Escape the crowds and stretch your travel budget with these 10 affordable Australian destinations offering unforgettable scenery, unique experiences and plenty of room to relax.
Turns out, Aussies aren’t skipping winter holidays, they’re just getting smarter about them.
New Expedia research shows more people are sticking close to home this winter, chasing better value, fewer crowds and trips that are actually easy to plan. Almost half (45%) say saving money is the main driver, while others are leaning into slower travel (34%) and quick, no-fuss getaways (25%).
And honestly, it tracks. Winter travel in Australia comes with some pretty solid perks: fewer people (38%), cooler, more comfortable weather (37%) and better deals on accommodation. There’s also a strong case for staying local - popular spots like Byron Bay and Margaret River can be up to 40% cheaper and noticeably quieter compared to summer.
Some travellers are still chasing the sun (29% are planning warm-weather escapes), while others are embracing cooler destinations (24%). Either way, most are hitting the road - 78% of Aussies are opting for road trips over flying.
“With the cost of travel front of mind, Aussies aren’t giving up on winter breaks, they’re simply travelling smarter. Visiting destinations in their off-peak season is one of Australia’s best-kept travel secrets. Staying local can mean lower prices, a slower travel experience and supporting tourism operators during quieter months,” said Sarah King, Expedia Travel Expert.
So, here’s where to go this winter.
1. BYRON BAY, NSW: UP TO 40% CHEAPER AND 15% QUIETER
Byron Bay is still one of Australia’s most visited coastal towns, but winter takes the edge off the crowds.
Once known for its surf culture and alternative lifestyle, it’s now a mix of laid-back beach town and high-end holiday spot. You’ll still find surf breaks, yoga studios and barefoot cafes, alongside restaurants, boutique stays and breweries.
Winter adds a bonus: humpback whale migration season runs along the coast and viewing spots like Cape Byron Lighthouse become prime lookout points.
2. APOLLO BAY, VIC: UP TO 35% CHEAPER AND 90% QUIETER
Apollo Bay is a small coastal town at the base of the Otways and a key stop on the Great Ocean Road.
It’s known for access to rainforest walks, waterfalls and coastal scenery that feels more dramatic in winter. The Southern Ocean swell picks up, making the coastline feel wilder and emptier.
The town itself is small but active, with seafood-focused cafes, weekend markets and easy access to nature experiences like fishing, kayaking and forest walks.
3. KANGAROO ISLAND, SA: UP TO 35% CHEAPER AND 50% QUIETER
About 13km off the South Australian coast, Kangaroo Island is one of the country’s major wildlife destinations.
More than a third of the island is a protected national park, and it’s one of the best places to see native animals in the wild, including kangaroos, sea lions and koalas.
Winter brings fewer visitors, which means quieter roads, easier access to viewing spots like Seal Bay and a more open feel across its coastal landscapes and farmland.
Kangaroo Island is one of the country’s major wildlife destinations, even in winter. © SATC4. MARGARET RIVER, WA: UP TO 30% CHEAPER AND 25% QUIETER
Margaret River is a well-known wine and surf region in Western Australia and winter is one of its most comfortable times to visit.
The cooler season suits winery visits, cellar doors and long lunches, with fireplaces becoming a big part of the experience. It’s also truffle season and the region has a strong food and produce focus.
Along the coast, surf breaks and limestone cliffs, add a wilder backdrop, while inland you’ll find caves, walking trails and national parks.
5. COFFS HARBOUR, NSW: UP TO 30% CHEAPER AND 40% QUIETER
Coffs Harbour is a large coastal hub on the mid-north coast of NSW, best known for beaches, waterways and access to rainforest.
It’s also home to the “Big Banana,” one of Australia’s original Big Things, which started as a roadside attraction and is now part of a larger amusement park.
Beyond that, the region includes the Solitary Islands Marine Park, waterfall drives inland and long stretches of beach that are far less crowded in winter.
6. LAUNCESTON, TAS: UP TO 25% CHEAPER AND 45% QUIETER
Launceston is one of Australia’s oldest cities and a key gateway to northern Tasmania.
Set around the Tamar River, it blends historic buildings with a strong food and wine scene. Cataract Gorge sits just minutes from the city centre, offering walking trails and natural scenery without leaving town.
Winter is ideal for cellar door visits in the surrounding wine region, along with slow weekends focused on food, markets and indoor experiences.
7. SORRENTO, VIC: UP TO 25% CHEAPER AND 55% QUIETER
Sorrento is a historic coastal town on the Mornington Peninsula, about an hour from Melbourne.
It sits between two coastlines - Port Phillip Bay on one side and the ocean-facing Back Beach on the other. The area is known for sandstone buildings, boutique shops and cafes.
Winter is when the Peninsula Hot Springs becomes a major draw and the quieter streets make it easier to explore coastal walks, beaches and local history sites linked to Victoria’s earliest European settlement.
8. BURLEIGH HEADS, QLD: UP TO 15% CHEAPER AND 35% QUIETER
Burleigh Heads is one of the Gold Coast’s most popular surf spots, anchored by Burleigh Point and a national park headland.
It’s known for consistent surf, relaxed beach culture and a strong cafe and dining scene along James Street.
In winter, conditions are still warm, but crowds thin out. It’s also part of a whale migration corridor and the coastal walk through Burleigh Heads National Park offers ocean views, rainforest pockets and lookout points.
9. SYDNEY, NSW: UP TO 15% CHEAPER AND 15% QUIETER
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, built around one of the world’s most recognisable harbours.
Winter is whale watching season along the coast and the city’s theatre and events calendar picks up. The beaches are still active, but without peak summer density.
It’s also a strong time for city-based travel - restaurants, rooftop bars and cultural events are easier to book and day trips in and out of the city are more manageable.
10. MARCOOLA, QLD: UP TO 10% CHEAPER AND 45% QUIETER
Marcoola is a quiet beach suburb on the Sunshine Coast, close to the Maroochy River and Mudjimba Island.
It’s known for long, uncrowded beaches, open parklands and a more residential feel compared to nearby tourist hubs.
Winter brings steady weather and fewer visitors, making it a low-key option for beach walks, surfing or simple coastal downtime.
