Why a road-trip in the Australian winter holidays is better than you'd expect

Is Winter a Good Time to Travel in Australia?

Absolutely - and for most of the country, it's arguably the best time.

Australia's size means winter looks completely different depending on where you are. In the south, temperatures drop to a crisp, manageable cool that's perfect for driving scenic routes without summer's heat and glare. In the tropical north - Queensland, Western Australia's Coral Coast, and the Northern Territory - June through August is peak season: dry, warm and ideal for outdoor exploration.

Here's what makes winter stand out for Australian road trips:

Fewer crowds at major attractions - popular sites like the Twelve Apostles and Ningaloo Reef are noticeably quieter

More comfortable driving conditions - cooler temperatures make long stretches behind the wheel far more enjoyable

Lower humidity in tropical regions - Far North Queensland and the Pilbara are at their very best in winter

Wildlife activity peaks - humpback whale migration runs May to November along the WA coast

Holiday park availability - easier to find great spots, especially mid-week

Winter in Australia runs from June to August, though the shoulder months of May and September offer a similar experience with even fewer travellers on the road.

Where to Holiday in Winter in Australia

Winter reveals a different side of this country. Crisp alpine mornings, clear coastal horizons, and tropical regions at their most comfortable - all within reach when you're travelling in a premium motorhome with everything you need on board.

Here are four of the most rewarding winter road trips across Australia.

Tropical Luxury Escape: Cairns to Cape Tribulation

Winter is the best time to visit Far North Queensland. The dry season brings warm days (typically 25–28°C), low humidity and consistently clear weather - ideal conditions for one of Australia's most spectacular road trips.

Begin your journey in Cairns, the relaxed tropical gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Take time to enjoy the waterfront promenade or arrange a reef excursion before setting off along the coast.

The road north to Port Douglas winds between rainforest-covered mountains and the Coral Sea - one of the most scenic coastal drives in the country. Elegant cafes, boutique galleries and marina views make Port Douglas the perfect place to slow down.

Beyond the town lies the Daintree Rainforest: the world's oldest tropical rainforest, older than the Amazon. Boardwalk trails weave through ancient vegetation, and river cruises offer real chances to spot crocodiles and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Cape Tribulation marks the journey's end, where two UNESCO World Heritage listed natural wonders meet - the reef and the rainforest. Remote beaches, dramatic landscapes and an almost otherworldly sense of wilderness make this a genuinely unforgettable finale.

Road trip highlights:

• Snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef

• Scenic coastal driving between Cairns and Port Douglas

• Guided walks through the ancient Daintree Rainforest

• Secluded tropical beaches at Cape Tribulation

Best for: Couples, solo travellers and families with older children who want tropical scenery without the summer humidity.

Pick up from: Cairns

If you're looking to plan a trip from Cairns, explore how Carolyne travelled from Cairns to Mackay >

The Coral Coast Journey: Perth to Exmouth

Western Australia's Coral Coast is one of the country's most impressive winter road trips. In winter, the region delivers warm, sunny days (mid-20s), a thriving marine environment and remarkable coastal scenery that builds as you travel north.

Your journey begins in Perth, where the relaxed pace of WA sets the tone. Heading north, the landscape transforms into dramatic coastal cliffs and vast open horizons.

Kalbarri is the gateway to Kalbarri National Park, home to deep gorges and rugged ocean cliffs that make for breathtaking viewpoints - including the famous Nature's Window, a natural rock arch framing the Murchison River below.

Further north, Coral Bay sits where coral reefs are metres from the shore. The water is clear, calm and perfect for snorkelling without a boat.

The journey ends in Exmouth, the gateway to Ningaloo Reef. This UNESCO-listed reef is one of Australia's best locations for marine encounters. Between May and November, humpback whales migrate along this coastline, and winter whale watching tours from Exmouth are outstanding.

Road trip highlights:

• Coastal cliff views and Nature's Window at Kalbarri National Park

• Snorkelling directly from the beach in Coral Bay

• Humpback whale watching along the Coral Coast

• Exploring Ningaloo Reef from Exmouth

Best for: Couples and families who want a marine-focused road trip with spectacular scenery.

Pick up from: Perth

Looking to launch your adventure from Perth? explore the 10 best places for free camping near Perth >

Alpine Winter Drive: Melbourne to the Victorian Alps

For travellers who want a genuinely different Australian experience, the Victorian Alps deliver. Snow-dusted mountains, charming mountain villages, and one of the country's most scenic drives - all within a few hours of Melbourne.

Begin in Melbourne before heading northeast toward Bright, the elegant alpine gateway town known for its boutique cafes, artisan bakeries, and vivid winter atmosphere. Bright's tree-lined streets are striking in June and July.

