Six winter warmer hotspots to swap chilly days for sunny stays
Save up to 30% off cool weather getaways with Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites
With beach days a distant memory and the winter woollies well and truly unpacked, there’s nothing like chasing fun in the sun to ward off the dreary weather doldrums. With savings of up to 30%* off winter warmer getaways of two nights or more for bookings made by 23 June, a family escape with Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites is just the ticket to swap the sofa for the seaside.
Research[i] shows that for many of us, winter can lead to lower energy levels, less social interaction and trading outdoor activity for hunkering down indoors, none of which help boost our mood. On the other hand, time spent in nature and connecting with family and friends have been shown to help our mental and physical wellbeing - which is the perfect excuse. Here are six holiday hotspots to try:
Broome
Looking for a different kind of beach holiday? Broome is a bucket-list destination for those who love nature, phenomenal sunsets and a slower pace. Whether you want to ride a camel along the waterfront, shop for pearls, join a sailing tour, indulge in ultra fresh seafood or just build sandcastles or snooze by the pool, it’s all on offer in balmy Broome.
Oaks Cable Beach Resort is set amidst tropical gardens with five pools to dip in and out of, including an infinity pool and a dedicated children’s wading spot. Just metres from the sand, the hotel offers an on-site restaurant, tour desk, bar and a selection of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments with courtyards or balconies to enjoy the sunshine.
Darwin
There’s plenty to love about a sultry stay in the Top End and Darwin is a brilliant base to explore everything from sublime sunsets to fabulous food markets, waterfalls and crystal-clear water holes, majestic national parks and wetlands teeming with wildlife…and the opportunity to spot a croc up close.
Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel is the ideal home away from home in the heart of Darwin’s vibrant CBD. Offering harbour views, easy access to shops, restaurants, bars, and the chilled-out vibe of the Darwin Waterfront precinct, guests can choose from traditional hotel rooms through to two-bedroom apartments with well-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. On-site facilities include an outdoor pool, gym, bar and restaurant.
Hervey Bay
Winter is the perfect time to discover the delights of Hervey Bay, Australia’s whale-watching capital. Visit between July and November to catch all the offshore action, explore 14 kilometres of pristine beaches, join the locals for a spot of fishing at Urangan Pier, or take a day trip to World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser) Island. Wetside Water Park, Reefworld Aquarium, beachfront horse riding and indigenous discovery tours led by the local Butchulla people are also family favourites.
Oaks Hervey Bay Resort & Spa enjoys a sought-after spot on the Esplanade, within easy reach of restaurants and attractions. Featuring twin lagoon pools, a shaded children’s play area and interactive water fountains to cool off after a day’s outing, the hotel also offers its own restaurant, gym, tour desk and on-site Mineral Earth Wellness Spa, where guests can enjoy a relaxing massage, facial, beauty treatment, sauna or spa. Accommodation ranges from one through to three-bedroom suites with private balconies or patios and the option of ocean or pool views.
Gold Coast
Nothing says winter fun in the sun like the glorious Gold Coast, home to action-packed theme parks, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, surf schools, jet boat rides, gondola canal cruises, lush hinterland adventures, and of course…endless beaches. Stretching from Coolangatta in the south up to Southport, this glittering golden strip is the stuff family escapes are made of.
Situated right opposite superb Coolangatta Beach, Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites is within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars, a cinema and TimeZone – if you can drag the kids away from the heated lagoon pool with a water slide. The property offers a dedicated children’s wading pool gym and games room, as well as fully-equipped one and two-bedroom apartments, some with panoramic ocean views.
Townsville
The ideal destination for those seeking a nostalgic tropical holiday where the daily agenda is filled with simple pleasures, such as beach walks, swimming, fishing, and fish and chips as the sun goes down, Townsville is a hidden treasure. Highlights of any stay include strolling the restaurants, bars and beaches along the esplanade, The Strand, and snorkelling and diving with turtles around Magnetic Island. Families will love the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, learning about native animals at Billabong Sanctuary or boomerang throwing and traditional dining on an Aboriginal Tour to Mungalla Station.
Moments from The Strand with marina and Magnetic Island views, Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel offers studio and two-bedroom apartments as well as a pool, gym, restaurant and tour desk.
Port Douglas
The gateway to many of Far North Queensland’s tropical treasures, Port Douglas combines boho vibes and chic boutiques with thrill-seeking activities and tranquil nature experiences. A day trip to the Lower Isles, Outer Barrier Reef, or family-friendly Fitzroy and Green Island are a must for any itinerary – there are even options with water slides and underwater observatories for those not busy snorkelling or diving. On shore, take time to explore the lush scenery and indigenous history of the Daintree Rainforest, enjoy a refreshing dip at magnificent Mossman Gorge or Crystal Cascades, meander the Sunday markets, and dig into fabulous fruit flavours at Daintree Ice Cream Company.
Situated a stone’s throw from the iconic Four Mile Beach, Oaks Port Douglas Resort is an oasis with a lagoon-style pool, swim-up bar, on-site spa and Oak & Vine restaurant with alfresco dining. Travellers can choose from hotel rooms, one and two-bedroom apartments furnished in Port Douglas’ cool, coastal style.
Located in the most sought-after locations, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites invites today’s travellers to dive into their destination of choice, connect with the local community and enjoy elevated accommodation, including suites with multiple bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and spacious living zones.
*Oaks Hotels’ Short Stay, Long Memories offer invites travellers to save 20% off stays of two nights or more. MINOR Discovery members can save an additional 10% for a total 30% discount. Stays must be booked between June 2-23, 2025, for trips between 2 June and 30 November 2025.
An industry leader for over 33 years, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites embraces a sense of adventure and curiosity, sparking a journey of discovery for guests. Brought to life by a service culture built on grounded hospitality, Oaks meets the needs of the modern leisure and corporate traveller, with a full-service hotel, resort and suites brand. With fully equipped rooms and suites in prime locations, guest experiences and lifestyle-focussed amenities provide guests with a chance to connect to the spirit of their local city centre or region. With an ever-expanding portfolio of more than 55 properties in Australia, China, New Zealand, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Oaks invites guests to jump feet first into the joy of travelling the world.
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