Great winter break ideas that won’t blow the budget

Whether it’s flying solo or with the family, taking regular breaks and trips away is important for our overall wellbeing and mental health. We all need to take time out to recharge, especially during those colder months when the batteries can start to run a bit low. 

Taking a break doesn’t need to blow your budget either. Here are our top picks for short winter breaks that won’t break the bank.

Hit the Top End

The colder months are the perfect time to visit Darwin and the Top End where the mercury tops a balmy 31 degrees. But Darwin isn’t just a great place to chase some rays, it's packed with unique experiences and attractions the whole family will love too. And with plenty of great, budget-friendly accommodation to choose from, it won’t break the budget either. There are loads of great, free and low-cost things to see and do too like the legendary Mindil Beach Sunset Markets where you can sample mouthwatering food from ocean fresh seafood to incredible curries and sweets. Hit the Deckchair Cinema and see a sunset like no other before you take in a movie over a beer and tasty meal, all from the comfort of your deckchair, in lush tropical surrounds. The kids will love Darwin’s waterfront Wave Lagoon with its huge pool where they can ride the artificial swell on tubes and boogie boards. And for an out of this world wildlife experience, take a trip to the Crocodylus Park to meet the saltwater crocs in their natural habitat. With direct flights to Darwin from every capital city and more, you won’t waste too many precious leave days on travel time either.

Camping in Paradise

Camping on Queensland’s pristine Whitsunday Islands is a fantastic, budget-friendly adventure that’s perfect during those ‘stinger-free’ winter months. There are so many amazing beach-front sites to choose from too from the white sand and turquoise waters of Whitehaven Beach to the secluded coral coves on Hook island so don’t forget to pack the hammock! And with incredible wilderness experiences like diving, boating, hiking and reef snorkelling literally right on your doorstep, camping the Whitsundays really is paradise. You’ll need to be well prepared with plenty of BYO water and food supplies, and you’ll need a camping permit too so get in early to nab a top spot.

Go Road Tripping

Hit the open road for a great Aussie backroads adventure staying at budget-friendly motels and roadhouses along the way. Explore quaint country towns off the beaten track, sample the best country pubs and soak up that small town hospitality as you discover hidden gems from quirky gold rush ghost towns to natural wonders and more. The kids will love checking off all the ‘Big Things’ along the way too from the Big Prawn in Ballina to the Big Pineapple in the Sunshine State and Tassie’s Big Tasmanian Devil, every state has its fair share of ‘big things’ and back road attractions to discover.

Take a winter hiking trip

Winter is hands down the best time of year for hiking and mountain biking adventures - and it makes for a great budget-friendly getaway too. Challenge yourself with a multi-day walk, like the legendary Larapinta Trail in the Top End, the Great Fraser Walk in Queensland, or the Great Coastal Walk on the East Coast, camping in tents or cabins along the way. For a little more comfort at the end of a long day’s hike or ride, find some cosy accom to base yourself in near National Parks and trails so you can do day-trips, hikes or rides with the luxury of a hot shower and great food waiting for you at the end.