wildlife-spotting on a bushwalk in the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, or explore the quirky shops and cafes in hidden country towns like Montville. A stroll around the Eumundi markets on a Saturday morning is also a must to pick up some souvenirs and handmade fudge.

Get off the beaten track

Ningaloo Reef, WA

For the more adventurous family looking to avoid the crowds and go remote, Ningaloo Reef is arguably one of the most pristine coastal destinations in the country. The 260-kilometre-long reef is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is Australia’s largest and most accessible fringing reef.

Enjoy a stunning western sunset and activities like fishing, snorkelling and four-wheel-driving in the balmy tropical climate where a typical winters day rarely drops below 25 degrees Celsius! The reef coast is dotted with camping sites rather than luxury hotels, but the Ningaloo Reef Resort caters for those who prefer indoor plumbing and a roof over their heads. It’s a decent drive from Broome or Perth though, so prepare some good road-tripping tunes in advance!

Escape to the tropics

Port Douglas, QLD

If you’re serious sun-seekers, head to far-north Queensland where there’s almost no such thing as winter! Port Douglas is a coastal town with a relaxed holiday vibe and is a gateway to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge, and the tropical Daintree Rainforest.

Book a river boat tour where the kids will love spotting wild salties basking on the banks, or you can take one of the Ngadiku guided walks to learn about Indigenous customs, bush tucker, and hear a few Dreamtime stories. Enjoy breakfast with the birds at the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat and a stroll along Four Mile Beach, or there’s jungle zip-lining, parasailing and speed boat tours if you need more of an adrenaline hit.

 

About us:

Fast Cover provides Australian travellers with award-winning travel insurance that’s fast and simple. Their flexible policy options are backed-up with 24 hour worldwide emergency assistance and include free cover for up to 10 children when travelling with their parent or grandparent on the same itinerary. For more information or to get a free quote online visit: https://fastcover.com.au