Best Warm Destinations to Travel to in Winter
Kununurra and The Kimberley, Western Australia
The dry season is the best time to explore Kununurra and the Kimberley because you can experience Western Australia’s striking landscapes without the stifling heat. Average temperatures through the dry season are 33°C, with sunny skies and little – if any – rainfall. In Kununurra you’ll find endless things to do including boat cruises, overnight canoeing trips, art galleries (including remarkable aboriginal art galleries like the Artlandish Aboriginal Gallery) and some of the finest sunsets in Australia. You can also take a guided tour of the local Argyle Diamond Mine, which is the only mine in the world to produce pink diamonds.
Once you’ve enjoyed Kununurra, it’s time to venture further afield and explore the extraordinary Kimberley region. Spanning the entire north-western corner of Australia, the Kimberley is known as one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers. See the Bungle Bungles, take a local bush tucker tour, roam through the majestic canyons or swim in a freshwater swimming hole. Hire a 4WD and explore one of the many tracks through the outback – it will change your perception of Australia and of the beauty this country holds.
Broome, Western Australia
On the other side of the Kimberley is Broome. With average temperatures of 30°C through winter, why wouldn’t you head to Broome for some sunshine and R&R? What’s more, the water temperature at Cable Beach – Broome’s most spectacular beach – is a balmy 24°C. May to October is the dry season, so you can expect sunny skies and little rainfall if you plan to visit then. Broome has many wonderful things to do, including their world-famous camel rides along Cable Beach and tours to the nearby pearl farms. Take an enlightening walking tour with local aboriginal man Bart Pigram, who will share with you the significance of the landscape, the role of aboriginal women in the onset of the pearling industry, and the secrets of the local Yawuru people.
From March to October you can see the ‘moonlight staircase’ – a spectacular sight when the reflection of a full moon hits the water. And for something really out of this world, head to Gantheaume Point where you can explore the red sandstone cliffs and see fossilized dinosaur footprints hidden just at the water’s edge. The tracks are 130 million years old and prove that an extensive range of dinosaurs used to inhabit the area. Check with the local visitor’s centre about the best time of day to visit to view the prints, as they are sometimes covered by the tide.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Averaging 24°C in winter, Exmouth and the nearby Ningaloo Reef are one of the best winter escapes you’ll find in Australia. The world heritage listed reef spans 260 metres off the coast of Western Australian and is home to the largest congregations of turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks known on earth. Unlike Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo reef is accessibly right of the mainland. The gentle clear waters of Turquoise Bay lend themselves to ‘drift snorkelling’, where you can put on your snorkel and then gently float to view the colourful coral and fish just below the surface. As if this isn’t enough, one of the biggest drawcards of the area is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks. During July to October you’ll also find guided tours to join the ‘Humpback Highway’, allowing you to swim alongside the path of the majestic humpback whales.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
One of Australia’s most spectacular destinations, Kakadu is at its best during the dry season of May to October with temperatures ranging from 20°C – 30°C. This world-heritage listed national park will show you Mother Nature at her finest. Explore the ancient wonderland of pristine waterfalls, untouched wilderness and all the wildlife that it supports. One of the best things to do through Kakadu is simply go bushwalking. Choose from the more than 30 established walking trails throughout the region and you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty all around you. Cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong and see crocodiles, wallabies and wild horses in their natural habitat. Bathe in the extraordinary natural infinity pool of Gunlom, overlooking the southern hills and ridges of the Kakadu national park stretching off into the horizon. Take a scenic helicopter flight over the region and get a bird’s eye view of Australia’s most captivating landscape.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
While it doesn’t have the warm weather that the northern parts of Australia have during winter, Byron Bay is still a lovely place to visit during the winter months. Warmer that the chilly southern areas of Australia, Byron Bay has average temperatures of around 20°C during winter months. It’s a beautiful region to explore with ample bushwalking tracks and pristine beaches like Belongil Beach. The walk to the lighthouse – the easternmost point of the Australian coastline – offers spectacular views out over the ocean.
Fremantle, Western Australia
Fremantle is your gateway to all that Western Australia has to offer. Stop in, relax and recharge by the water at Be. Fremantle and you’ll be glad you did. Fremantle doesn’t stop during winter – in fact winter is when the music scene and local events really come alive. Although not as warm as the northern parts of Australia, Fremantle can be the perfect relaxing getaway when winter is getting on top of you. At Be. Fremantle, all of our rooms have views of the water and our location means you’re close to all that Fremantle has to offer. So, if you need that winter getaway, take a look at our accommodation packages here, and contact our staff today to secure your place at Be. Fremantle.
Tips on planning your visit:
When travelling in Australia, always check with the local visitors centres about where is safe to swim. When travelling in remote areas make sure you stick to the path or road, and always take plenty of water with you. When planning your trip, you can fly straight from Perth to Broome, Exmouth or Kunanurra, all of which are well serviced with car hire options. You can also fly directly to Darwin or Alice Springs, making it easy to explore Kakadu.
/BY JUSTIN WARD