Best Winter Getaways on a Budget

Taking short breaks throughout the year is essential to our overall sense of wellbeing - and winter is one of those times when we can all start to feel a little run down. There’s nothing like a short break during the colder months to catch some rays and take time out to recharge the batteries. 

Getting away for a little down time, your way, doesn’t have to break the budget either. 

Here are our top picks for short, budget-friendly winter breaks.

Winter in the Top End

Visit Darwin in winter and you’ll enjoy perfect sunny days, minus the humidity of summer. It really is the best time of year to travel to the Top End for your Vitamin D fix and enjoy a completely unique capital city experience while you’re at it. With lots of budget-friendly places to stay and great, free or low-cost things to see and do, Darwin is a short break destination that won’t break the budget either. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are a Darwin must. Sample mouthwatering cuisine that celebrates Darwin’s diverse multicultural influences from Greek delicacies to one of the best Laksas you’ll ever have. Spend a night at the waterfront Deckchair Cinema and watch a sunset like no other as you take in a movie over a glass of vino, all from the comfort of your deckchair, surrounded by the tropics. The kids will love Darwin’s waterfront Wave Lagoon too with its huge wave pool where they can ride the swell on tubes and boogie boards. And for the ultimate Top End wildlife experience, you can meet the crocs in their natural habitat at the Crocodylus Park about 10 minutes from the CBD. With direct flights to Darwin from every capital city and more, you won’t waste those precious leave days on travel time either.

Camp the Whitsunday Islands

Camp the Whitsundays and enjoy perfect winter temps, stinger-free swimming and budget-friendly adventure in a tropical island paradise. Don’t forget the hammock and a good read either because there are so many Instagram-worthy sites to choose from too, from the white sands and turquoise waters of Whitehaven Beach to the secluded coral coves of Hook island. When you camp the Whitsundays, you literally have diving, boating, reef snorkelling and bushwalking adventures right on your doorstep, every single day. You’ll need to be prepared with BYO water and food supplies, plus you’ll need a camping permit, so get in early to grab the perfect spot.

Take a Road Trip 

Is there anything better than hitting the road for an old school adventure on the back roads? Wind your way through the regions, sampling the freshest local produce from cellar doors to boutique cheeseries. Staying at affordable AirBnBs and motels along the way will be budget-friendly and add to the whole sense of adventure too. You’ll be surprised by just how many historic and geographic places of interest there are, even in your own backyard, from vibrant gold rush era townships to geographic landmarks like Hanging Rock. So hit the road this winter and explore the backroads village by village soaking up that famous country hospitality. Kids will love playing ‘Big Things Bingo’ along the way too from the Giant Mushroom in the ACT to the Big Golden Guitar in Australia’s country music capital, every state has its fair share and so many other hidden gems to uncover too. 

Go on a hiking adventure

When the mercury drops in the winter months, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails for a hiking or mountain biking adventure. A hiking holiday is a great way to take a break on a budget and get your nature fix in the great outdoors at the same time. Like a challenge? Take on a multi-day walk, like the famous Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory or the Australian Alps Walking Track, camping along the way. Or, for a bit more comfort, book some cosy accom in close proximity to National Parks and trails that you can use as a base for day-hikes or mountain bike rides in the area, knowing you’ll have a hot shower and great food waiting for you at the end of every adventure-packed day.