Broaden your horizons beyond wine country (just slightly) to explore Australia’s most charming winter wonderlands.

Slip on your Uggs and fire up the heater – winter is here. And while the prospect of devouring a cheese platter in the comfort of your living room is especially tempting, Australia is littered with adorable townships that come into their own right about now.

From foodie indulgences and blossoming cultural festivities to heavenly hot springs and, of course, wine-fuelled revelry, winter presents exclusive thrills and spills. You just need to know where to go…

1. Mudgee, NSW

The magic of Mudgee is relentless this time of year as chilly conditions turn the air even cleaner and crisper.

Sunrises blaze brighter and country scapes glow with rich seasonal colour as the NSW town, located 3.5 hours north-west of Sydney, becomes a magnet for weekenders.

Seize the great outdoors in style with a glamping experience at Sierra Escape, one of the region’s most exceptional places to stay, before you tackle the colonial town centre’s boutiques, bars, historical architecture (grab a selfie at The Old Bank) and eateries.

Once you’re done, it would be an absolute sin to skip the wineries and cellar doors, so don’t. Our tried-and-tested recommendations includes Logan Wines, De Beaurepaire Wines and Moothi Estate.

2. Tamborine Mountain, Qld

Tackle the winding road all the way up to the top of Tamborine Mountain to discover one of the most character-filled corners of the Gold Coast hinterland.

One of the best day trips from Brisbane, this historic town is filled with bizarre boutiques (German cuckoo clocks, perhaps?), your stock-standard, utterly irresistible confectionery shops, spirit distilleries, a handful of excellent wineries and luxurious rainforest retreats.

3. Richmond, Tas

Just 30 minutes north-east of Hobart lies Richmond, a Tasmanian city to transport you right back in time. Original Georgian architecture, lush rolling hills and the showstopping Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest bridge to still be used, create an almost surreal backdrop like you’ve travelled onto the set of a British period film.

Go with it and don’t leave without poking your head through the town’s antique stores, galleries, museums, cafes and scattering of wineries to ensure you live your ultimate winter village life.

4. Daylesford, Vic

Come for the day spas, stay for the unexpected. Daylesford, located one hour’s drive northwest of Melbourne, is an all-out charm assault as the suburb’s mineral springs and spa rituals don’t even scratch the surface of what you get out of a winter visit.

First, marvel in Hanging Rock of cinematic, literary and volcanic plug fame, then hit up the excellent Daylesford Sunday Market to gain a sense of its community and one helluva baked goods haul.

Don’t miss all the stunning gardens too, including Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens (home to a cafe that delivers even more buttery bakery delights).

5. Hahndorf, SA

A sensory overload to send you all the way to the beer halls of Munich, Hahndorf is a winter charmer you need to see to believe.

The tiny Adelaide Hills town is entrenched in its German heritage, from the historic architecture built off traditional German techniques and 100-year-old trees to the Hahndorf Inn, the town’s spiritual heartland. You’ll also find retail therapy up to your eyeballs as boutiques sell everything from German folk art to Birkenstocks.

6. Montville, Qld

The Sunshine Coast’s best-kept secret is out of the bag. Montville in the region’s hinterland offers a cool-weather reprise from sun-drenched beach days, swapping beach hangs for gallery hopping and surf shacks for quaint cottages.

There’s plenty of hiking to undertake now the heat has subsided so head to Kondalilla National Park for some of the most scenic trails.

7. Swan Valley, WA

The prize for scale always goes to Margaret River but the oldest wine region in Western Australia is the incredible Swan Valley. Journey into the upper reaches of the Swan River via a 35-minute drive from Perth CBD or opt to arrive onboard a Swan River cruise.

Unmissable cellar doors include Sandalford Wines, Mandoon Estate and Lancaster Wines, boasting some of the oldest vines around.

8. Katherine, NT

July is the perfect time to drop into Katherine, a buzzing Northern Territory town located three hours south of Darwin.

Natural thermal springs on the banks of the Katherine River are a must-experience but it’s the annual Katherine Show and Rodeo, staged on the third weekend of July, that’s worth a dedicated day. Think wheelie bin and lawn mower races (for real), dog jumping, stacks of family-friendly stalls, rides and more.

9. Leura, NSW

Home to an abundance of original artisans, natural beauty and fascinating boutiques, Leura is a tiny town flowing with attitude.

Located on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park, it encourages you to unwind in style during the cooler months with care of its Finish-style Blue Mountains Sauna, an ever-inspiring art gallery trail and a much-adored collection of cafes.

When it comes time to rug up and embrace the outdoors, various lookouts offering sweeping views of the entire region are easy to access.

10. Red Hill, Vic

A pick for the foodies, Red Hill is one of the country’s most exciting culinary convergences. The Mornington Peninsula pitstop is home to the likes of Tedesca Osteria, widely acclaimed as one of the most extraordinary dining destinations on the planet, and Laura at Pt. Leo Estate in nearby Merricks.

And while you’ll undoubtedly devote plenty of time to Red Hill’s cellar doors, the town’s rich hinterland set against wild beaches is worthy of significant awe.