Where to Holiday in Queensland this Winter

Winter is fast approaching and we’re sure that, like most Kiwis, you’re preparing yourself for several months of cold, wet and dreary weather. Instead of hibernating this winter, why not start planning your escape to the sunny shores of Queensland?

Famous for having over 300 days of sunshine a year, Queensland is the perfect destination to get away from the winter chill of New Zealand. Whether you’re seeking a tropical island escape, a family-friendly adventure or a warm weekend city break, the Sunshine State can provide.

Here are some of the best winter holiday destinations in Queensland.

Gold Coast

While the Gold Coast has always been a popular holiday destination, it’s even better in winter. Days are warm and sunny, with average temperatures between 12.5°C and 21.5°C. Swimming at the many beautiful beaches is more than possible, with winter water temperatures averaging at around 22°C. Plus, you can also expect fewer crowds at popular attractions during the winter months, along with more affordable prices.

No matter what you’re looking to do on your winter break, you’ll find it on the Gold Coast. If you’ve visited before, consider booking a new experience, like a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or a winery tour in the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland. Meanwhile, families can’t miss a visit to one of the Gold Coast’s iconic theme parks, where you can brave adrenaline-spiking thrill rides, meet your favourite movie characters or get up close to incredible marine life.

Cairns

Escape to the tropics this winter by booking a trip to Cairns. Find that your typical idea of winter doesn’t really exist here, with temperatures averaging between 17.5°C and 26°C. Winter also coincides with the dry season in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, so wet weather is unlikely to dampen your holiday experience. Choose to holiday in Cairns this winter if you’re looking for balmy beach days, epic outdoor adventures and relaxed resort luxury.

Cairns is famously home to two World Heritage-listed sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. The former is best visited during the winter months, as higher water visibility increases your chances of spotting incredible marine life, including manta rays, humpbacks and dwarf minke whales. Cairns is also an ideal base for an island adventure, as the tropical oases of Green Island and Fitzroy Island are just a short ferry ride away.

Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are one of the best winter holiday destinations in Queensland. As you would expect from a tropical paradise, the weather here is warm and sunny year-round, with the average daily temperature in winter hovering around 22°C and water temperatures remaining at around 25°C. Plus, winter in the Whitsundays is the ideal time to take advantage of scenic hiking trails, stinger-free swims and pristine snorkelling conditions.

With 74 idyllic islands to explore, there are various ways you could spend your winter holiday in the Whitsundays. Sink your toes into the soft silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, soar above the iconic Heart Reef or hop between islands on a catamaran tour. When it comes to accommodation, the Whitsundays are renowned for luxury, so get ready to float in sprawling resort pools with a cocktail in hand and dine on fresh seafood beneath palm trees.

 

Brisbane

For those seeking a short city break this winter, Brisbane is the obvious choice. Winters in Queensland’s sunny capital are mild, with temperatures averaging between 11°C and 21°C. This riverside city has plenty of offer the winter traveller, including a burgeoning dining scene, world-class shopping and dynamic cultural offerings.

Don’t miss the cultural precinct of South Bank, home to leading gallery duo, Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), which houses some of the best examples of contemporary Australian art. Meanwhile, foodie favourites include Howard Smith Wharves and Eat Street Northshore. You can also escape the city by heading inland to the Scenic Rim region, home to World Heritage-listed rainforests, or hopping on a ferry to Moreton Island, famous for the spectacular Tangalooma Wrecks.

Sunshine Coast

For a winter getaway that offers it all, consider booking a trip to the Sunshine Coast. Like most destinations in Queensland, the winter months on the Sunshine Coast remain relatively warm and sunny, with an average temperature of around 22°C. Expect crisper temperatures in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, so pack a light jacket just in case.

Stretching for more than 60 kilometres, the hardest part of planning a winter Sunshine Coast getaway is deciding where to go. There’s the laidback coastal town of Noosa, where you’ll find perfect surfing conditions, or the charming hinterland hideaway of Eumundi, where artisan markets and lush hiking trails are just a short drive away. Wherever you base your stay, make sure your itinerary includes a visit to Australia Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with over 1200 amazing animals.

Hervey Bay

If you’re looking for somewhere new to holiday in Queensland this winter, Hervey Bay is the perfect destination. Centrally located on the Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay acts as a gateway to breathtaking destinations like K’gari (Fraser Island) and Lady Elliot Island. Thanks to continuous sunshine, winters here are pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 10°C and 22°C.

Winter is by far the best time to visit Hervey Bay, and for one key reason: whale watching season. Named the first ever World Whale Heritage Site, Hervey Bay is world renowned for offering up-close natural encounters with migrating humpback whales. In fact, this is the only place on Australia’s east coast where the whales suspend their annual migration, spending two weeks in the calm waters surrounding Hervey Bay to relax, play and socialise. A whale watching cruise is a must when visiting Hervey Bay in winter.

Find your perfect winter getaway with My Queensland

Warm up this winter with one of My Queensland’s exclusive holidays, perfectly packaged with exclusive bonus extras like room upgrades, resort credits, local experiences and so much more. It’s all part of the My Queensland difference, which simply can’t be found anywhere else.

Start searching for your perfect Queensland winter holiday here.

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Categories : Travel