There’s no need to give in to the winter blues. South East Queensland is renowned for its year-round sunshine and mild and balmy winters, making it a top destination for winter getaways. From lush rainforests and tropical islands, to charming country towns and outback escapes, Queensland offers an array of winter getaways that promise relaxation, adventure and unforgettable experiences. Read on to discover the best winter activities in Queensland.

Mount Tamborine

Nestled in the lush hinterland of the Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine is a picturesque destination with winter activities for those wanting to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors. The rainforest of the mountain includes several walkable trails, stunning waterfalls and elevated vantage points with breathtaking views. Indoors, you can pamper yourself at one of the many luxurious day spas or wellness retreats, indulge in a wine tasting at a local cellar door and explore Gallery Walk, Mount Tamborine’s premier arts and crafts precinct.

Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is a stand-out winter getaway in Queensland for good reason. This historical destination dates back more than 225 million years and has landed a place on the UNSECO World Heritage list thanks to its age, beauty, flora and fauna. Easily accessible from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the national park is known for its extensive walking tracks, impressive birdlife and spectacular views making it a highly photogenic winter getaway. To retain the area’s ecological and historical significance, the accommodation and experiences at Lamington National Park have a strong focus on being eco-friendly – ranging from camping and tree top villas, to glamping escapes and wellness retreats.

Maleny

Despite its popularity, Maleny – the hidden gem of the Sunshine Coast – has managed to maintain its traditional charm. If you’re a foodie, Maleny is the ultimate location for winter activities in Queensland. The thriving food scene showcases locally-sourced produce and artisanal creations, with a wide array of cafes, restaurants, wineries, and of course the famous Maleny Cheese Factory. The local landscape is full of native plants and wildlife, with the Maleny Botanic Gardens, Bird World and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve among the highlights.

Stanthorpe

If you really want to embrace winter in Queensland, do it right by visiting the “coldest town in Queensland” – Stanthorpe. The town is an ideal winter getaway for nature lovers and wine and food connoisseurs alike. To experience the great outdoors of the region, visit Girraween National Park for dramatic landscapes and unique geological features, or head to Mount Marley for a mountain bike adventure. The local produce is a real highlight, with local wineries and restaurants serving up the best of their fruit, vegetables, cheese and vines. Sip your way through some of the 50+ vineyards in Stanthorpe and the wider Granite Belt area, settle in for a feast at a family-run restaurant serving the region’s fresh produce and be sure to pick up some local (and edible) souvenirs to take home.

Toowoomba

Toowoomba is without a doubt the ideal country escape, and experiencing it during winter in Queensland makes it all the more special. The gentrified mountain city is full of historic beauty and somehow manages to balance the culture of a big city with the charm of a country town. The cultural scene is bustling with an array of historical buildings and architecture, boutique and vintage shops, galleries, museums and performing arts complexes. No winter getaway in Toowoomba is complete without a leisurely stroll through Queens Park’s botanic garden and a visit to Picnic Point Parklands for incredible panoramic views over Main Range and Lockyer Valley.

North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is so much more than a summer-only destination. The natural attractions and laid-back community make it one of the more relaxing ways to spend winter in Queensland. While the water may be cooler, Straddie is the ultimate destination for a winter vacay when there’s less crowds and more animal activity. During winter you can enjoy great fishing, frequent sightings of koalas, kangaroos and endangered nurse sharks, as well as some of the best land-based whale watching in the country! To top it all off, explore the coast with a walk around the gorge, dare yourself to a (relatively mild) dip in the lake, stroll along the beach at sunset and pay a visit to the local markets.

Getting around South East Queensland this winter

Get around South East Queensland for your winter activities with Airtrain. With services running every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off peak, we’ll help you get to your winter getaways on time and in comfort.

Our services run express from Brisbane Airport and stop at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations. From there, you can continue on to the Gold Coast, and access buses or trams from Helensvale station.

When you’re travelling to your Queensland winter getaways you can get around with ease using a go card – the fast and convenient way to travel on all Translink transport, including Airtrain.

On all Brisbane and Gold Coast rail transport you can also use Translink’s Smart Ticketing system for travel or you can purchase a paper ticket.

Check out the Translink Journey Planner to help plan your winter adventure in SEQ.