Who says travelling is just meant for the warmer months? Not us – there’s a whole different side of Australia just waiting to be explored during winter.

Not everything here is about the coast (although, we admit beaches in winter are awesome too and some did make our list), so we’ve put together a list of our favourite winter destinations for you to make your holiday planning a bit easier.

CRADLE MOUNTAIN-LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK, TASMANIA

You might think us crazy for suggesting the heart of Tasmania in winter, but if you can brave the cold, visiting Cradle Mountain is extra special. Seeing the iconic mountain peak covered in white will take your breath away, we promise.

It’s a perfect place for some snow hiking during the day and spending nights curled up by the fire. But not everything has to be about the snow, lower down there’s easier rainforest walks (and waterfalls) that are just as spectacular.

Don’t forget about the animal sanctuaries – where else are you going to see Tassie devils and wombats?  Also, if you’re staying in Tassie, there’s a chance you’ll see the incredible Aurora Australis during the colder months.

ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK, NORTHERN TERRITORY

It’s a wonder to behold at any time of the year, but visiting the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuata National Park during winter might be a smarter way to do it. While overnight temperatures can be super cold, the days aren’t as hot (with maximum temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees) and there’s less rain.

Without all that rain, the night sky is mostly clear, making it perfect for stargazing and the sunsets and sunrises are epic.

CABLE BEACH, BROOME, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Another location that’s pretty hot during summer is Broome, but in winter, the weather is perfect. Cable Beach is where you should head and there’s a chance you’ll see the incredible “Staircase to the Moon”, a natural phenomenon that reveals just that – the full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay.

Not only that but you’ll experience blood red sunsets and you can even ride a camel along the beach. It’s also a great spot to continue on to another one on our list.

KATHERINE, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Continue chasing the sun and head to Katherine. It’s a gorgeous spot frequently overshadowed by Alice Springs or Darwin, but deserves to be on your bucket list, especially in winter. In fact, we’d say it’s better to go during the colder months because you can explore the region’s natural beauty without the intense summer heat.

You should visit Nitmiluk National Park to see the stunning Katherine Gorge, the limestone formations of the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park and you definitely shouldn’t miss the crystal-clear thermal pools of the Katherine Hot Springs.

JINDABYNE, NEW SOUTH WALES

Jindabyne is a sleepy little town in the Snowy Mountains that offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Perfect for a snowy holiday, it sits on the edge of Kosciuszko National Park and is close to major ski resorts like Thredbo and Perisher, where you can ski and snowboard to your heart’s content. That’s not all though, Lake Jindabyne is one of the finest trout producing lakes in Australia.

CAPE TRIBULATION, QUEENSLAND

You’d be right in thinking that Winton is the dinosaur capital of Australia, but if you really want to see what Australia was like in the time of the dinosaurs, head to Cape Tribulation: it’s where the world’s oldest rainforest meets the world’s largest coral reef.

It holds not one but two UNESCO World Heritage areas – the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef are great spots to escape the winter chill.

Nature doesn’t get much more diverse than it does here. Trek through the lush rainforest, enjoy the delights of the gorgeous beaches or even head out into the ocean and see the Great Barrier Reef.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

Magnetic Island, or “Maggie” as it is affectionately known to locals is an underrated paradise, especially in the winter. It’s as beautiful as the Whistundays, but without the price tag. There are more than 20 beaches on the island and other things to do include feeding the rock wallabies, exploring old Second World War forts, koala spotting, snorkelling and watching the gorgeous sunsets.

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, NEW SOUTH WALES

Another World Heritage location is the Blue Mountains. Best known for its impressive rock formations and native bushland, it should definitely be on your winter holiday list. Just two hours from Sydney, you can see the world-famous Three Sisters, go for a bushwalk under the canopy of the eucalypt forest, spot glow worms at night and go biking. Jenolan is the world’s oldest cave system and is worth a visit, as is the gorgeous Mayfield Garden.

THE BUNYA MOUNTAINS, QUEENSLAND

If you love rainforests, why not escape to the Bunya Mountains National Park. We might be starting to repeat ourselves, but honestly what’s better than a mountain holiday in winter? The walking tracks here are first class and you can’t miss meeting some furry little friends who’ll greet you near the campgrounds.

While there’s not any shops around, the little corner store located inside the precinct is adorable and the restaurant and cafe food is fantastic. If you want to go explore around the region, Kingaroy is only about a 30 minute drive. If you’re looking for something else to do, visiting the Kingaroy Observatory during winter makes for a fun experience, seeing that there’s hardly any light pollution in the bush.

DIRK HARTOG ISLAND NATIONAL PARK, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Dirk Hartog Island is Western Australia’s largest island and there’s plenty to explore at this remote destination  – think rugged cliffs, blow holes, reefs and more. It’s spectacular. The only way over is on a barge that operates between March and November (so yes, perfect for a winter getaway)

Love seeing marine life? Look no further, the waters are teeming with bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays, dugongs and turtles. If 4WD is more your style, the sand dunes and vivid pink lakes on the island’s interior are incredible.