When the winter chill starts to set in, weekends spent curled up on the couch have a certain appeal. But if you’re someone who can’t sit still for long, there’s no reason the cold weather should deter you from getting outdoors. After all, winter road-tripping has a special charm – fewer crowds, cosy fireplace meals, and excellent off-peak deals on luxury accommodation.

There’s plenty to see and do in Australia and New Zealand during the colder months. Along the coast, whales can be spotted as they migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland in the east and the Kimberley in west. Up in the mountains, alpine towns are buzzing with activity as rugged-up tourists arrive seeking hearty meals and scenic drives. Add in some regional fine dining and cool-climate wineries, and going on a road trip in winter starts to sound pretty enticing.

Here are our top winter holiday destinations to visit in Australia and New Zealand.

Darwin, Northern Territory

If you find yourself looking for things to do in winter, Northern Australia is the perfect place to visit. It might be cold down south, but in Darwin the breeze is balmy, and day-time temperatures average a tropical 30°C. Time your trip with the 2025 Darwin Festival (August 7–24) – a brilliant program of live music, comedy, cabaret and art from local, international and First Nations creatives.

An hour south of Darwin, head to Litchfield National Park for escarpment sunset views, swimming holes and waterfalls. If you have a bit more time on your hands and are feeling adventurous, venture a further 300km to see the ancient splendour of Kakadu National Park, a truly unforgettable experience with dawn shows of thousands of migratory birds, rock art and crocs.

Coolangatta, Queensland

About 100km south of Brisbane, Coolangatta’s restaurant scene has exploded in recent years, marking the town as a culinary hotspot. Siblings and Kirra Beach Hotel are both perfect for a delicious long lunch, but if you’re after something a little fancier, Blowfish Ocean Grill offers premier waterfront dining and seafood. Then there’s the world-renowned surf breaks and whale-watching tours that promise sightings 20 minutes offshore.

Golfers know a 45-minute drive north is Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, the members-only club that offers world-class golfing (American legend Arnold Palmer even designed one of the courses). From there, those who fancy a scenic drive might head over to Springbrook, where curves and hairpin bends give way to charming wooden bridges and mountain cafes.

Lennox Head, NSW

In the heart of the Northern Rivers, ‘Lennox’, as it’s known by locals, is a stylish coastal town with a more laid-back vibe than its flashier Byron Bay cousin about 20km to the north.

Lennox hosts a number of surfing events but simply roaming the coastal village and soaking up the atmosphere is a great way to spend a day, too. If you plan on staying for the weekend, you can take full advantage of Byron’s proximity and feast at fine-dining restaurants: our top picks are Beach Byron Bay for a long lunch and ocean views, and Moonlight, a Japanese hibachi grill and wine bar, for dinner.

In the morning, head out to the hinterland for scenic drives that wind past lush Gondwana Rainforest and macadamia farms.

King Valley, Victoria

Rolling vineyards and bucolic vistas, this is the home of Australia’s ‘Italian’ wine region at the foothills of Alpine National Park, about three hours northeast of Melbourne. History buffs will love hearing the torrid tales of Ned Kelly and his crew of bushrangers on the way, while foodies can indulge in rustic Italian cuisine.

A cluster of family-run wineries – including the iconic Brown Brothers, which boasts 130 years and four generations of winemaking history – form the food and wine trail dubbed Prosecco Road. A road trip through the King Valley wouldn’t be complete without a stop here. Then, drive north for the charming coastal town of Beechworth or head south and see some snow at Mount Buller.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

On an island where wildlife vastly outnumbers the human residents, Kangaroo Island is a special place with endemic flora and fauna. Getting to this natural wonderland – Australia’s third-largest island – means a 45-minute ferry trip where you can bring your own vehicle, or take a short flight from Adelaide. Once there, expect 1600km of roads linking beaches via the hinterland. You’ll need a four-wheel drive for off-track explorations.

Australian Wildlife Journeys runs tours here, but there are plenty of things to do in Kangaroo Island on your own – from scuba diving to wildlife sanctuaries, lagoons and wild rock formations. Any drive is beautiful, but we recommend the stunning Flinders Chase National Park or the less-travelled North Coast Road for rolling hills and beaches – some of the best Aussie road trips you’ll find.

Denmark, Western Australia

Along the Rainbow Coast of WA, about 400km south-east of Perth, is the boho, traffic-light-free town of Denmark, where towering forests meet white sand beaches and emerald-green waters. It’s a stunning part of the world with natural attractions on its dramatic coastline including Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks. In late winter, the first of the wildflowers bloom.

Then there are the wineries. About 200 cluster in Margaret River alone, many specialising in chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Road trips are short and sweet around Denmark; there are plenty of cellar doors and national parks to explore on the way to Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive and Scotsdale Scenic Drive.

Taranaki, New Zealand

This list wouldn’t be complete without a New Zealand road trip (or two). Surfers and road-trippers love the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, and the spectacular Surf Highway 45 along the coast of Taranaki is a showstopper with 180-degree views of the ocean. Base yourself at New Plymouth – a charming town with the award-winning contemporary Govett-Brewster Art Gallery – and take a drive to Egmont National Park, where the conical Mount Taranaki marks the skyline. About an hour from New Plymouth, the Ōpunake Loop Trail offers beaches, lakes, arts and crafts shops, galleries, cafes and more.

Great Alpine Highway, New Zealand

A South Island road trip is another bucket-list-worthy New Zealand adventure. This 250km drive takes you from one side of the island to the other via the Great Alpine Highway. Spend some time in Christchurch exploring its dynamic food and wine scene – some of the best you’ll find in New Zealand, including 5th Street and Bloody Mary’s. From Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass is another drive with epic views and sweeping curves. If you travel from west to east you’ll go through the river plains of Canterbury before the halfway point at Arthur’s Pass, a national park of beech forests, snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Ready to hit the road? Check out our road-trip essentials.