Our sunburnt nation is more synonymous with bikinis than jumpers, but that’s not to say that Australia can’t do winter well. We boast plenty of places with cool enough temperatures to justify a fire, or with its own seasonal festival to shout about. Here we’ve gathered the ones worth your while; here are 18 Australian towns that come alive during the winter months.
Head north and greet Cygnet in the glorious Huon Valley, another Australian town that comes alive during winter. This creative destination is again ripe with things to eat and drink. Poolish & Co craft buttery pastry and bread, or grab a cider (and slice of apple history) at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. The drinks specialist also plays host to Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival with a traditional Wassail.
Historic Richmond is within arm’s reach of Hobart. The Coal River Region resident is most famous for its namesake bridge, built in the 1820s, but the town has equal acclaim for its food and bev offerings. Coal River Farm is a must-visit for lunch, or stick to liquids at Frogmore or Pooley Wines. Winter temperatures hover around 12°C (during the day), so don’t forget your coat.
If you have a soft spot for history and heritage buildings, Bathurst will be right up your alley. The Central Tablelands destination is as quaint in the cold weather as it is the warm. Spend your days traipsing the Rail Museum, or National Motor Racing Museum, and nights at one of its many pubs; The Victoria is a stand-out.
At the heart of the Central West Tablelands, Orange is a bit of a cold weather wonderland. Its agricultural heritage (and vineyards galore) has provided the town with a thriving food and drink scene. Not to mention the growing festivals held throughout the year; Orange Region Fire Festival, and Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival (just nearby) are winter favourites.
Wine region Mudgee makes for another of the best Australian towns that come alive during winter. Its surplus of places to eat (and drink) promise plenty of entertainment, regardless of the temperature. Blue Wren makes for an idyllic lunch among manicured grounds, as does Gilbert Wines’ Cellar Door. Where to stay? Try Balabudgee Farmhouse.
Luscious Bellingen (or Bello) is tucked among the Coffs Hinterland. And while its bevy of boutiques and cafes demand a visit year-through, it also plays host to the Bello Winter Music Festival Annually. If you consider yourself outdoors-y try the Promised Land.
While it’s Byron Bay that garners most attention when it comes to the Northern Rivers, its neighbouring towns are just as delightful. Murwillumbah in the Tweed Valley is now home to the celebrated Rail Trail, a 132km track through hinterland. But the Art Deco town has plenty to offer; wander the creative stalls of M Arts, grab a pint at the iconic pink Imperial Hotel, and a fancy dinner at Bistro Livi.
A coastal town on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Victor Harbor is famous for its unique horse-drawn trams. But it’s the natural wonders and the wildlife which are equally tempting to tourists, especially around winter. Whale-watching opportunities in Encounter Bay are plentiful, as are sightings of a resident wild penguin colony.
As the nation’s oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf celebrates its heritage through bakeries serving strudel to pubs (try the German Arms Hotel). But it’s not just these cold weather favouring eateries that make this Adelaide Hills destination a great option come mid-year, but its leading event, the Hills Winter Lantern Festival.
Dreamy Daylesford belongs on any list of Australian towns that come alive during winter. Nudging the base of the Great Dividing Range, the pristine destination is home to natural mineral springs for keeping toasty all year through. But arguably more well known is Alla Wolf-Tasker’s Lake House, where an acclaimed regional diner, a hotel, and a spa sit on charming grounds.
While officially a city (and the largest of Australia’s inland), we’re going to include Ballarat in this list, purely so that we can mention the Ballarat Winter Festival. The three-week bonanza encourages a lean in to the winter months, with public activities and events hosted across town. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, hole up at Hotel Vera instead.
The Mornington’s Red Hill is arguably one of its prettiest offerings. An overflow of quaint b&bs, vineyards, and eateries, all well equipped to handle the typically cold weather, make for an ideal weekender. While there’s no shortage of restaurants, the revered Osteria Tedesca is a stand-out. Or warm up the novelty way; try the Peninsula Hot Springs.
Gold rush town Castlemaine is already a Melbourne favourite (it’s known as ‘Northcote North’). With its ample cafes, bars, pubs, and galleries it’s no surprise why. In particular, cosy places to drink are a dime-a-dozen, Boomtown Winery Co-Op, Bridge Hotel, Bar Midland among them.
On the edge of Daylesford but worth a visit in its own right is Trentham. Visit Victoria’s highest single drop waterfall, Trentham Falls, or grab a bite to eat at the eye-catching Cosmopolitan Hotel. The Trentham General, housed in a former bank, is best for breakfast and coffee, and neighbours an impressive number of boutiques and galleries.
Just as beautiful, but less frequented than Margaret River is Swan Valley. Sitting just north of Perth, the towns among the wine-growing district include the equal parts historic and charming Guildford, where colonial buildings mingle with antique stores and revamped pubs, all scattered along the main drag of James Street.
