8 Aussie Holiday Destinations to Soak Up the Winter Sun

By mid winter, the novelty of wearing new winter woolies has well and truly worn off. You loved getting snug in your new clothes at first but now you’re itching for an exotic sunny escape. So where should you go?

The good news is that lounging poolside and swinging in hammocks beneath royal palms is never far off in Australia. There are a tonne of destinations still enjoying temperatures of over 25 degrees, perfect a sun-soaked winter adventure. Favourite destinations include:

Daintree Rainforest, QLD

The Daintree is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, having been around for 100-180 million years. Filled with ancient ferns, rare tropical birds, insects and animals it truly is a triumph of natural wonder. Fly through the trees on a zipline, cruise along the winding waterways of the Daintree River and experience Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Labelled by Sir David Attenborough as “the most extraordinary place on earth”, The Daintree is guaranteed to keep you warm and relaxed. 

Broome, WA

Broome is defined by a tropical climate and has distinct wet and dry seasons. May until October is the best time to visit, with winter temperatures ranging from 17 – 30 degrees. Humidity levels are low and all roads and attractions are open to explore. 

Known for Cable Beach, Broome is a popular holiday hub in the winter. Enjoy 22 kilometres of soft white sand, warm and flat waters and sunset camel rides. Sample local cuisine, hold a cultured pearl plucked fresh from the ocean or embark on an epic Kimberley cruising adventure. 

Whitsundays, QLD

The beautiful Whitsunday Islands are home to 10 deluxe resorts and offer everything you imagine when you think tropical getaway – watersports, waterfront pools, golf courses, pool bars, scuba diving trips, rainforest treks and beach snorkelling. Hamilton Island is a favourite (you can fly there directly) but for the more budget conscious, check out Long Island.

Kakadu, NT

June to August is the prime time to visit the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Covering almost 20,000 sq km it’s home to an incredible array of mammals, reptiles, birds and fish. A timeless place, it’s the largest national park in Australia and the land has a big story to tell. Experience it with winter walks, waterfalls, croc spotting, ranger-guided activities, rock art, swimming and more. 

Darwin, NT

Also in the Northern Territory and well worth a winter visit is Darwin, which enjoys all-year round tropical temperatures. It has an incredible range of great restaurants and bars, plus the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets with its 200-odd food stalls. If you’re a sun-worshipper and food-lover, Darwin is the winter destination for you. 

Cape York, QLD

Located at the very tip of Queensland, Cape York boasts jungle scenery, gorgeous beaches and plenty of sun. Prepare well for your adventure (it’s not the place for a last-minute dash) and enjoy wetlands filled with fish and birds, gold town ruins, great 4WD tracks and pristine waterfalls. What’s not to love? 

Hervey Bay, QLD

Hervey Bay offers over 40 km of pristine sandy beaches and watersports like kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, swimming, diving and jet skiing. The long stretches of sand are also ideal for long walks and idle days spent beachcombing. In winter, whale watching is a major activity with migration season running from July to November. Spot whales from the beach or plane or take a whale watching cruise and head out to nearby Fraser Island for a day trip. The world’s largest sand island is a must-see experience. 

Uluru, NT

Uluru in the winter lets you experience both extremes. The nights are freezing but the days are glorious and free of extreme heat and flies. Walk the domes of Kata Tjuta, connect with local Maruku artists and experience the Field of Light art installation, a spectacle of colour the size of seven football fields. The sun sets earlier and rises later during winter meaning you can really make the most of the mornings and evenings. 

Need more convincing to set off on a winter adventure?

The benefits of winter sun

Apart from relaxing on a beach allowing you to de-stress, spending some time under the sun also has other benefits, both psychological and physical. For example, you might prefer exercising on a sunny winter’s day purely because it won’t be as hot as a summer afternoon. There are also a multitude of benefits that can be found in winter sun that can’t necessarily be seen. Sunshine also:

• Triggers your body’s production of vitamin D, a crucial ingredient for overall health
• Protects against inflammation, lowers high blood pressure and improves brain function 
• Lowers your risk of depression and assists sleep quality
• Promotes weight loss by encouraging you outdoors
• Heals skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and acne
• De-stresses and clears your mind and helps you forget about work

Decided that you deserve a holiday in the sun? Want to have some extra help getting you to your destination? You could win 1 of 4 $1000 holiday vouchers at Marketplace Gungahlin. To learn more about how you can enter as many times as possible, click here.