There are two ways to travel in winter, either embrace the cold or run from it.
Embracing the winter
Queenstown, New Zealand is a premier ski destination due to its proximity to three incredible ski slopes, Coronet, The Remarkables and Cardrona. The town is a buzz all year but it’s geared up for a winter like no other with a 3-day festival to kick things off commencing 2nd July.
For those who don’t love the thrill of sliding down an icy mountain side, a private helicopter expedition to Milford Sound is for you. Complete with a cruise to explore the incredible vistas and waterfalls, a picnic lunch on the shores of an alpine lake, glacier viewings and for the golfers, a mountain top tee-off at 4,500 feet, drive, chip and putt on this par 3 hole, maybe get lucky with a hole in one!
If you’d prefer to stay in Australia, Tasmania in the winter can be just as cold as New Zealand with snow falls in the mountains, but not quite enough for a ski slope. Explore Hobart and visit MONA’s Dark Mofo festival, back for 2021 celebrating all things weird and wonderful from 16-22 June. From here you could tour up to the Cradle Mountains and hike the Overland Track that may be dusted with snow.
Escaping the winter
Fly north to escape the winter in Australia, there are plenty of options and holidays on offer for every traveller. Queensland offers the lush beaches and endless snorkelling opportunities. There are so many destinations to choose from, anywhere north of Mackay should have you warm and sunny all winter. Our favourite resort is qualia on Hamilton Island, all rooms with views out to the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday Islands and a spa at the centre of the resort that has been voted ‘Australia’s Best’.
If your dream winter getaway features more of Australia’s unique outback then exploring the Northern Territory will leave you inspired. The ancient landscapes are breathtaking and the local wildlife is heart stopping (top tip: make sure you check with the tour guide before taking a dip in any of the natural pools!).
Top End Explorer
Make sure you pack the uniform of the tropics – T-shirt and shorts!