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The Best Winter Getaways in Queensland For Mid-Year Respite
Warm up with our edit of the best winter getaways in Queensland. Consider this your sign to book that mid-year trip!
While some of us like to hunker down and hibernate for winter, this season can also be the best time to travel. With fewer crowds, off-season prices and the all-important presence of dry season, you don’t need to tell us twice. Besides, a Queensland winter is one of the world’s milder winters so really, its looking like the perfect time to book a trip. Ready to pencil in your dream winter holiday? Read on for the best winter getaways in Queensland.
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Nestled in the stunning Gold Coast hinterland, lies the one and only Gwinganna Retreat. Scenic views of the coast and valleys make this calming retreat the perfect place to take a pause and gather yourself for the rest of the year ahead. With programs rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and holistic healthcare, you’ll unwind, refresh and renew yourself, mind body and soul. There are a variety of packages to choose from, depending on what you’d like to focus on, from gut health to pilates.
192 Syndicate Road, Tallebudgera Valley
Talaroo Hot Springs
This unique winter drawcard combines the culture and hospitality of the Ewamian people with one of North Queensland’s most incredible geological wonders. Not only does soaking in a hot spring sound like the perfect way to warm your bones, but these waters have healing properties that will restore you to your very best self. Bubbling up from kilometres underground and heated by granite rocks, The Talaroo Hot Springs are our pick for a weekend of stress-free indulgence.
A Gulf Savannah Way, Mount Surprise
Gold Coast
Hiding in plain sight, the Gold Coast might not seem like the obvious winter destination, but it’s top of our list. Embark on a foodie adventure exploring new cafes, restaurants and bars, whilst shopping up a storm and soaking up a spot of beach time in between feasts. If you’ve got time to spare, head out to the hinterland and explore some of the state’s favourite national parks.
Sitchu Tip: Check out our guide to the coolest luxury hotels for more options for your next GC getaway.
Magnetic Island
One of Queensland’s favourite holiday spots, Magnetic Island is a short ferry trip from Townsville and offers a gorgeous, untouched tropical paradise experience. There’s no shortage of things to do, with delicious and healthy foodie spots, live music and eco-adventures to explore. Famed for its distinctive landscape (crafted in part from volcanic activity many millions of years ago), hoop pines, stunning beaches and coral reefs, we recommend spending plenty of time outdoors soaking up the winter sunshine on your getaway.
2-hour flight from Brisbane to Townsville, then 40-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island
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Cairns
Escape the polar frosts for the warmth of Tropical North Queensland, where the locals call a sunny 17-degree day “so cold!”. There’s plenty to do and see in Cairns whilst avoiding the chilly weather, and you can still soak up plenty of nature whilst keeping out of the cool breeze. Explore the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter, glide through the rainforest on the SkyRail, or stay dry underwater with the Sunlover Reef Cruise which heads out to its very own pontoon where experiences like glass bottom boats, semi-submersible boat tours and underwater observatories await you. Not to mention the thriving food and beverage scene that Cairns has to offer which will help you add a layer of full-belly comfort and cosiness on your next getaway to gorgeous Tropical North Queensland.
Sitchu Tip: We’ve written an itinerary to help you experience the best of Cairns in just five days, so your holiday planning just got even easier.
Hervey Bay
Soak up this pristine natural wonderland without the crowds with a winter trip. With water temperatures sitting around 20 degrees even in mid-winter, you won’t have to miss out on any of the fun, from diving the Ex-HMAS Tobruk to sailing the seas at sunset.
But the biggest draw? The whales! Hervey Bay offers some of the best whale watching in the state during migration season, between July and November. See what you can spot from Hervey Bay Esplanade or go all out and get in the water for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Hervey Bay Dive Centre.
Stanthorpe
Okay, so we know Stanthorpe is a frosty place to be (they hold the record for the lowest recorded temperature in Queensland at -10.6 degrees), but that’s why it’s made the list! The subtropical highland climate is perfect for growing award-winning produce, so why not make the trek to this rural town this winter? An off-season visit means that you can score a deal and find the best accommodation available, after all!
Noosa
A short road trip from Brisbane up the coastline is Noosa, a hotspot loved by tourists and locals alike! Noosa offers gorgeous beach walks, wildlife and one of the best shopping scenes on the Sunshine Coast. Book a beachy escape close to Hastings Street, and trawl the restaurants, cafes, bars and of course the boutiques.
Sitchu Tip: Not sure where to stay? Explore our list of Noosa’s most luxurious accommodation to help you narrow it down.
Mount Tamborine
The lush Sunshine Coast hinterland oasis of Mount Tamborine is a relatively short and scenic drive from Brisbane and is a gorgeous spot for your next winter getaway! Famous for boutique shopping, bush walks, incredible wineries and the Gallery Walk, you’ll never be short of things to do here. There’s no other way to begin the day than with coffee, so head into the Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation for locally grown and roasted beans. And for your second favourite beverage of the day, our top spot for a tipple is the Witches Falls Winery, where you can try their wild-ferment wine. We recommend booking accommodation with a hot tub, so you can warm up after a busy day exploring in ultimate relaxation and comfort.
1-hour drive from Brisbane
Loved this edit of the best winter getaways in Queensland? Check out our favourite pet-friendly accommodation in the Sunshine Coast! Looking to book another holiday in Queensland? Find our recommendations for the best kid-friendly accommodation in Queensland here.
