Rug up!

When we think about holidays, we often think of sun-soaked beach vistas or lazing back in a banana lounge reading a good book. But we shouldn’t discount winter travel. There are some definite advantages to travelling in the colder months.

Unless it’s a region that  thrives in the winter (such as snowfields), winter travel is usually considered ‘off peak’. Thus, accommodation and site rates can be cheaper, without minimum-stay requirements. Winter is a less popular time to travel, so you can also reap the benefits of fewer crowds and greater accommodation choices.

Scenery is another spectacular benefit of winter travel. Snowcapped mountains, frosty fields and brisk morning walks can really clear your mind and bring a feeling of tranquility. So, where can we head to enjoy these perks?

Upper Jamieson Hut, Mt Buller, Vic

VICTORIA

The obvious choice for Victoria is the High Country. Just a few hours from Melbourne, you can enjoy winter sports on Mt Buller or simply enjoy the scenery with a cup of hot chocolate or glass of red wine. Staying on the mountain can be expensive and must be booked in advance. Of course, if you’re travelling in your RV, staying on the mountain is not an option. Fortunately, there are many gorgeous nearby towns that welcome mountain tourists with open arms.

Consider staying in Mansfield, a medium-sized town at the base  of Mt Buller. Jamieson is another great option. These towns have a great deal of historic significance, particularly if you’re a fan of learning about notorious bushranger Ned Kelly.

If you’re a sports fan, there’s nothing like watching a game of local footy. The culture, sense of community and local excitement are not to be missed. The High Country is also the place to be for foodies and wine lovers. Local breweries, cafes and produce retailers offer a taste of the local cuisine. Highlights include the Delatite Winery and the Social Bandit, a brewery and pizzeria.

Learn more about the notorious bushranger Ned Kelly

NEW SOUTH WALES

Pack your bags and head to the Blue Mountains for amazing scenery and adventures galore. Take a ride on the Scenic Skyway to appreciate the full beauty of Katoomba (which means ‘shiny, falling waters’ in the local Indigenous group’s language) or take on one of the many walking trails the region has to offer. The Blue Mountains National Park boasts camping facilities (fees apply), mountain bike trails and opportunities for keen birdwatchers.

Visit the Megalong Creek Estate or Dryridge Estate to try some local wines and enjoy regional produce. The foodie options are plentiful in this region, which is renowned for its apples, passionfruit and other fruits, which are often available in organic form. The coffee of the Blue Mountains also has an excellent reputation!

Pre-settlement, the Blue Mountains region was the home of the Gundungurra and Darug people. Their footprint and culture continue to leave a lasting mark today. Originally named ‘Colomatta’, the Blue Mountains is well known in Indigenous circles as a place of food gathering, sacred ceremonies and storytelling. To learn more about the Indigenous heritage of this beautiful region, contact the Blue Mountains Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Lookouts in the Blue Mountains are open again, including the view to Grose Valley and Pulpit Rock

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In terms of beautiful scenery and delicious produce, the Margaret River region is an easy choice. Famous for its wineries, Margaret River has a lively winter vibe, driven by the arrival of whales, forest walks and gourmet experiences.

Camping opportunities are plentiful in the region, for RVs and all types of recreational accommodation. Pull up stumps in one of the many camping grounds (both free/public and privately owned tourist parks) and explore the region from your home base.

In August, Margaret River hosts the CinefestOZ film festival, which is a good excuse to enjoy a local meal before heading to the festival for some Australian culture. If you’re hoping to warm up a little and avoid the winter chill, consider taking a tour of the region’s four show caves. 

Winter is truffle season in Margaret River. These delicacies are used by local restaurants to Busselton Foreshore (east) Prevelly is one of the many beautiful towns in the Margaret River region Margaret River is well known for its wine polish meals and add a touch of local culture. See where these fungi grow to appreciate their rarity.

If retail therapy is one of your travel go-tos, hit the Origins Market in Busselton for a variety of local produce, handmade goods and other wares. This family-friendly market is the ideal place to absorb the local culture and enjoy the fruits of the region’s vendors and growers.

Prevelly is one of the many beautiful towns in the Margaret River region

TASMANIA

Cradle Mountain can get chilly in the winter, but the views and experiences it offers are well worth rugging up for. There are plenty of camping areas, including Lake St Claire Cynthia Bay Campground, which is known for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to the Lake St Claire National Park.

There are also more luxurious offerings, such as Discovery Parks’ Cradle Mountain campground. Enjoy a powered site so you can keep that heater running or opt for a cabin. 

