Ten Queensland Escapes that will Beat the Winter Blues

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Does the thought of another long southern winter send shivers up and down your spine?

Shake them off by planning a mid-season Queensland getaway! The Sunshine State has plenty of the golden stuff to go around, and just having a holiday booked will get you through the worst of the cold weather.

Here are ten of the best destinations for a winter escape in Queensland.

1. Brisbane

When researching perfect winter getaways, it’s hard not to put a big tick next to Brisbane. While many southern cities are cloaked in fog and grey clouds at this time of year, the Queensland capital enjoys mild temperatures, clear skies, and plenty of sunshine. Spend your time getting amongst the city’s myriad attractions, world-class museums and galleries, buzzing retail precincts, and eclectic inner-city neighbourhoods. Gorgeous beaches, verdant national parks, and wonderful wildlife viewing experiences are also all within easy reach. The downside? There isn’t one. So, what are you waiting for? Hit ‘book’!

Top 10 things to do in Brisbane on a first visit

2. Gold Coast

Any time is a good time to visit the glittering Goldie — and that includes the winter months. Expect cool evenings and early mornings, but warm and mild conditions during the day. Here you can do as much or as little as you like. Get the adrenalin pumping on the rides at any of the Coast’s incredible theme parks, enjoy close encounters of the furry-and-feathered kinds at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or drink in the sweeping views from the Skypoint Observation Deck at Q1. Culture vultures should head for the Home of the Arts (HOTA) precinct. Positioned between Southport and Surfers Paradise on the banks of the Nerang River, it’s the new digs for what was formerly known as the Gold Coast City Art Gallery collection.

3. Sunshine Coast

They don’t call it the ‘Sunshine Coast’ for nothing! And while the weather can be fairly mild here in winter, you’re still likely to get plenty of sun and bright blue skies. Mooloolaba is a great spot to base yourself on a first visit to the Sunny Coast. It’s centrally located, easily accessible from the airport, and is totally geared up to keeping holidaymakers happy. Check out The Wharf — a vibrant entertainment and dining hub that fronts the Mooloolaba River. It’s also the departure point for a range of day cruises and whale watching trips. Those travelling with tin lids will love having Sea Life — an aquarium dedicated to marine conservation — on their doorstep.

4. Hervey Bay

Want to get up close and personal with the giants of the deep as they migrate up and down the Queensland coast? In winter, the serene waters off Hervey Bay are the place to do it! Whalesong Cruises offers morning and afternoon departures from July to October that will see you spending up to five hours on the water to watch humpbacks breaching, tail slapping, and spy-hopping in their natural environment. And on the off chance that you don’t see a whale, you’ll get a free repeat cruise until you do!

5. Bundaberg

A bit further north in the Wide Bay-Burnett region, the regional city of Bundaberg also enjoys mild winters, and it’s highly unlikely that bad weather will cramp your holiday style. This is the gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef, and you’ll find the water warm enough to snorkel with turtles and a variety of other sea creatures off Lady Musgrave Island or Lady Elliott Island.

Back on the mainland, get in some towel time on the beaches of Bargara, or to the south — best-kept-secret Woodgate Beach. Bundaberg itself also has plenty to keep visitors entertained; learn the Bundaberg Rum backstory, admire the creativity on display at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, and follow in the flight path of one of the world’s most famous aviators. If you’re looking for somewhere central to stay, Midtown Caravan Park offers powered sites, cabins, and motel-style rooms.

6. Mackay

Mackay is a mid-year mecca for travellers looking to avoid the sticky heat and humidity generally associated with Queensland’s North. It’s the perfect time of year for outdoorsy types to tackle some of the region’s awesome bushwalks. Cape Hillsborough National Park is a popular option, and there are walking tails that crisscross this coastal wonderland. Once you’ve met those famous roos on the beach at dawn, make your way to the foreshore’s southern end; there’s a walk from there up to the headland that offers terrific views.

7. Airlie Beach

Sitting pretty on the Whitsunday Coast, Airlie Beach is another great Queensland holiday all rounder. Splash down in the fabulous Airlie Beach Lagoon, stroll along a section of the Bicentennial Walk, do a tuk tuk tour of town, and browse in the beachy boutiques and surf stores. When hunger strikes, hook yourself a juicy fish taco at the Fat Frog Beach Cafe.

Airlie is also the mainland departure point for day cruises out to the Whitsunday Islands, so take this opportunity to go and wiggle your toes in the ultra-white sand on iconic Whitehaven Beach.

8. Magnetic Island (Townsville)

No list of great Queensland winter getaways would be complete without the inclusion of Magnetic Island — or ‘Maggie’ as she’s better known to the locals. A 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, this island paradise offers visitors access to endless beaches, yet more amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, and many a memorable snorkelling experience. We warn you now; you may never want to leave!

Back across Cleveland Bay in the heart of the unofficial North Queensland capital, foodies flock to City Lane in Flinders Street. Here you’ll find a multitude of culinary choices — from Italian to Greek, Korean, and beyond.

9. Cairns

Cairns is hot as a winter travel destination, as humidity levels are low and hours of sunshine high. Once you’ve explored the city and its many attractions (including the must-visit Cairns Aquarium), switch over to island time on a day trip to either Fitzroy or Green Island. The former is just 45-or-so minutes from Cairns by launch, and within the hour you’ll be parked on a palm-fringed coral beach sipping your first daiquiri. On a fast catamaran, the latter is also just 45 minutes from Cairns and offers an equally beguiling tropical vibe.

Top 10 things to do in Cairns on a first visit

10. Port Douglas

Boasting a ‘winter’ that would be called ‘summer’ in anyone else’s language, Port Douglas is pure bliss for partially frozen holidaymakers from down south. This charming coastal enclave in the Tropical North – just over an hour’s drive north of Cairns – enjoys gorgeous weather right through the winter months, and backs it up with accommodation options and a dining scene to suit all budgets. You’ll also have the rare opportunity to explore two World Heritage-listed natural wonders in the same trip — the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Snorkel above colourful coral reefs one day and lose yourself (figuratively speaking!) in an ancient rainforest the next. It’s all akin to a very pleasant midwinter dream!

Browse our range of Queensland tours and experiences here.

Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best destinations for a winter escape in Queensland? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.

Additional images: Depositphotos, Bigstock, and Envato

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