Holidays mean different things to different people. Some people love adventurous holidays, and some people relish the chance to put their feet up. Some people embrace winter camping and pack their snow gear at the first sign of a declining temperature. Other people love sun-baking and associate holidays with refreshing waves rolling into sandy, sun-kissed coastlines. They postpone winter camping in favour of the next balmy, tropical evening.
If you’re thinking of throwing in the beach towel these winter holidays, don’t let the chill kill your vibe. In Australia, winter is that transitional point that sets apart one half of the year from the other. For some, this is a chance to hit the Refresh button, reflect on Act I, and refuel for Act II. Why squander that chance just because it’s cold outside?
At Cub Campers, we love winter camping, and we think there are many exciting places to go in winter. If you’re needing a little more space for your winter camping experience, we recommend our Escape: a spacious off-roader with all the essentials. Popular among couples and families requiring extra wiggle room, this camper trailer facilitates a queen-sized bed (or two single beds). You can use its extra space for storage or bunk beds for the kids.
Whether you want to free your inner snow bunny or visit a warmer location with the heat dialled down, the possibilities are plentiful. Here are our top four picks for your next winter getaway. Where’s your compass pointed?
1. Cairns, Queensland
Let’s start towards the top of the country and work down, shall we? That sounds like a linear way to conduct this virtual tour. Considered to be the ‘capital city’ of Far North Queensland (but not to be confused with Brisbane, Queensland’s actual capital city), Cairns makes for a great winter getaway. One of the top reasons for this? Cairns’ climate is tropical, and so their winter temperatures are what most of us would associate with spring climates. Can you believe 17 degrees Celcius is a ‘cold’ winter day for them? Even Brisbanians may be stunned to learn this.
The Barron Falls descending into the Barron Gorge.
So, what can you do in Cairns? You’re on holiday, so take the full scenic route! The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a fantastic way to experience the Wet Tropics: an ancient world heritage-listed rainforest that’s millions of years old. Each stretch of this journey brings panoramic views of stunning tropical paradise. The same could be said for the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: a sky-based variant of the same journey. Dismount at any of the locations and see them up close—noteworthy locations include the Rainforestation National Park, the Barron Falls, or the Barron Gorge National Park.
Nature and mountain view from Barron Gorge.
If you want to fulfill the Australian stereotype, you can visit the Koala Gardens Wildlife Park and cuddle an actual koala! This park hosts many different Australian animals, too, including quokkas, wallabies, wombats, and reptiles such as the blue-tongued lizard and varying species of snake.
2.Carnarvon National Park, Queensland
Moving further south down our northmost state, the iconic Carnarvon National Park is 593km northwest of Brisbane. Its most famous feature is Carnarvon Gorge, and the two are often spoken of interchangeably. This park is the oasis amidst vast Outback desert. It consists of high-reaching rainforests, prehistoric cycads, gorgeous gorges and creeks, and its trademarked cliffs of sandstone. Attracting roughly 70,000 people per year, Carnarvon National Park boasts 345 different species of wildlife, as well as a rich history dating back 200 million years. Its Aboriginal rock art galleries are among some of its more ‘contemporary’ features.
If you’re intending to set up camp here over winter, ensure to pack an insulated sleeping bag. The temperature can drop to freezing point, so get ready to rug up if necessary.
3. Jervis Bay, New South Wales
For our next stop, we’ll need to travel 1,497 kilometres down and pass two capital cities along the way. Spanning 102 square kilometres, Jervis Bay is an oceanic bay and village located on the south coast of New South Wales. It is home to the clearest waters and whitest sands not only nationwide, but also worldwide.
The immaculate Jervis Bay in its clear-watered, white-sanded beauty.
Although winter is not the ideal time to test the waters, it provides opportunities for bushwalking or for bike riding along the pristine coastlines. Be sure to check out the national parks, where you can explore scenic walking trails, rendezvous with local wildlife, and take in the natural and beachside scenery. Jervis Bay National Park and the kid-friendly Booderee National Park are two noteworthy examples, the former of which hosts the White Sands walk and the Scribbly Gum track. The latter contains the beautiful, Aboriginal-owned Booderee National Park Botanic Gardens.
This lush, emerald walking path in Booderee National Park is as enticing as it is green.
Did we mention that wintertime is prime time for whale watching? Oh, yes! Over 30,000 whales pass through the Shoalhaven region throughout May to November each year. Jervis Bay is their halfway ‘rest stop’ along their 5,000km annual migration journey. For a land-based look, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse (at Jervis Bay’s northern entrance) is an excellent vantage point. Cape St George Lighthouse (in Booderee National Park) is also a great spot. Even better, book a whale-watching cruise through Jervis Bay Wild! Dolphin Watch Cruises also operates throughout the year.
4. Falls Creek, Victoria
Calling all snow bunnies! Of all our location recommendations, Falls Creek likely falls into the winter getaway stereotype best. Throughout winter, Falls Creek boasts the largest ski field in North-East Victoria. It’s considered to be North-East Victoria’s premier alpine resort, and it is suitable for all seasons. In this crisp, white winter wonderland, the sky’s the limit—literally, if you board the chairlift. Back on not-so-dry land, enjoy classic snow activities—such as skiing, snowboarding, and fat biking. At Falls Creek, there are skiing lessons available for a wide range of competencies and ages. Why not get the kids involved? Sign your family up for some classes!
Falls Creek in the heart of winter. Are you tempted to visit yet?
Despite the outdoor temperatures, the best place to chill here is in the warmed indoors. As well as providing the essentials—such as groceries, medical attention, and even childcare—the main village has your creature comforts covered, too. Take a stroll through the Falls Creek Museum, enjoy a rejuvenating massage at the day spa, or dine at one of the restaurants, cafes, or bars. You could even get married here if you wanted to! Falls Creek has venues and full packages available for your next wedding, conference, or private function.
If you’re signing up for a stay, there is a fair assortment of alpine lodges and apartments to choose from. Grab your snow gear, book a place, and fall in love with Falls Creek!
Pick a spot and go!
Have we whetted your appetite for winter camping and holidays yet? We hope that we have inspired you to find your ideal winter getaway (perhaps in our Escape camper trailer?). Be it tropical rainforests or pristine white snowfields—national parklands or temperate beaches—there are places to go in winter that will suit every palette. We hope you’ve helped you discover yours.
