If you’re someone who would rather sip beachfront cocktails and slope-side hot cocoa come winter, then we have something in common. Sure, trips to the snowy mountains have a time and a place, but there’s just something about taking off to warmer climes and leaving winter’s chill behind.

But, winter is three months long. And as much as we’d love to get away for that whole time, sometimes we need to just stick to a weekend.

Luckily, being short on time doesn’t mean you have to give up on a great holiday. Here’s a few recommendations on destinations we’ve gone to for short visits and didn’t feel too stretched for time.

Magnetic Island

A little slice of paradise just off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island is often skipped over as a Queensand island destination in favour of the likes of Hamilton Island, Fraser Island or North Stradbroke Island. But there’s something magical about Maggie, as it’s referred to by locals. It’s beaches aren’t crowded, the sun shines for 300 days of the year and its walking trails quiet enough not to scare the koalas away.

What’s it like during winter?

While nights can get a touch chilly (but nowhere near the single-digit lows we experience in Sydney or Melbourne), Magnetic Island’s winter days are very pleasant. Expect temperatures in the low to mid 20s and water that’s still warm enough to swim in, without the risk of stingers.

What we did on Magnetic Island

• Hiked along the Forts Walk to spot koalas
• Snorkelled at Florence Bay
• Dived the Moltke wreck
• Fed the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay
• Kayaked at sunset in Horseshoe Bay

Where we stayed on Magnetic Island

• Bright Point Apartments (Check it out at Booking.com | Expedia)
• Palmer Collective (Called the ibis Townsville when we stayed, in Townsville)

Read our guides to Magnetic Island

• Spending the perfect weekend on Magnetic Island
• Best time to visit Magnetic Island

Port Douglas

About an hour north of tourist-packed Cairns, Port Douglas runs at a different pace. Resorts and self-catering accommodations line the idyllic Four Mile Beach and a town centre has enough restaurants to let you mix things up each night.

We’ve been here for a one-night stay and a weeklong stay with both leaving us feeling the right amount of relaxed and wanting more.

What’s it like during winter?

Far North Queensland’s winter bring just-about-perfect weather. Warm days where you can swim at the beach without worrying about stingers, and comfortable nights that won’t have you tossing off the sheets from the heat.

What we did in Port Douglas

• Drove up to the Daintree Rainforest
• Cruised out to the Great Barrier Reef for diving
• Walked along Four Mile Beach
• Browsed the Port Douglas markets (every Sunday from 8am to 1:30pm)

Where we stayed in Port Douglas

• Reef Club Resort (Check it out at Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia | Direct with the resort)
• Port Douglas Backpackers (Formerly United Backpackers) (Check it out at Agoda | Direct with the backpackers)

Darwin

Ideal for visits over a long weekend to make up for the long flight, Darwin is toasty all year round but winter is the best time to visit. The temperatures are still toasty, but the air is less humid and it’s less likely to rain. Stay in town or head out to the nearby Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks for a true Top End experience.

What’s it like during winter?

Winter is the best time to visit Darwin. It’s the dry season up here and temperatures are a bit more bearable than the humid summer months. There’s also less likely to be floods or attractions closed due to water levels.

What we did in Darwin (and nearby):

• Checked out the exhibits at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• Wandered around the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
• Took a road trip through Litchfield National Park
• Browsed through the galleries in town selling locally made art

Where we stayed in Darwin (and nearby)

• Capitanos (Check it out at Agoda | Booking | Expedia | Direct to the hotel)
• Litchfield Outback Resort (Check it out at Agoda | Expedia | Direct with the hotel)

Read our guides to Darwin and the Top End:

• Litchfield vs Kakadu: Which Top End national park is best?
• Darwin and Litchfield itinerary: 3 days in the Top End of the Northern Territory

Vanuatu

Australia may be far from most of the world, but there are a few destinations that are do-able over an extended weekend. In fact, at only about 2.5 hours from Brisbane or 3.5 hours from Sydney, it’s than visiting some domestic destinations.

While we spend more than a weekend in the island nation, we did a bunch of short stays in different spots that could easily be made into a holiday of its own. A short stay near Port Vila keeps you near the airport, but offers plenty of resorts, restaurants and beaches to entertain you all weekend long.

What’s it like during winter?

Vanuatu shares its seasons with Australia, but on these islands, winter means days with temperatures of 23-27C and little rain. If you’re wanting to dive or snorkel, visibility tends to be best during these months.

What we did in Vanuatu

• Scuba dived in the waters off Moso Island
• Climbed to the rim of Tanna’s Mount Yasur
• Swam in the Blue Lagoon
• Snorkelled at Top Rock

Where we stayed in Vanuatu

• Tranquility Island Dive and Eco Tourism Resort (Check it out at Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia | Directly with the resort)
• Volcano Island Paradise (Check it out at Booking.com | Expedia | Directly with the homestay)
• Le Life Resort (Check it out at Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia | Directly with the resort)

Read our guides to Vanuatu

• Switch off with a weekend on the idyllic Moso Island, Vanuatu
• Two nights on Tanna, Vanuatu’s volcano island
• Exploring Vanuatu’s other side: 3 days itinerary in North Efate

Ubud, Bali

Sure, you could spend weeks and weeks and still not uncover everything Bali has to offer, but we’ve done two three- and four-night stays on the island and felt satisfied with the length we stayed.

What’s it like during winter?

Bali’s dry season is from May to October, so you should be treated to dry weather if travelling during the Australian winter. Just skip school holidays in July, as that’s when prices increase and things get a bit busier.

What we did in Ubud:

• Wandered through the rice fields
• Hiked along Campuhan Ridge Walk
• Met the locals at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Relaxed with plenty of Balinese massages

Where we stayed in Ubud

• Nick’s Hidden Cottages (Check it out on Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia | Direct with the hotel)

Read our guides to Ubud, Bali:

• Our guide to spending 3 days in Ubud, Bali

Where to go next…