Six top last-minute winter getaways
Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Queensland. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
AUSSIE travellers are split into two groups – those who like to hit the slopes, and the sun seekers who prefer to head for the warmer regions and hit the beach.
Whether you’re after a winter wonderland or a sunshine-filled escape, here’s a few suggestions for last-minute quick winter breaks from TFE Hotels.
WINTER CHILLERS
HOBART, TASMANIA
Tassie is a clear winner for a winter escape. With snow-covered mountains, incredible hiking tracks and skiing just a short drive from the town centre, Hobart is perfect for travellers looking to indulge this winter. And if you love fresh produce, locally grown wine and homemade treats, a gourmet adventure is waiting on the Apple Isle.
The deal: The Eat, Sleep & Connect package at Travelodge Hobart includes a standard room, buffet breakfast for two, Wi-Fi, parking and late check-out from $139 per night, until October 1, 2014. Or enter the Tastecations competition for your chance to win a three-night stay at Travelodge Hobart with car hire and gourmet goodies, by hashtagging a memorable food moment with #tastecations.
Enjoy a gourmet adventure in Tasmania.
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
Enjoy sipping coffees, listening to undiscovered bands and indulging in winter feasts. Shopping is a favourite pastime for locals and visitors to the Victorian capital - what better place to pick up stunning boots and coats than the shopping mecca of Australia? Or, take in the arts and culture scene at local galleries or the Melbourne Museum.
The deal: The VIPerks package at Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne includes an overnight stay with two perks of your choice (Wi-Fi, valet parking, in-room movie access or a $25 dining voucher) from $191. Valid until December 31, 2014.
Shoppers queue to check out the spring style during Melbourne Fashion Week.
CANBERRA, ACT
The gateway to the ski fields of New South Wales including Thredbo and Perisher, Canberra is the perfect stopover en route to the mountains, with a cultural twist. Must-sees include Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. And for a bit of extra fun for the little ones, or that inner child, check out Questacon, the interactive science and technology centre.
The deal: The Canberra Family Fun package at Medina Apartment Hotel James Court includes an overnight stay in a two-bedroom spa apartment, parking, noon check-out and tickets for two adults and up to three children to 3inFun attractions (Cockington Green Gardens, Questacon and the Australian Institute of Sport), from $276. Valid until October 1, 2014.
A visit to Questacon is fun and fascinating for the whole family.
WINTER WARMERS
PORT DOUGLAS, QUEENSLAND
Embrace the laid-back nature of Tropical North Queensland in Port Douglas, the gateway to the iconic Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. The chilled-out vibe of the coastal town leaves guests with little option but to take a deep breath and relax. Spread a towel by the pool, take in the crystal-clear waters from a sailing boat on the Coral Sea or take a walk along the famous Four Mile Beach.
The deal: The Treat the Family package at Rendezvous Hotel Port Douglas includes accommodation for two adults and two children, buffet breakfast and a $50 dining voucher, from $170 per night, until March 31, 2015.
Winter makes an ideal time to visit Port Douglas and its famous Four Mile Beach.
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
The Sunshine State is the perfect spot to escape the whistling winter winds and rain, and replace them with never ending golden beaches, early morning dips and sunny strolls. Check out the vibrant shopping areas of the Gold Coast and consider packing in a bit of adventure at the Gold Coast theme parks or with a jet boat experience at Surfers Paradise.
The deal: The Jetboat Getaway at Vibe Hotel Gold Coast includes overnight accommodation in an aqua view room for two, Jetboat Extreme Experience tickets (departing from the hotel dock), buffet breakfast, drink voucher on arrival and noon check-out, from $209. Valid until December 31, 2014.
The Jetboat Extreme Experience offers a different way to check out the Gold Coast.
DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Ditch the jumpers and chase the sun in the Top End. While the rest of the country is battling the winter, Darwin’s dry season has an average temperature of 30C. Embrace the natural wonders of Darwin, explore Litchfield National Park, or head into the city for markets and beautiful food. Don’t forget to pack your swimming gear, with swimming holes scattered across the city, or the iconic wave pool, for cooling off in the deliciously warm weather.
The deal: To take in the views right at the water’s edge, check out Vibe Hotel Waterfront Darwin. Afour-night saver package starts from $149 per night, until October 1, 2014.
Visitors cool off at Wangi Falls at Litchfield National Park.
