A leading travel platform has dropped a list of Australian destinations for winter that it promises offer cheaper stays, fewer crowds and unique seasonal experiences.

Expedia said its top 10 Stay Here Winter destinations offered savings of up to 40 per cent on accommodation in popular hotspots like Byron Bay to the Margaret River just simply by choosing to visit in the coming months instead of summer.

“With the cost of travel front of mind, Aussies aren’t giving up on winter breaks, they’re simply travelling smarter,” Expedia travel expert  Sarah King said.

“Visiting destinations in their off‑peak season is one of Australia’s best‑kept travel secrets. Staying local can mean lower prices, a slower travel experience and supporting tourism operators during quieter months.”

Coffs Harbour offers winter sun and delightful walks. Photo: Expedia

The company that said Australians were rethinking how and where they travelled, rather than skip a winter break. Its research has found that Aussies considering domestic travel are driven by a push for simplicity, with value for money (45 per cent), slower travel (34 per cent) and short breaks (25 per cent) a priority.

Top 10 destinations that can be better value in winter

1. Byron Bay, NSW: Up to 40 per cent cheaper, 15 per cent quieter, with humpback whale watching and epic winter surf;
2. Apollo Bay, Victoria: Up to 35 per cent cheaper, 90 per cent quieter, delivering misty mornings, rugged scenery and unhurried Great Ocean Road drives
3. Kangaroo Island, South Australia: Up to 35 per cent cheaper, 50 per cent quieter, ideal for peaceful wildlife encounters and seasonal walking trails;
4. Margaret River, Western Australia: Up to 30 per cent cheaper, 25 per cent quieter, featuring fireside winery tastings, winter events and truffle season;
5. Coffs Harbour, NSW: Up to 30 per cent cheaper and 40 per cent quieter, perfect for hinterland hikes, relaxed beach days and winter sunshine;
6. Launceston, Tasmania: Up to 25 per cent cheaper and 45 per cent quieter, offering cool‑climate dining, vineyards, nature based woodfire sauna and cold plunge experiences;
7. Sorrento, Victoria: Up to 25 per cent cheaper, 55 per cent quieter, pairing Peninsula Hot Springs with uncrowded coastal walks;
8. Burleigh Heads, Queensland: Up to 15 per cent cheaper, 35 per cent quieter, with warm winter weather, fewer lines at the theme parks and calmer beaches;
9. Sydney, NSW: Up to 15 per cent cheaper, 15 per cent quieter, perfect for theatre nights, whale watching, cosy dining, and a more relaxed city pace;
10. Marcoola, Queensland: Up to 10 per cent cheaper, 45 per cent quieter, ideal for sunny coastal walks and uncrowded Sunshine Coast surfing.

Expedia said winter was one of Australia’s best-kept travel secrets, offering experiences such as humpback whale watching, truffle season, lakeside sauna and cold plunges, quieter coastal walks and less crowded theme parks.

It said 38 per cent of Australians also cited fewer crowds as their top reason for travelling locally during the cooler months, followed by lower temperatures (37 per cent) and better value on accommodation and flights (30 per cent).

WA’s Margaret River region is packed with winter attractions. Photo: WA Tourism

The company said Australians were still seeking sun in winter, with more than a quarter (29 per cent) planning a warmer‑weather domestic escape. That topped those who were considering cold‑weather destinations at home (24 per cent).

In other research, Expedia found the car was still king for domestic travel, despite months of uncertainty about fuel prices. More than three‑quarters of Australians (78 per cent) were planning road trips over travel by plane or train.