With winter fast approaching, many of us are already dreaming of our next beach holiday, where sunshine-filled days give way to warm, balmy nights. If the thought of winter is bringing down your mojo, then fear not; the Sunshine State has you covered with its popular beach side holiday destinations that make the most of milder-than-most changes in temperature during the cooler months.
Book your beach getaway now at one of these sunny Queensland locations to chase away the winter blues.
The Whitsundays
Nestled along the central Queensland coast and boasting an embarrassing array of natural wonders, the islands of the Whitsundays are considered the most beautiful Australian islands and provide the perfect backdrop for a warm winter getaway. Best accessed by plane to Hamilton Island direct or ferry from the coastal town of Airline Beach, the Whitsundays offer up a variety of opportunities for experiencing island life on the Great Barrier Review. Hamilton Island is the most populous of the islands and certainly amongst the most famous, with varying options for accommodation and activities for both adults and kids. There’s also Whitsunday Island, the biggest of the Whitsunday region’s islands and home to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, with both day trips and camping available on the island. If it’s a luxury getaway your seeking this winter, then head to Hayman Island, which is due to reopen in July 2019 having recently undergone an extensive refurbishment.
Cairns
North Queensland’s most famous tourist destination is best explored in winter, with temperatures still hitting the mid to high 20’s without the overwhelming humidity of the summer months. Winter in Cairns means taking full advantage of tours heading out to popular spots like Green Island or Fitzroy Island for snorkelling or diving and seeing the marvels of the Great Barrier Reef at its very best. The perfect temperature also makes days at the beach an ideal pursuit; head north from the Cairns CBD for day drips to Palm Cove, Ellis Beach or Mission Beach. There’s also plenty to do on land in Cairns this winter; explore the stunning Baron Gorge National Park, head up to Kuranda via the Scenic Skyrail Cableway or the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, or simply enjoy the plentiful cafes, restaurants and bars along the Esplanade as you take in stunning sunset views over the water.
Port Douglas
The seaside holiday destination of Port Douglas is located approximately an hour’s drive north of Cairns and offers holiday makers another North Queensland destination best served in winter. Home to the stunning Four Mile Beach and nestled close to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, visitors can experience the best of North Queensland’s world-renowned natural wonders while enjoying the unique blend of modern bohemian vibes that Port Douglas is famous for. There’s plenty to do after experiencing your fill of the area’s natural surrounds, as Port Douglas is equally well-known for its great shopping and quality restaurants.
The Gold Coast
While the water and air may be cooler, the Gold Coast is still an excellent winter holiday destination. Enjoy the golden sands of Gold Coast's stunning beaches and excellent surf that the coast is famous for during dry, sunny days where the temperatures can still hit the mid to high 20 degrees. Away from the beach, there are so many things to do in Gold Coast, including numerous theme parks along the coast’s northern highways to enjoy, just a short drive away. For something more adventurous, head to the Gold Coast hinterlands and enjoy hiking or biking along stunning, mountainous trails through ancient rainforest and bushland at in Lamington National Park or Springbrook National Park. At night, there’s entertainment options aplenty with numerous restaurants, bars and night clubs stretching from the coast’s main entertainment precinct of Surfers Paradise all the way through to the southern beaches of Currumbin and Coolangatta.
The Fraser Coast
The Fraser Coast offers up many wonderful sites and is home to the World-Heritage Listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Stop in at Hervey Bay for a spot of whale watching as tens of thousands of humpback whales take time out from their annual migration south to Antarctica. There’s also the stunning and secluded Lady Elliot Island, the southernmost point of the Great Barrier Reef, which is accessible only by light plane and home to pristine beaches and some of the best manta ray and turtle experiences in the world. For those looking to stay on the mainland, try Rainbow Beach, with its colourful sandy cliffs and excellent four-wheel-driving conditions, as well as nearby Double Island Point and Tin Can Bay. These popular beaches make the most of their ideal location between Fraser Island, the Great Sandy National Park and the Pacific Ocean, with beach camping, fishing and hiking experiences available in all directions.
Virgin Australia has you covered this winter with a range of great fares to beautiful Queensland, making it easy to book in your winter getaway in the Sunshine State today.