The 10 Cosiest Winter Towns You Need To Visit

Broaden your horizons beyond wine country (just slightly) to explore Australia’s most charming winter wonderlands.

Slip on your Uggs and fire up the heater – winter is here. And while the prospect of devouring a cheese platter in the comfort of your living room is especially tempting, Australia is littered with adorable townships that come into their own right about now.

From foodie indulgences and blossoming cultural festivities to heavenly hot springs and, of course, wine-fuelled revelry, winter presents exclusive thrills and spills. You just need to know where to go…

1. Mudgee, NSW

The magic of Mudgee is relentless this time of year as chilly conditions turn the air even cleaner and crisper.

winter landscape in Mudgee — Winter in Mudgee is magical. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sunrises blaze brighter and country scapes glow with rich seasonal colour as the NSW town, located 3.5 hours north-west of Sydney, becomes a magnet for weekenders.

the accommodation interior with fireplace of Sierra Escape, Mudgee, NSW — Get cosy at Sierra Escape. (Image: Sierra Escape Mudgee)

Seize the great outdoors in style with a glamping experience at Sierra Escape , one of the region’s most exceptional places to stay, before you tackle the colonial town centre’s boutiques, bars, historical architecture (grab a selfie at The Old Bank) and eateries.

the accommodation exterior of Sierra Escape, Mudgee, NSW — Stay in style at Sierra Escape. (Image: Sierra Escape Mudgee)

Once you’re done, it would be an absolute sin to skip the wineries and cellar doors, so don’t. Our tried-and-tested recommendations includes Logan Wines , De Beaurepaire Wines and Moothi Estate .

the scenic grounds at Logan Wines, Mudgee — Sample wines at Logan Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Tamborine Mountain, Qld

Tackle the winding road all the way up to the top of Tamborine Mountain to discover one of the most character-filled corners of the Gold Coast hinterland.

an aerial view of the scenic hinterland landscape in Tamborine Mountain, QLD — Tamborine Mountain is a character-filled corner. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

One of the best day trips from Brisbane, this historic town is filled with bizarre boutiques (German cuckoo clocks , perhaps?), your stock-standard, utterly irresistible confectionery shops, spirit distilleries, a handful of excellent wineries and luxurious rainforest retreats.

the bedroom interior of Verandah House Country Estate in Tamborine Mountain — Settle into the area’s charming accommodations.

3. Richmond, Tas

Just 30 minutes north-east of Hobart lies Richmond, a Tasmanian city to transport you right back in time. Original Georgian architecture, lush rolling hills and the showstopping Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest bridge to still be used, create an almost surreal backdrop like you’ve travelled onto the set of a British period film.

an aerial view of the Richmond Bridge, Tas — Richmond Bridge is Australia’s oldest bridge. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Go with it and don’t leave without poking your head through the town’s antique stores, galleries, museums, cafes and scattering of wineries to ensure you live your ultimate winter village life.

an outdoor dining setup by the pond at Puddleduck Vineyard, Richmond, Tas — Spot the ducks at Puddleduck Vineyard. (Image: Tourism Australia)

4. Daylesford, Vic

Come for the day spas, stay for the unexpected. Daylesford, located one hour’s drive northwest of Melbourne, is an all-out charm assault as the suburb’s mineral springs and spa rituals don’t even scratch the surface of what you get out of a winter visit.

an outdoor fire setup at Daylesford Lake House — Get cosy by the fire at the Lake House in Daylesford.

First, marvel in Hanging Rock of cinematic, literary and volcanic plug fame, then hit up the excellent Daylesford Sunday Market to gain a sense of its community and one helluva baked goods haul.

a busy market scene with people shopping at stalls along Daylesford Farmer's Market — Shop your way around Daylesford Farmer’s Market.

Don’t miss all the stunning gardens too, including Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens (home to a cafe that delivers even more buttery bakery delights).

two women enjoying their visit at Daylesford Sault Estate — Brace the cold and explore Daylesford’s many gardens.

