Travel

6 Aussie nature escapes for an idyllic winter getaway

27 August, 2024 . 0

Be dazzled by the beauty of the natural world with a winter nature escape that stokes a sense of awe, wonder and deep rejuvenation.

Dreaming of breaking up the humdrum? Perhaps it is time to pack your bags and get back to nature this winter.

To help you on your way, here’s a curated selection of au naturel escapes in Australia, from our largest rainforest to desert landscapes and deserted white-sand beaches.

Whether you seek adventure, want to recharge or simply ditch the cold, you will be spoilt for choice!

Margaret River, WA

Margaret River in Perth is a haven for nature lovers, offering world-class wineries, lush forests, and stunning coastlines.

For a unique stay, Heyscape’s tiny eco cabins provide an off-grid retreat amidst this natural beauty.

Here, you can unwind in minimalistic luxury, take in breathtaking landscapes, and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature, making it an ideal destination for rejuvenation and relaxation.

Daintree Rainforest, Qld

Wind back the clock 180 million years and head to where Australia’s largest rainforest tumbles in all its wild, raw glory to meet the Great Barrier Reef.

The foundation for rest and renewal is as simple as taking a walk somewhere in the Daintree Rainforest (Dubuji Boardwalk and Rainforest Circuit Track are great options), inhaling the floral scent of ylang-ylang, listening to birdsong and experiencing the steamy tropical mist.

Cool off in pristine swimming holes, enjoy an ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company and unwind at your digs — there’s an option for every budget, from Silky Oaks Lodge to Ferntree Rainforest Hotel.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean

Welcome to a tropical oasis of coconut palms, deserted white-sand beaches and turquoise waters teeming with marine life.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a five-hour flight northwest of Perth, are celebrated as Australia’s last unspoilt paradise.

Essentially two atolls made up of 27 tiny coral islands, of which only two are inhabited, this remote getaway has plenty on offer for adventure travellers, birdwatchers and beach lovers alike.

Choose from snorkel and dive tours, kitesurfing, fishing, canoe safaris, private picnics and more, with many activities revolving around exploring the marine park, one of the world’s largest.

But joining the locals on island time takes some preparation – with just 144 visitor beds across the islands, you will need to book your break in advance to get your pick.

Wilpena Pound, SA

Journey through wine country to reach the ancient outback landscape of the Flinders Ranges, home of the Adnyamathanha people.

Out here, 430km north of Adelaide, dusty red roads offer passage to dramatic gorges, rocky creeks and vast desert.

A stay at Wilpena Pound Resort, the only accommodation within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, is an opportunity to embrace the tranquillity of the remote location, step away from the chaos of life and learn about the historical and cultural significance of this sacred place.

While traditional activities such as hiking and mountain biking are available, cultural tours guided by the region’s Traditional Owners are the way to go.

Tours of the region — renowned for its ancient fossils, Aboriginal rock art and geological history — range from a Sacred Canyon Tour to an Adnyamathanha Rock Art Tour.

Freycinet National Park, Tas

The island state has almost 5000km of beautiful coastline, and Freycinet National Park, on the east coast, is home to some of its most spectacular.

Pink-tinged granite mountains, white-sand beaches and azure waters are best experienced through nature pursuits such as hiking Wineglass Bay (or, if you are up for the challenge, Mt Amos), exploring Friendly Beaches and taking a sea kayaking tour from Coles Bay.

Luxury, all-inclusive resort Saffire Freycinet offers nature experiences, including its Tasmanian devil encounter.

The resort is the jewel in the park’s crown, but there are accommodation options across all price points, from BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park to Freycinet Lodge.

Blue Mountains, NSW

Reduced daylight hours and bitter cold — at first glance, opting to take on the trails of the Blue Mountains in winter might not seem like a good idea.

But in the cooler months, the crowds dissipate, it rains less and leeches take a break.

Get smart with layers, greet the morning mist with a warming coffee and say yes to Lockleys Pylon walking track, the Grand Canyon track and the Lyrebird Dell and Pool of Siloam circuit.

Charming clifftop retreats, quaint mountain villages full of antique stores, and fireside dining and drinking options to bookend the hikes make for the perfect winter reset.

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Written by Dilvin Yasa.