While mainland Australia has its fair share of wildlife encounters, Tasmania is the natural home for the Tasmanian Devil. This unique little creature can be seen at Devil’s Cradle in Cradle Mountain. The cheeky little marsupials are as cute as they are ferocious. With their species threatened by the devil facial tumour disease, it’s comforting to see these healthy little guys and girls safely looked after at Cradle Mountain.

Cradle Mountain Summit, Tas

Tasmania is known for its high-quality produce year round, so winter is no exception. Tasmanian beef is generally free of growth hormones, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms. You can’t get beef that is more pure. Being an island state, Tassie is obviously the place to go for fresh fish. If you’re an angler, you can have a go at this yourself!

Cheese is another sought-after Tasmanian staple. Enjoy a fresh blue from Roaring Forties Blue or a Cradle Mountain Tasmanian Double Gloucester. Pair it with a local red, perhaps from La Villa Wines or the Broad Acres Vineyard, and enjoy the true Tassie foodie experience.

After eating all of that cheese and enjoying a glass or two of wine, take on some walking trails on Cradle Mountain. There are various choices catering to all abilities, including overnight camping opportunities for the more daring.

Devils in the dark (Image Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Limestone Coast is the logical choice for South Australian winter travels. From the beautiful beaches of Robe to the spectacular sights of Mount Gambier, this region has it all.

Accommodation is available at campgrounds, wineries and council-owned parks (fees apply). During winter, you can rug up and take in the beautiful scenery of Kingston, Beachport or The Granites. Pack the RV and head for the Bowman Scenic Drive or stroll along the second-longest jetty in the state, the Beachport Jetty.

Underground exploration opportunities also abound on the Limestone Coast. Head to the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves to experience life below the earth. Tours are available, allowing tourists to see stalagmites, stalactites and the skeletons of 500,000-year-old megafauna.

South Australia is no slacker when it comes to produce. There are around 45 wine producers on the Limestone Coast, offering many varieties. The Coonawarra region is very well known for its bold reds, while the Mount Benson wine region is celebrated for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc and cool climate Chardonnay.

To partake in the region’s excellent produce, visit markets in Naracoorte, Robe and Coonawarra. Seafood, beef, lamb, dairy products, preserved produce and nuts are all on the menu. You can even try an emu steak!

Enjoy a quality drop in South Australia

QUEENSLAND

Australia’s sun-seekers have long fled to the northern state to avoid the winter blues. We are going to focus on the aptly named Sunshine Coast. While it is a busy tourist haven, numbers are generally lower in the winter, but there are still plenty of things to do and see.

When it comes to campgrounds, you’re spoilt for choice on the Sunshine Coast. From Caloundra to Cooloola, there are many options for RVers.

The spectacular Glass House Mountains offer year-round adventures and sightseeing opportunities. Take a hike that is suited to your abilities or if you’re feeling more adventurous, attempt to explore the 11 peaks of the range.

The Mount Coolum National Park is a sight to behold. The towering Mount Coolum is an ancient volcanic peak that offers vast views of the ocean. Despite the winter chill, a dip in a swimming hole in the Mary Valley could be added to your bucket list.

For those seeking a more physical form of adventure, consider taking on the TreeTop  Challenge in Woombye. Of course, the beaches in this region are the major drawcard. Warm, beautiful and expansive, the beaches of the Sunshine Coast are the perfect place to stroll,  wind down, read or fish. Moffat Beach, Double Island Point and the Alexandra Headland are terrific options for sightseers and nature walkers.

Mooloolaba, the Sunshine Coast

NORTHERN TERRITORY

This iconic destination gives you all the time in the world to warm up and enjoy the winter sunshine. July is the coolest month in the Northern Territory, with some nights dropping below 0 degrees, so make sure you pack some warm clothes, despite the region’s warmth.

Visit Uluru to take in one of Australia’s most iconic and historical sights. While undoubtedly a beautiful scene, the region is also rich in Indigenous culture and history. In the winter months, take an Indigenous tour to learn all about the region. Welcome to Country (www.experience.welcometocountry.com) has some excellent information on local tours. Visit the Aboriginal settlement of Hermannsburg Historical Precinct or take in the culture of the Standley Chasm.

Uluru is iconic no matter the season

WINTER IN AUSTRALIA

The great southern land is generally a warm place to be compared with other parts of the world, but that doesn’t mean we’re toasty warm all winter. The further south you go, the cooler it will be (we’re looking at you Tasmania), so be prepared for the cold. Swimming may be less desirable in winter, but you can switch this out for fishing, nature walks or cultural tours. Travelling in winter is all about being adaptable and welcoming new opportunities.

Winter is great for whale watching

Category: Destinations
Written: Thu 01 June 2023
Printed: June, 2023
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