Summer may be peak travel season, but winter is arguably the better time to plan a getaway. You can splash out with cheaper prices, soak up the winter sun, save on accomodation and most importantly, avoid the crowds. Classic summer hotspots often see fewer visitors in the cooler months, making it the perfect time to explore. Think empty beaches, easier bookings, and just enough buzz to keep things interesting. Lucky for us in NSW, it’s also sunny enough for swims, strolls, and scenic hikes. Overtourism is a real issue, so if you’re craving some fun in the sun without the crowds, these sun-splashed destinations are best enjoyed in winter.
1. Kingscliff
Kingscliff is worth visiting year-round, but if you’re after a breezy escape with fewer crowds out and about, winter is the time to go. Expect quiet beaches, excellent waterside eateries, and just enough sunshine for coastal walks and leisurely swims. Another bonus: from May to November, you might even spot migrating whales offshore. Browse the beachside markets without the crowds, or grab breakfast and a coffee from Shiny Brew right by the water. Plan your winter trip to one of the best winter towns in NSW here.
2. Forster
Ever popular for its stunning beaches, lakes, and aquatic experiences, Forster draws city dwellers in droves during summer. Conversely, winter offers much of the same — but with fewer people. Pleasant coastal trails, quiet lakeside adventures, cosy stays with crackling fireplaces, and local wildlife experiences are just some of the things you can look forward to in the cooler months. Explore the pristine waters of Wallis Lake or hike the scenic trails at Booti Booti National Park. Plus, when the crowds are smaller, the prices drop too. It’s a win-win. Find accommodation options here.
3. South West Rocks
Like many of NSW’s famous beach towns, South West Rocks is growing in popularity. But if you’re after a raw, unspoiled experience, this coastal gem is one of the best winter towns in NSW. The turquoise waters look even brighter under the crisp sun, and you can walk up to Smoky Cape Lighthouse without the sweltering heat — with a good chance of spotting migrating whales along the way. Local historical attractions, like Trial Bay Gaol, are quieter this time of the year, and the nearby Arakoon National Park is much more enjoyable without the scorching sun. Plan your trip with our guide to South West Rocks.
4. Merimbula
Winter beach days are their own kind of magic, and Merimbula’s stunning coastline is surprisingly winter-friendly. Even better, thanks to the East Australian current, waters stay pleasantly warm right through autumn and winter. It’s the perfect time for hiking, mountain biking, and cosy campfires, with reliably sunny days and no oppressive heat. You’ll also enjoy wandering the streets and popping into the vibrant shops and coastal eateries with no crowds to contend with. Check out our comprehensive guide to Merimbula.
5. Mollymook
Mollymook’s popularity peaks in summer and then tapers off in the cooler months — which is exactly why it’s one of the best under-the-radar winter getaways in NSW. The cooler months offer a quieter, more serene experience, with pleasant outdoor adventures and a selection of spectacular bushwalks along the coast, including the Pigeon House Mountain Didthul track, one of the very best on the NSW South Coast. Tee off at award-winning golf courses, swim in naturally warm rock pools, and enjoy some of the region’s best whale watching while you’re there in the winter.
6. Byron Bay
Is there a way to enjoy Byron in its rugged, unspoiled glory without having to fight your way past the selfie-takers? Yes, in winter. Even if you’ve never been, you know exactly what to expect: crowds. But the closest thing to an off-season vibe is winter. Like its popular neighbour, Yamba, Byron Bay’s little-known secret is that it’s best visited between April and September. The beaches stay sun-kissed throughout autumn and winter, there are new nature trails to discover, accommodation is much cheaper, the waters are surprisingly warm, even during mid-winter days, and most importantly — no intense crowds to fight for a spot in the sand.