Whether your ideal winter involves skiing, exploring national parks, escaping to a cosy small town, or chasing sunshine by the coast, one thing’s for sure — as people start plotting their winter escapes: the most popular spots can get crowded and expensive. The Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, and Southern Highlands are classic winter destinations we know and love, but if you’re after the same charming village vibes, crackling fireplaces, cosy cafés and pubs, and indoor and winter-friendly outdoor activities, there are plenty of lesser-known alternatives worth discovering. Here are some under-the-radar winter escapes that are just as charming and well worth a visit this season.
1. Swap the Blue Mountains for Oberon
Nothing says winter quite like a trip to the Blue Mountains. Whether it’s for the stunning national parks, foggy walking trails, quaint small towns like Blackheath, Katoomba, and Leura, the possibility of snow, or vibrant antique shopping, it’s a favourite day trip for Sydneysiders. But if you’re after somewhere a little more under the radar, with real possibility of snowfall to sweeten the deal, head to Oberon this year. Just beyond the Blue Mountains in the Central Tablelands, this cosy winter town serves up cool-climate gardens, winter truffles, rugged natural wonders, and local markets made for a weekend stroll. It’s the perfect pick if you want Blue Mountains vibes, without the Blue Mountains crowds.
2. Skip the crowds at Jindabyne and head to Tumut
Jindabyne is the go-to base for snow season with its stunning namesake lake, alpine walking tracks and steady stream of visitors gearing up to hit the slopes. As the main hub for popular nearby ski resorts like Perisher and Thredbo, it tends to get especially busy in winter. If you’re after a slower, equally scenic alternative, head to the small town of Tumut — a veritable wonderland in autumn and just as pretty in winter, with heritage buildings, cosy cafes and pubs, and peaceful lookouts. It’s also an excellent base for accessing some of the best ski fields in NSW — minus the crowds.
3. Trade Windsor for Berrima
As Australia’s best-preserved village from the 1800s, Berrima is packed with old-world charm. Its heritage streets are lined with historic buildings, cosy bakeries perfect for a hot pie on a cold day and even a bookshop that doubles up as a winery, making it the ideal winter retreat not too far from Sydney. But one spot that offers many of the same wintry delights, but manages to fly under the radar, is Windsor. This colonial-era riverside town is home to old-style pubs, boutique wineries, and serene views, a choice winter destination if you want to explore somewhere new this year.
4. Escape Sydney for Bowral
With crisp coastal walks, stellar national parks, beaches that impress any time of the year, and wonderfully sunny days, we’re biased towards Sydney in any season. But if you’re craving a cold-season country escape away from the Vivid Sydney crowds, we recommend Bowral. Just a short drive away, this Southern Highlands favourite offers open fires, country cafés, boutique shopping, and charming local markets. There’s also bookshop cafes if you want to stay warm inside, or nearby national parks if you want to shake off the winter blues — all just a scant 90-minute drive from Sydney.
5. Try Mudgee for a cosier Hunter Valley alternative
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s most iconic wine regions, and it really comes into its own in winter. Cosy fireplaces, wine tastings, winter magic at Hunter Valley Gardens, and hot air balloon rides are just a few of the highlights during the cooler months. If you’re after somewhere new but equally inviting, give Mudgee a go. This cool-climate region serves up stellar boutique wineries, glowing winter sunsets, scenic riverside views, live music and excellent foodie experiences when the temperatures drop. Everything we love about the Hunter region — just quieter and cosier.
6. Discover Rylstone if you like Orange
Orange is a standout winter destination in NSW, with charming heritage streets and the occasional snowfall to boot. The nearby Mount Canobolas rises to 1,390 metres, and often sees snow during the colder months, making Orange a popular pick for winter getaways. An unexpected alternative is the small town of Rylstone — a place full of hidden beauty, quaint cottages, and vintage shops that nail the winter aesthetic. Much like Orange, Rylstone is also a foodie destination, although far more under the radar. Well worth a visit this winter.