With Covid19 restrictions preventing international travel, only only hope for a winter escape is within Australia. And for some of you, you can only do that within your own state. Sure, you might not think that this is exciting but Australia is a beautiful place with so much on offer. All around the country, there are great getaway spots with different activities on offer. Whether it’s skiing, visiting wine country , lying on beach or exploring a city, Australia has it. Here we take a look at winter escapes around the country.
NSW
NSW has so many options for winter escapes. Byron Bay and the north coast is a great option if you want to relax. The Blue Mountains is absolutely gorgeous with breathtaking scenery and perfect for curling up by a fireplace with a red wine in hand. But my pick for a winter escape in NSW would have to be a ski trip. Both Thredbo and Perisher offer a variety of runs for all skill levels. Of course there are Covid restrictions in place but the resorts are all open with the pretty alpine villages getting back to buzzing. A great option for a trip with girlfriends or family.
For a chilly trip like this, you’ll need a warm coat. We have many available to hire but I Love this Unreal Fur one.
Victoria
Like NSW, Victoria has some great ski fields and surrounding villages which make for a great holiday. The wine regions are fun for a day trip. Even a staycation in a nice hotel in Melbourne is wonderful, especially with restaurants, bars, galleries and museums opening back up. But after the monotony of lockdown, I feel pampering is in order. Where better to do this? Spa country in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. There are numerous venues in the area to indulge in luxurious treatments and experience the natural mineral springs. The area is also renowned for its fabulous eating options where restaurants serve delicious local produce. Count me in!
For somewhere serene like this, I love a feminine, floral dress. Break up the drab winter colour palette with something bright. Love this Zimmermann dress.
WA
So in WA you have two options in winter. Head south and embrace the cold, or head north and soak up the sun. I love visiting or the wineries and distilleries down south in Margaret River and nearby regions. Plus the scenery is spectacular so definitely worth a visit. But the Coral Coast is spectacular and stretches from Cervantes up to Ningaloo and Exmouth. There are so many great spots on the way up north so the drive is worth it. But you can always fly to Exmouth directly and explore the area. No trip there is complete without a swim with the whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays. Snorkelling at Turquoise bay or Coral bay is a necessity. Roaming the gorges is pretty fun too. Whilst you are up there, it is worth driving that bit further to experience Karijini. It is absolutely spectacular and on my bucket list.
For this warm weather, you need something fun, flirty and breathable. Cottons and natural fabrics like linen are great. This Alice McCall number is perfect for a casual drink after snorkelling.
Queensland
Another state you can escape the cold. The mild winters and more tropical regions up north makes Queensland the perfect winter escape. There are smaller towns that are gorgeous and the Whitsundays are absolutely stunning, but my pick for a winter vacay? Cairns. You get the best of everything. The city in itself is quite big and cosmopolitan so there is no shortage of bars, restaurants and shopping. But it is just a stones throw away from both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree. Both equally gorgeous and invigorating, they’ll make you marvel at Mother Nature. Cairns ticks all the boxes for me for an ideal holiday.
In terms of outfits, I like an effortless maxi, perhaps in a print or bright colour, that can take you from beachside to bar. Camilla is great for this look but I love this Zimmermann maxi for it’s relaxed glamour, perfect for cosmopolitan Cairns.
South Australia
South Australia has some gorgeous spots dotted around the state. The national parks are beautiful especially Witjira National Park ands Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, but what is South Australia really known for? Booze. The state makes some of the best wine and spirits in the world so why not take a trip to wine country? Think the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and the Adelaide Hills. Each area is home to many different wine and spirit makers with excellent cellar doors, not to mention amazing restaurants using only the best local produce. Good food and booze. What more could you ask for on a holiday?
For wineries, I’d go for a midi dress. You want to look classy, especially at the end of the day after all that wine. Colours and prints are great and we have plenty of dresses like that on The Volte. But you can’t really beat a well cut black dress. Simply add colourful accessories and your outfit instantly pops. This Viktoria & Woods dress is perfect.
Tasmania
In recent years, Tasmania has seen a surge of tourists in winter. This had a lot to do with the Dark Mofo festival and the Huon festival. Covid has seen these events cancelled this year but this doesn’t mean the state isn’t worth exploring. The scenery itself is spectacular with snow dusted mountains and shimmering lakes. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is gorgeous and whilst the Overland track is popular for hiking in summer, many companies offer snowshoeing trips along the track which is not only fun, but absolutely beautiful. The beauty of Tasmania being so small is that you can base yourself in the amazing city of Hobart and experience all it has to offer in terms of restaurants, bars, museums and galleries, and explore the island from there. It is exciting but tranquil. Perfect for some R & R.
For exploring mountains, activewear is a must. For exploring the city, jeans and jacket will do as it does get chilly. But to explore bars and restaurants at night? Have some fun with it. Minis, midis, maxis, whatever tickles your fancy. Hire something brand new and on trend to show off your style credentials. I love this new season and interesting dress by Zimmermann. It may get chilly but it would look great with stockings, boots and a warm jacket,
Northern Territory
The NT is the perfect place to escape the winter cold, especially as they have virtually lifted all their Covid restrictions. Darwin itself is a leisurely and laidback city where good food, culture and friendly folk surround you. There are plenty of things to do there but I think the real magic of the Northern Territory lies outside the city. To explore the state, hire a car and give yourself plenty of time to experience the beautiful wilderness. Camping is an option but if that isn’t your thing, how about glamping? At Bamurru Plains, the glamping is next level and you are on the edge of Kakadu National Park, famous for its wildlife and culture. There are plenty of activities cities in the area such as fishing (it can be fun, especially when you catch yummy fish), airboat safaris, river cruises and animal spotting. This is only the tip of the iceberg. The rest of the Northern Territory is absolutely amazing and worth exploring if you have the time. A Perfect winter getaway.
Now if you are camping, you will go super casual and dress for comfort. But if you are glamping, you can be a bit extra. I’m not talking sequins or evening gowns, I’m thinking slip dresses, something silky, that can be dressed down with flats, or even dressed up. Bec & Bridge are masters of this and I think this green colour will pop against the colours of the outback palette.
So there you have it. Suggestions for winter getaways all around the country. Australia really is a beautiful place so go explore it.
Gabby
xoxox
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