10 dreamy summer holidays you can go on in winter

Switch falling mercury for idyllic warm weather with our favourite year-round sunny escapes.

Step away from the knitwear – summer isn’t done with you yet. While the chill has certainly set in across Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and South Australia, three adventure-charged states remain flooded with sunshine. From Queensland’s dazzling coastline and the Northern Territory’s notoriously rich tapestry to Western Australia’s ancient desert and countless capers in between, an endless summer rolls right through the thick of winter. Let’s look at the highlights to get those short shorts back in rotation.

1. Sunshine Coast, Qld

Kondalilla National Park walk — Stroll through Kondalilla National Park. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

The name doesn’t lie. The Sunshine Coast boasts 300-odd rain-free days every year, and winter’s reprieve from summer’s humidity means comfortable exploration from the bush to the beach.

Tourist magnet Noosa is an easy choice, full of trendy boutiques and chic bars, but there’s also hinterland high jinks like national park walks to be had at Mapleton, Maleny and Montville. Meanwhile, acclaimed bush tucker cruises and water sports run rife most days in Mooloolaba, and Caloundra is a serious up-and-comer with great beachside eateries.

2. Broome, WA

Willie Cruises, Broome, camels on Cable Beach at sunset — Visit Cable Beach during golden hour. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Can you believe Broome maintains temps in the low 30s while the rest of us crank up our heaters? Winter brings dry season to the sand dune haven, which means little chance of rain and plenty of opportunity to look for dinosaur fossils by the shore.

If you’re a first timer, you’ve got to do Cable Beach, the star of Broome’s beautiful beach bounty and renowned for its technicolour sunsets over infinite soft waves – best gawked at on the back of a camel. There’s also the literal illumination of the Staircase to the Moon, a natural phenomenon that only occurs two or three days each month from March to October, meaning now is your only chance to catch it.

3. Darwin, NT

people at Mintil Beach sunset markets — Wander the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. (Image: Helen Orr/Tourism NT)

Another golden dry season opportunity lies in the otherwise sticky Darwin, a family-friendly action playground renowned for its laidback lifestyle and profound Indigenous roots. Stroll the Darwin Waterfront, in the heart of the city’s CBD, to dip your toes into the manmade, palm-fringed Wave Lagoon, before seizing the chance to wander the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, which only run from April to October.

Your other obligatory to-do while in town? Embarking on one of Darwin’s best-loved tours to take you to incredible traditional rock art, national parks littered with waterfalls, croc-infested waters and more.

4. The Daintree Rainforest, Qld

Mossman River — The Daintree Rainforest thrives in winter. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Believed to be more than 180 million years old, the Daintree Rainforest thrives in winter as the temperature drops and humidity dissipates. The world’s oldest living rainforest offers otherworldly adventure, just under a two-hour journey from Cairns if you’re road tripping.

There, you’ll take in the almighty Daintree River, where more of those snappy reptiles bask in the beauty of it all. Walking along the forest floor should sit high on your hit list, as should a visit to Cape Tribulation, where the Great Barrier Reef beckons and further nature trails routinely drop jaws.

5. Kununurra, WA

Kununurra's landscape — Kununurra’s landscape is characterised by its rugged features. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Haven’t tackled Western Australia’s astonishing outback yet? Kununurra is the perfect place to venture in while keeping a foot in village life. Additionally, the dry season provides easy drifting conditions for a tranquil cruise of Lake Argyle, which is so massive that it equates to 19 Sydney Harbours.

Kununurra accommodation goes from basic to luxe, while staggering waterfalls, dramatic colossal rock formations and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park are all within reach. The town itself rocks in winter when the Kununurra Markets come to life and a drive-in cinema enchants annually.

6. Katherine, NT

nitmiluk gorge — Nitmiluk Gorge is a stunning place to visit. (Image: Lachlan Gardiner/Tourism NT)

While Darwin’s potent buzz offers sure-fire winter rejuvenation, the Northern Territory’s Katherine is where to go to spread your wings. The undeniable star of the show is Nitmiluk Gorge, also known as Katherine Gorge, which provides 12 kilometres of staggering rocky cliffs synonymous with this corner of the country.

Don’t leave without stepping into the magical Katherine Hot Springs, one of the most luxurious natural spa baths in Australia, which stays utterly toasty at an average of 32 degrees during our coldest months.

7. Cassowary Coast, Qld

Located within great proximity to the Great Barrier Reef lies the Cassowary Coast, the closest mainland point to the reef itself. In winter, high temps linger in the mid-twenties, providing prime conditions to explore far-flung Mission Beach.

Crowd-free snorkelling and diving out to the reef from this heavenly patch of sand is the real winter drawcard, while a trip to Dunk Island (less than 10 kilometres from Mission Beach) will soon invite campers to soak up white sand paradise under a blanket of stars. Its new camping site, due to open in the second half of 2025, will even include glamping tents, an eatery and bar.

8. Kakadu National Park, NT

Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest national park. (Image: Kakadu Tourism Cooinda Lodge/Tourism NT)

Keen to lose yourself in some of Mother Nature’s most extraordinary craftwork? Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest national park and a dual-listed UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural and natural splendour, offers breathtaking mid-year exploration.

Featuring more than 5000 Indigenous rock art sites (which ranks as one of the highest concentrations on the globe), cascading waterfalls including Jim Jim Falls and Twin Fall Gorge, and epic 4WD terrain, the endlessly overwhelming spot offers a broad sweep of quintessentially Australian things to-do, reconnecting visitors with our spectacular land no matter how it sucks you in.

9. The Pilbara, WA

Pyramid Hill is a significant landmark in WA. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Speaking of our most significant Indigenous geology, the Pilbara in WA is also worthy of serious consideration over winter. The region’s famed wildflowers begin blooming in June, with more than 12,000 species creating hypnotic technicolour flushes, while traditional Aboriginal songlines invite visitors to trail rock art engravings and sacred Indigenous meeting places while taking in striking ancient landscapes.

Port Hedland, one of the Pilbara’s main towns, will also appeal to foodies as Ray’s contemporary dining provides awesome Palm Springs-inspired Instagram fodder.

10. Magnetic Island, Qld

While the Whitsundays’ powder-white beaches typically pull the masses, living the island life is also a breeze just off Townsville.

Catch a ferry from the mainland to discover Magnetic Island, a slice of heaven dotted with scenic national park walks, including Forts Walk which combines Second World War relics and water vistas, whale watching (only applicable during the winter months, so perfect timing), native wildlife encounters and top dining and entertainment, like the beloved Maggie Island Brewery.

Fancy a winter getaway that leans into the cold instead? Explore our list of getaways for every weekend in winter.

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .