Where to go for a Winter Staycation?

In recent months we’ve got to know our own homes, places and spaces pretty well. Some might argue too well! Thankfully the antidote to cabin fever has arrived, with the easing of restrictions we can now venture out on a ‘staycation’. Staycations (for those not familiar with the term) are typically defined as a holiday that’s spent in your own country, or at home and often involves day trips to local attractions.

Around Australia, we are blessed to have some incredible must-see spots – both natural and man-made. So, while a trip to Bali or Canada might be off-limits for now, why not explore the best of our own backyard? Do bear in mind when you look at these lists, border restrictions in some states may still apply depending on the time you read this, so as always – do your homework first!

Hot spots

It’s winter and temperatures are cooling. However, there are still plenty of places where the mercury is above a balmy 25 degrees right now, including:

• The Daintree, QLD – Where the world’s oldest rainforest meets the ocean – 25°C
• Broome, WA – 22km of beach, colourful sunsets, famous camel rides – 28°C
• Darwin, NT – Australia’s tropical city with fabulous food and a harbour – 30°C
• Kakadu, NT – 20,000sq km of natural splendour – 31.7°C
• Cape York Peninsula, QLD – Jungle scenery, gorgeous beaches – 27°C
• Whitsundays, QLD – Scuba, swim and trek rainforests – 27.6°C
• Cairns – Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef – 25.7°C

Staying frosty

If you’re the type that likes to chill (literally) then the Victorian, New South Wales and Tasmanian Snowfields have your name on it. Here’s just a handful of activities you can get into in the snow, including:

• Snowmobiling (Requires at least one adult driver) – Falls Creek, VIC
• Dogsledding (with 15 mins of husky cuddles included after) – Mt Hotham, VIC (also offered at Mt Buller & Baw Baw)
• Tobogganing – Selwyn Snow Resort, NSW and Mt Baw Baw, Buller and Falls Creek, VIC
• Snow Tubing (that’s sliding hills on a rubber tube) – Perisher & Selwyn, NSW and Falls Creek, VIC
• Alpine Wildlife spotting – Cradle Mountain and Ben Lomond National Park, TAS
• Snow Shoeing – Thredbo & Mt Kosciusko, NSW and Mt Hotham, Buller and Falls Creek, VIC
• Fat biking (that’s riding mountain bikes with wide snow friendly tyres), Falls Creek, VIC
• Alpine Glamping (with snowshoeing and a cosy snow dome tent with wood fire and fondue), Mt Hotham, VIC

City Slickers

If you can travel to Sydney, don’t put this one off – The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a must-do, so get to it! You’ll get plenty of exercise, a blast of fresh air, a little adrenaline and one of the best views in Australia. What better way to celebrate freedom? In support of our local tour operators during this difficult time; here is a link to check all the Bridge Climb details; https://www.bridgeclimb.com/

Country Classics

Often it’s those little out of the way country towns that yield the biggest surprises. There are many towns throughout the country that were recently devastated by bushfires. If you are up for a day trip in your state, we encourage you to look up these locations and support the local regional and rural areas in need of our support; as they focus on re-building their homes and towns.

From stunning scenery to delicious produce. Here’s a shortlist of some rare gems we’re really liking the look of right now:

• Augusta, WA – White sandy beaches, wineries and rich maritime history
• Busselton, WA – Sleepy serenity with an Iconic jetty and beautiful foreshore
• Victor Harbour, SA – Rocky bluffs and white sand beaches, take the camera
• Tanuda & The Barossa Valley, SA – Home of the biggest red wines you’ll ever enjoy, and the bakeries aren’t bad either
• Port Fairy, VIC – Keep a lookout for whales, seals and dolphins on Victoria’s shipwreck coast
• Lakes Entrance, VIC – 400sq km of lakes, 90 miles of beach, the landscape is massive out here
• Cygnet, TAS – Fruit orchards, wineries, musicians, art trails, discover your bohemian side
• Merimbula, NSW – Top Lake Boardwalk, crashing surf, delectable local oysters and cute galleries
• Byron Bay, NSW – Subtropical Beaches, great food, cliffs and bluffs, look out for Thor
• Woorim, QLD – One of Queensland’s better kept secrets, located on the surf side of Bribie Island
• Port Douglas, QLD – Seaside cuisine, cruises to the reef, hinterland and Great Dividing Range walks

Camping close to home

If you are keen to stay closer to home, you can enjoy sleeping under the stars and the great Aussie outdoors by pitching a tent in your very own backyard. Breakfast on the barbie tastes just as great on the camp site as it does in your own backyard, without the hassle of carting around the kitchen.

We hope we’ve inspired you with our lists of Great Australian wonders. No doubt we’ve left hundreds of amazing spots out, (if not more) but that’s what makes our country so great to explore. Don’t forget if you are considering accommodation options, do check out https://www.firstnational.com.au/holidays ahead of your trip.