The 10 Best Winter Holidays in Queensland

While some of us are hunkered down and hibernating for winter (we’re Queenslanders, after all!), we keep hearing whispers about winter being the best time to travel. Never ones to shy away from holiday planning, we’ve scoped out the best winter holidays to chase warmer weather (or to dive into even frostier temps, for those who are brave). Scroll on to find our recommendations for the best winter holidays in Queensland.

Duke Islands

Dreaming of escaping reality on a private island? It’s not out of reach. Explore the Duke Islands, a trio of islands off the Great Barrier Reef that are privately owned and available to book for your very own luxurious getaway. The winter months are the perfect time to escape to the tropical side of Queensland. Marble Island is perhaps the most popular choice, with a charming cottage kissed by the Coral Sea. You can enjoy year-round swimming and snorkelling in clear, protected waters, shucking oysters fresh off the rock, collecting farm-fresh eggs and many more wholesome and restorative activities.

Cost: From $1600 per night per cottage

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat

Nestled in the stunning hinterland of the Tallebudgera Valley, lies the one and only Gwinganna Retreat. With scenic views of the coast and valleys, you’ll instantly be transported into a calmer and relaxed state when you escape the busy-ness of the every day on a Winter Wellness retreat at Gwinganna. With programs rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and holistic healthcare, you’ll unwind, refresh and renew yourself, mind body and soul here. All meals and transfers are included, along with an 80-minute massage.

Cost: Starts from $1925 per person 

192 Syndicate Road, Tallebudgera Valley

Talaroo Hot Springs 

The newest tourist attraction to the Savannah Way combines the culture and hospitality of the Ewamian people with one of North Queensland’s most incredible geological wonders. Not only does soaking in a hot spring sound like the perfect way to warm your bones, but these waters have healing properties that will restore you to your very best self. Bubbling up from kilometres underground and heated by granite rocks, The Talaroo Hot Springs are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any Queenslander!

A Gulf Savannah Way, Mount Surprise

Gold Coast 

Where better to staycay than the Gold Coast? So many options await you that it might be a little tricky to pick… so we thought we’d tell you about one of our favourites. The Star Grand at the Gold Coast has everything you need for the ultimate getaway. Not only is the location prime for day trips, shopping and tourist hotspots but within the hotel, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied. With multiple restaurants and bars, you can try out the celebrated Kiyomi Restaurant with their recently reinstated chef’s Omakase degustation. Start your day with the opulent buffet breakfast, then stretch out in the sun by the pool with a book, or rug up and watch a movie on the huge outdoor projector of an evening. 

Sitchu Tip: Check out our guide to the coolest luxury hotels to book for your next GC getaway. 

Magnetic Island

One of Queensland’s favourite holiday spots, Magnetic Island is a short ferry trip from Townsville and offers a gorgeous, untouched tropical paradise experience. There’s no shortage of things to do, with delicious and healthy foodie spots, live music and eco-adventures to explore. Famed for its distinctive landscape (crafted in part from volcanic activity many millions of years ago), hoop pines, stunning beaches and coral reefs, we recommend spending plenty of time outdoors soaking up the winter sunshine on your getaway.

2-hour flight from Brisbane to Townville, then 40-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island

Cairns 

Escape the polar frosts for the warmth of Tropical North Queensland, where the locals call a sunny 17-degree day “so cold!”. There’s plenty to do and see in Cairns whilst avoiding the chilly weather and you can still soak up plenty of nature whilst keeping out of the cool breeze. Explore the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter, glide through the rainforest on the SkyRail, or stay dry underwater with the Sunlover Reef Cruise which heads out to its very own pontoon where experiences like glass bottom boats, semi-submersible boat tours and underwater observatories await you. Not to mention the thriving food and beverage scene that Cairns has to offer that will help you add a layer of full-belly comfort and cosiness on your next getaway to gorgeous Tropical North Queensland. 

Sitchu Tip: We’ve written an itinerary to help you experience the best of Cairns in just five days, so your holiday planning just got even easier. 

Double Island Point

For the adventurers among us, Double Island Point is an amazing winter getaway location for those who love four wheel driving and camping under the stars. You do need a 4WD to access the Point, but there are hire companies if you don’t have your own beach-ready vehicle. Double Island Point is part of the Great Sandy National Park, next to Rainbow Beach, so you can explore this gorgeous pocket of coastline on your next winter getaway! We recommend hiking around and visiting the historic lighthouse during your stay. For those who prefer the finer things in life, Double Island itself is now available for limited bookings, so you can stay on a private island… celebrity style.

3.75-hour drive from Brisbane

Stanthorpe

Okay, so we know Stanthorpe is a frosty place to be (they hold the record for the lowest recorded temperature in Queensland at -10.6 degrees), but that’s why it’s made the list! The subtropical highland climate is perfect for growing award-winning produce, so why not make the trek to this rural town this winter? An off-season visit means that you can score a deal and find the best accommodation available, after all! Alure has our vote, with their pet-friendly and luxurious accommodation under the starry night’s sky, which is bound to make your winter getaway to Stanthorpe an absolutely unforgettable experience.

Noosa

A short road trip from Brisbane up the coastline is Noosa, a hotspot loved by tourists and locals alike! Noosa offers gorgeous beach walks, wildlife and one of the best shopping scenes on the Sunshine Coast. Book a beachy escape close to Hastings Street, and trawl the restaurants, cafes, bars and of course the boutiques. Shopping is cardio after all, so that will keep you warm on your winter getaway to Noosa! 

Sitchu Tip: Not sure where to stay? Explore our list of Noosa’s most luxurious accommodation to help you narrow it down. 

Mount Tamborine

The lush, hinterland oasis of Mount Tamborine is a relatively short and scenic drive from Brisbane and is a gorgeous spot for your next winter getaway! Famous for it’s boutique shopping, bush walks, incredible wineries and the Gallery Walk, you’ll never be short of things to do in Tamborine. There’s no other way to begin the day than with coffee, so head into the Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation for locally grown and roasted beans. And for your second favourite beverage of the day, our top spot for a tipple is the Witches Falls Winery, where you can try their wild-ferment wine. We recommend booking accommodation with a hot tub, so you can warm up after a busy day exploring in ultimate relaxation and comfort. 

1-hour drive from Brisbane

We can’t wait to hear about your holiday, so make sure you tag us in your highlight reel on Instagram @sitchu.brisbane and don’t forget to hashtag #sositchu. If our Stanthorpe getaway has inspired you to take your pooch on holiday with you, check out our favourite pet-friendly accommodation across Queensland! Need to book something for the whole family? Find our recommendations for the best long-weekend getaways for the whole family here.