Winter urban adventures in Australia

Break out of your winter doldrums with a weekend urban adventure. Australia has plenty to offer in winter as well as the hotter months.

Darwin     Perth     Melbourne     Sydney     Hobart

Often bypassed en-route toward its more naturally beautiful neighbour, Darwin is home to some of Australia’s most breathtaking scenery. Who doesn’t have Kakadu National Park on their bucket list?

Darwin's uniquely indigenous heritage and close proximity to Asia make it a diverse cultural experience. And with mild winter temperatures ranging from late teens to early thirties, it's a perfect time to visit.

The famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market is one of the top end’s most popular spots on a Thursday and Sunday night. You can:

• catch a fire show
• shop authentic Aboriginal art
• fill your belly with delicious made-to-order souvlakis, Brazilian barbecue and melt in your mouth dumplings!

And for a digestif, simply sit back, relax and savour one of Darwin’s greatest delicacies – its unforgettable sunset.

What does Perth have in common with London, Cairo and Amsterdam? They’re all cities built on riverbanks. And while each one of these cities has its own unique character, Perth has undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful cityscapes.

Any time of year is ideal to:

• head to Swan River and spend the afternoon relaxing on Matilda Bay
• catch a ferry to South Perth for a lazy fish and chip lunch
• see some of the city’s highlights while hearing about its storied past

End the day with a quiet drink enjoying the stunning winter sunset.

Melbourne’s flat terrain and scenic bike routes lend themselves perfectly to a day spent cycling through ornate graffiti-covered laneways, hulking sports arenas and the stunning Yarra River.

As well as exploring Australia’s undisputed coffee capital, a winter bike tour offers the perfect opportunity to:

• view the sights
• learn the local hotspots from a Melbourne-obsessed tour guide
• dabble in the multitude of foods on offer.

Chosen as the world’s most liveable city for a bunch of really compelling reasons, a winter weekend in Melbourne is a smart choice. Add in a boat trip to historic Williamstown while you’re there.

Just remember to pack a waterproof jacket – Victoria’s capital is famous for four seasons in one day!

The Harbour Bridge and Opera House may be two of Sydney’s more obvious drawcards, but the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk is arguably the most beloved one by locals. It’s a highlight any season of the year.

Offering a combination of beaches, parks and spectacular views, the walk extends to must-see Sydney spots, including:

• Bondi Lifesaving Club
• Tamarama Park
• Bronte baths.

After a day on your feet, check out When Rum Ran the Rocks. This night tour combines a pub crawl with a hands-on history lesson, harking back to a time when rum was used as currency throughout the city.

Tasmania’s recent rise in popularity can be attributed to the opening of its fantastic Museum of Old & New Art (MONA) in 2001.

Sitting at the top of every Tasmanian must-do list, MONA not only houses one of Australia’s most impressive contemporary art collections, it’s situated on the beautiful Berriedale Peninsula.

Grab the ferry to the museum for sumptuous bayside views. Even better, visit during winter in June for the museum’s wonderfully subversive winter festival, Dark Mofo.

Take a look at our men's and women's jackets and vests before your weekend away.