Sadly, last week, for lovers of television, couch time and Game of Thrones, “Winter” finally arrived, and so too did chilly temperatures right across the country.

This to me means only one thing, amazing winter events, plenty of snow and a long weekend to soak it all up.

With crisp days, blue skies and so much to do, Winter is a magical time right across the country.

For so many Aussies there are two types of winter holiday. The sea-and-sun escape to one of our amazing beachside destinations or the family ski week.

So, you have the choice, avoid the big chill or just roll with it?

And it doesn’t always mean having to slide down a hillside with two planks strapped to your feet, although I love my ski’s and will get to this type of winter holiday shortly.

I love the winter holiday. For most of us, it has been a long hot summer and now I am embracing the climates in the cooler season.

Trend watchers now have winter travel firmly on their hot lists.

There are plenty of reasons to embrace cold holidays. Cheaper hotels, fewer queues and a greater sense of adventure, for a start.

Even in places that don’t experience a true winter of plummeting temperatures, there are still jaw-dropping wonders of nature to experience, like the beautiful town of Bright at the foot of Victoria’s alpine region.

The days are short, but lights, decorations and festivals like Sydney’s Vivid keep you warm and inspired.
If you’re heading to Tasmania you can dress up and get bonfire-side for feasting, hot mulled cider and live tunes at the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival.

While in Queensland, thousands of golfers will tee-off for the Outback Queensland Masters featuring a Million Dollar Hole-in-One Challenge, film lovers will head north for the Vision Splendid Film Festival in Winton and come July, dedicated Midnight Oil fans will descend on Birdsville for the Big Red Bash.

For many this weekend it is the official start to the Australian ski season and so many families will hit the road to enjoy the simple things like rolling snowmen, toboggan rides or even making a snow angel!

The ski resorts are ready and waiting, following strong pre-season snowfall and excellent snowmaking conditions.

One of my favourite things about the winter chill is that you can eat more on a winter getaway and still feel fine!

And while winter has well and truly moved in life is good because you’re never far from a warm hotel, a beautiful fireplace, plenty of hot chocolate or a lovely glass of red.

Happy Queens Birthday Weekend!

Cheers

Margy