5. Hahndorf, SA

A sensory overload to send you all the way to the beer halls of Munich, Hahndorf is a winter charmer you need to see to believe.

the scenic town of Hahndorf, SA — Visit the osy town of Hahndorf. (Image: Michael Waterhouse Photography)

The tiny Adelaide Hills town is entrenched in its German heritage, from the historic architecture built off traditional German techniques and 100-year-old trees to the Hahndorf Inn , the town’s spiritual heartland. You’ll also find retail therapy up to your eyeballs as boutiques sell everything from German folk art to Birkenstocks.

people dining inside Hahndorf Inn — Drink and dine all things German at Hahndorf Inn. (Image: Jonathan Kissock)

6. Montville, Qld

The Sunshine Coast’s best-kept secret is out of the bag. Montville in the region’s hinterland offers a cool-weather reprise from sun-drenched beach days, swapping beach hangs for gallery hopping and surf shacks for quaint cottages.

shops and galleries in Montville — Spread across the cosy town of Montville are art galleries and boutique shops. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

There’s plenty of hiking to undertake now the heat has subsided so head to Kondalilla National Park for some of the most scenic trails.

a waterfall in Kondalilla National Park, Motville — Swap beaches for waterfalls at Kondalilla National Park. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. Swan Valley, WA

The prize for scale always goes to Margaret River but the oldest wine region in Western Australia is the incredible Swan Valley. Journey into the upper reaches of the Swan River via a 35-minute drive from Perth CBD or opt to arrive onboard a Swan River cruise.

an aerial view of the grapevines at Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley — Swan Valley is the oldest wine region in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Unmissable cellar doors include Sandalford Wines , Mandoon Estate and Lancaster Wines , boasting some of the oldest vines around.

a group of friends sampling wines in an outdoor garden setting at Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley — Head to Sandalford Wines to sample premium wines in Swan Valley. (Image: Tourism Australia)

8. Katherine, NT

July is the perfect time to drop into Katherine, a buzzing Northern Territory town located three hours south of Darwin.

sunrise over Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge), NT — Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge) boasts some of NT’s most dramatic landscapes. (Image: Tourism NT/Mark Fitzpatrick)

Natural thermal springs on the banks of the Katherine River are a must-experience but it’s the annual Katherine Show and Rodeo , staged on the third weekend of July, that’s worth a dedicated day. Think wheelie bin and lawn mower races (for real), dog jumping, stacks of family-friendly stalls, rides and more.

a woman swimming in Katherine Hot Springs — Swim in the toasty water of Katherine Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism NT)

9. Leura, NSW

Home to an abundance of original artisans, natural beauty and fascinating boutiques, Leura is a tiny town flowing with attitude.

a boutique shop in Leura — Browse through the fascinating boutiques around Leura. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park, it encourages you to unwind in style during the cooler months with care of its Finish-style Blue Mountains Sauna , an ever-inspiring art gallery trail and a much-adored collection of cafes.

an aerial view of the streetscape of Leura — Leura is a tiny town flowing with charm. (Image: Destination NSW)

When it comes time to rug up and embrace the outdoors, various lookouts offering sweeping views of the entire region are easy to access.

people admiring the view atop Olympian Rock Lookout, Leura — Make your way to a lookout for breathtaking views. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. Red Hill, Vic

A pick for the foodies, Red Hill is one of the country’s most exciting culinary convergences. The Mornington Peninsula pitstop is home to the likes of Tedesca Osteria , widely acclaimed as one of the most extraordinary dining destinations on the planet, and Laura at Pt. Leo Estate in nearby Merricks.

the dining interior at Tedesca Osteria, Red Hill — Tedesca Osteria is widely acclaimed as one of the most extraordinary dining destinations on the planet. (Image: James Broadway Photography)

And while you’ll undoubtedly devote plenty of time to Red Hill’s cellar doors, the town’s rich hinterland set against wild beaches is worthy of significant awe.

a luxury boutique hotel set in a garden at Lancemore Lindenderry, Red Hill — Be surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate , I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art . Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The 10 cosiest winter towns you need to visit