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Looking for some sunshine this Aussie winter? There are plenty of destinations to catch some rays during the colder months that are just a short road trip or flight away.
So take off your Ugg boots and slip on your thongs – here are our top picks, both domestic and international, for short winter breaks.
With temperatures in the high 20’s during winter, Port Douglas is an ideal short-haul trip that will make all of your friends jealous.
Relax on the golden sand of Four Mile Beach, snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef, explore the Daintree Rainforest and rejuvenate in one of the many luxury spas.
The water is crystal clear during winter, which makes for ideal viewing conditions of neighbouring reefs.
The best time to visit the tropical Top End is during winter when the heat and humidity are at their lowest, averaging balmy temperatures of around 30 degrees.
For the adventure seekers, get up close and personal with the crocodiles of Crocosaurus Cove. Whether you choose to snap a picture holding a baby saltwater crocodile, or go all out by daring to join Australia’s only crocodile cage-dive experience, there’s an activity for everyone’s comfort level.
For a more relaxed afternoon, visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Here you’ll find an array of exotic food stalls including Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese and Brazilian, plus beautiful hand crafted jewellery and other artistic creations by local vendors. After the sun sets, the markets come alive with circus performers and fire-eaters.
While the Central Australian desert is undoubtedly hot during summer, the rest of the year provides a great climate during the day for visitors to this bucket-list-worthy region. Bear in mind, with its clear skies (perfect for stargazing) winter temperatures can drop significaltly at night so you’ll still need to take some winter-woollies.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a four and a half hour drive from Alice Springs, and is home to the iconic red rock formations that are millions upon millions of years old.
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is sacred to the local Pitjantjatjara tribe, and while climbing the rock is not condoned, there are many other ways to see its natural beauty such as taking a camel tour around the base or a helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view.
With a flight time of just over four hours from Sydney, a long weekend trip to Fiji will rejuvenate you during the chilly winter months. Once you hop on your flight, it’ll be no time before you’re relaxing in the warm sunshine with cocktail in hand on the beautiful, powdery-white beaches.
If you’re looking for total relaxation, Turtle Island resort is one of our top picks. The all-inclusive island is home to only 14 couples at a time. Guests can book a private beach for the day and enjoy a picnic lunch complete with lobster and champagne to truly get in full vacation mode.
Family in tow? There’s a huge range of affordable accommodation options for families, complete with kids clubs and babysitting services. Try Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa or any of the three luxury resorts in Denarau.
Bali is just 8 degrees south of the equator, so you can expect a tropical and warm climate all year round. Break out your swimsuit and catch a short flight (6.5 hours from Sydney, or 3.5 hours from Perth) to this island oasis.
Here you can expect picturesque beaches and affordable massages and dining.
You can also hit one of Bali’s trendy rooftop bars, such as Vertical Point in the Akmani Hotel to take in your last bit of warm weather before heading home. Did we mention you can sip your cocktail in the Jacuzzi?
To escape the Australian winter chill, speak to your personal travel manager, or find one near you.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
