Looking for something to do on your winter holiday?

Winter might seem like a time to stay indoors all bundled up, but it’s actually a great season to hit the road in your caravan. 

Think fewer people on the road, quieter and cheaper destinations (hello low season!) belly-warming camp food and roaring campfires. 

Not sure what you actually want to do when you’re not all snuggled up and staying warm inside your van? Don’t worry, we’ve got a few ideas to inspire you and make the most of your winter adventures.

Winter holiday activities
Whales: There are plenty of places in Australia to see these incredible creatures. PHOTO: Canva
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Winter is the prime whale-watching season. PHOTO: Queensland Tourism

WHALE WATCHING

Winter is the prime whale-watching season. Thousands of humpback whales travel from the cold Antarctic waters to the warmer breeding grounds off the coast of Australia.

There’s plenty of opportunities to see the whales and travel to different locations – from the east coast in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to Western Australia, you’re sure to witness one or two on their journey. The sight of these creatures is truly unforgettable. 

OUR PICKS:  

  • Hervey Bay, Queensland
  • Exmouth, Western Australia
  • Warrnambool, Victoria

STARGAZING

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of the night sky, winter is a great time to get out and stare into the great unknown. 

The clear, dark winter skies provide excellent conditions for stargazing and astrophotography if you’re into that. 

From the Milky Way arching overhead to the twinkling Southern Cross, there’s an entire universe to explore from the comfort of your caravan. Hot tip: make sure you travel remote to get the best experience – stay away from light pollution! 

OUR PICKS:  

  • See the Milky Way just outside of Alice Springs in the East MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory
  • See Aurora Australis in Tasmania at Mount Wellington/kunanyi
  • Warrumbungle National Park (the Southern Hemisphere’s first Dark Sky Park), New South Wales

SNOW SPORTS

Australia might not be the first place you think of when you hear the word “alps”, but you shouldn’t discount it – our snowfields offer a unique experience that’s truly incredible. 

If you’ve never been to the snow, now is the best time to do it. You won’t be disappointed, we promise! You can head to the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales or the Victorian Alps for a day on the slopes, followed by cosy evenings by the fire. 

Wherever you go, just make sure to stay safe – many high-alpine road routes are off-limits for caravans, so base yourself in a sleepy town close to the action. 

OUR PICKS:  

  • Thredbo, Snowy Mountains, New South Wales
  • Falls Creek, Alpine National Park, Victoria
  • Perisher Ski Resort, Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales
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Wine tasting is a perfect winter activity.
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Enjoy a soak in one of the country's many hot springs.

NATURAL HOT SPRINGS

Embrace the chill by soaking in one of the country’s natural hot springs. There’s nothing like enjoying a good soak, unwinding in the warm mineral-rich waters while you’re surrounded by the stunning outback or gorgeous mountain vistas. 

There’s no better way to relax and rejuvenate during winter.

OUR PICKS:  

  • Lightning Ridge Bore Baths, New South Wales
  • Mataranka Thermal Pool, Northern Territory
  • Zebedee Springs, Western Australia

WINE TASTING

We don’t know about you, but a glass of mulled wine while we sit around the campfire sounds divine. What a delicious way to stay warm! If you love a good drop, why not explore some of Australia’s top wine spots? 

Stay inside, enjoy a leisurely wine tasting and indulge in gourmet food experiences. Sounds like a perfect day to us. 

From the cool climate vineyards of Tasmania to the sun-drenched estates of South Australia, there’s a wine region to suit every palate.

OUR PICKS:  

  • Margaret River region, Western Australia
  • Barossa Valley, South Australia
  • Yarra Valley, Victoria
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Just because it’s a bit chilly doesn’t mean you can’t go fishing.

HIKING

There are plenty of reasons why bushwalking in winter is better than other seasons – milder temperatures, fewer insects and tracks being less crowded are just a few of them. 

Besides the fact that Australian bushland is absolutely stunning and there are plenty of places to explore (think hidden waterfalls, ancient forests and breathtaking look out points), it’s also a great time to see wildlife, as many animals are more active in the cooler months and you’ve got a better chance at spotting native species like kangaroos, wallabies and birdlife. 

OUR PICKS:  

  • See the spectacular giant boulders in Girraween National Park
  • Porcupine Rocks, Kosciuszko National Park
  • Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

FISHING

Looking for a peaceful way to spend the day surrounded by nature? Winter tends to see fewer people out fishing, meaning less competition for the best spots. In Tasmania and the highlands of Victoria and New South Wales, winter is prime trout fishing season. There’s also usually an influx of Australian salmon along the southern coast. 

It’s also a much more comfortable time to spend outdoors, with the June, July and August months providing cooler temperatures compared to the hot, humid conditions of summer. 

OUR PICKS:  

  • Lake Jindabyne – one of the best trout fishing lakes in Australia
  • Cape York – look for barramundi, mangrove jacks and trevally in the rivers and creeks
  • Shark Bay – pink snapper