From Bright, follow the Great Alpine Road - widely regarded as one of Australia's finest scenic drives. The route winds through alpine valleys and snow-dusted forests, with panoramic mountain views opening up as you climb.

Mount Hotham and Falls Creek are two of Australia's premier alpine resorts, and both are accessible via this route. Skiing and snowboarding are the headline activities, but even those who prefer to stay off the slopes will find the scenery and mountain village atmosphere genuinely rewarding.

Road trip highlights:

• Scenic alpine driving along the Great Alpine Road

• Snow-covered mountain landscapes in June and July

• Skiing and snowboarding at Mount Hotham or Falls Creek

• Alpine village atmosphere in Bright

Best for: Families with kids keen on snow activities, and couples who want a quieter, scenic winter escape.

Pick up from: Melbourne

Note on motorhome access: Motorhomes are not permitted on certain steep alpine roads during snow periods. Snow chains are required on alpine roads when conditions apply. Plan your route in advance and check road conditions with VicTraffic before travelling. Star RV recommends parking your motorhome in Bright or Harrietville and using shuttle services to access the ski resorts.

The Great Ocean Road in Winter

Few drives in Australia are as iconic as the Great Ocean Road, and winter transforms this legendary coastline into something even more dramatic.

The journey begins in Torquay, Victoria - a well-known surfing destination and the official start of the route. From here the road winds along Victoria's rugged southern coastline, passing through charming seaside towns including Lorne and Apollo Bay.

Along the way, towering cliffs, sweeping beaches and pockets of temperate rainforest in the Great Otway National Park create an ever-changing landscape. Winter brings powerful swells, moody coastal light and a real sense of remoteness that summer crowds can't replicate.

The headline stop is the Twelve Apostles - limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. In winter, the combination of stormy skies and crashing waves adds a scale and grandeur that photographs rarely capture.

Road trip highlights:

• Coastal driving between Torquay and Apollo Bay

• Rainforest walks in the Great Otway National Park

• Spectacular views of the Twelve Apostles

• Dramatic winter seascapes along the Southern Ocean coast

Best for: Anyone. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most accessible and rewarding winter drives - equally suited to couples, families and solo road trippers.

Pick up from: Melbourne

What to Pack for a Winter Road Trip in Australia

Packing for a winter motorhome trip depends heavily on where you're headed, but there are some essentials that apply regardless of route.

For tropical and coastal routes (Cairns, Coral Coast):

• Light layers for evenings - temperatures can drop to 15–17°C after dark

• Reef-safe sunscreen (still essential in winter sun)

• Snorkelling gear, or plan to hire at destination

• Insect repellent for rainforest areas

For alpine and southern routes (Great Ocean Road, Victorian Alps):

• Waterproof jacket and warm mid-layers

• Sturdy waterproof footwear

• Snow chains if planning to access alpine areas (check requirements before travel)

• Warm bedding - Star RV motorhomes include quality linen, but an extra blanket is worth packing for alpine nights

Why a Star RV Motorhome is the Best Way to Experience a Winter Road Trip in Australia

A winter road trip in a premium motorhome is a fundamentally different experience to booking flights, hotels and hire cars. Your schedule is yours. Your route is yours. You're not checking in or checking out - you're already home.

Star RV motorhomes are designed for exactly this kind of travel. They offer smooth, confident driving combined with genuinely well-appointed interiors - full kitchens, private bathrooms, quality beds and real living space.

Whether you're a couple heading up the Coral Coast or a family of six navigating the Great Alpine Road, there's a Star RV motorhome to match.

The Star RV Fleet

Polaris 2 - Perfect for Couples The Polaris 2 is purpose-built for two travellers who want comfort without compromise. Built on a Fiat Ducato base, it offers a private bedroom, fully self-contained bathroom and all the kitchen essentials you need for life on the road. Winter road trips for couples don't get better than this.

Learn more about the Polaris 2 motorhome >

Polaris 4 - Ideal for Small Families or Groups of Friends The Polaris 4 sleeps four in genuine comfort, built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Expansive, flowing space, sleeping arrangements that prioritise privacy, and a fully self-contained bathroom make this the pick for small families or two couples travelling together.

Learn more about the Polaris 4 motorhome >

Polaris 6 - Made for Families For families who don't want to sacrifice space or comfort, the Polaris 6 delivers. Sleeping six, built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, it offers the room and the layout to make a winter road trip genuinely enjoyable for everyone - including the kids. Only one motorhome carries the Star, and this is it.

Learn more about the Polaris 6 motorhome >

All Star RV motorhomes are fully self-contained, meaning you carry everything you need with you. No scrambling for accommodation in peak winter periods. No packing and unpacking at every stop.