As the seasons begin to turn, April is the perfect time to start planning for the months ahead. Whether you’re dreaming of snow-covered peaks and fireside evenings, or looking to trade cooler days for sunshine somewhere far away, we’ve curated two paths for the season ahead.
From alpine escapes across Australia and New Zealand to effortless resort getaways beyond the cold, consider this your starting point for winter planning.
MT. BULLER
Victoria
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MOUNT BULLER CHALET
STAY
Charming alpine retreat offering cozy accommodation. Located conveniently near the slopes, it features a restaurant and bar. Guests can enjoy stunning mountain views and easy access to ski lifts, making it an ideal choice for winter sports. -
BREATHTAKER HOTEL
STAY
Ski-in, ski-out alpine luxury in the heart of Mount Buller. Contemporary rooms, a heated pool, spa treatments, and warm hospitality create the perfect base for relaxing after a day on the slopes.
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KAPTANS RESTAURANT
DINE
A cozy dining spot known for its warm ambiance and stunning alpine views. Famous for its signature Wiener Schnitzel, the restaurant offers a diverse menu celebrating seasonal and local produce. It's a popular choice among skiers for both casual meals and special occasions.
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BLACK COCKATOO
DINE
Refined alpine dining at Mount Buller, pairing seasonal Australian produce with an elegant, fireside setting. Expect beautifully presented dishes, a thoughtful wine list, and a sophisticated atmosphere after a day on the slopes.
FALLS CREEK
Victoria
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ST FALLS RESORT
STAY
Boutique alpine hotel with self-contained apartments right at the base of the ski slopes. It offers direct access to ski lifts, mountain views, restaurants, and facilities like a pool, sauna, and gym, making it a popular place to stay for skiing. -
LAKESIDE
STAY
Lakeside at Falls Creek is a ski-in/ski-out lodge-style hotel (snow permitting), just 200 metres from the Village Bowl and Eagle and Summit Chairs. Cozy interiors and alpine charm make it ideal for mountain stays.
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ASTRA
DINE
Modern alpine dining experience with a menu inspired by Modern Australian and European cuisine, along with craft beers, cocktails, and an award-winning wine list. It is known for its cosy atmosphere with fireplaces and mountain views, and it is especially popular for après-ski drinks and dinner during the winter snow season.
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SUMMIT RIDGE
DINE
Summit Ridge Restaurant offers elegant alpine dining with sweeping panoramic mountain views. Guests enjoy thoughtfully crafted dishes, seasonal ingredients, and a curated selection of fine wines, creating a refined and memorable mountain dining experience.
PERISHER
New South Wales
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THE STABLES RESORT
STAY
Boutique self-contained apartments and chalets with kitchens, living areas, and mountain views. The resort is close to the ski lifts, making it convenient for skiing and snowboarding in winter, and it is open year-round for other alpine activities. -
SMIGGINS HOTEL & CHALET
STAY
Smiggins Hotel & Chalet Apartments offers cozy alpine accommodation combining lodge-style warmth with modern comfort. Ski-in/ski-out access, spacious rooms, and inviting lounges make it an ideal base for winter adventures and mountain relaxation.
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STALLIONS
DINE
A cosy alpine restaurant located inside The Stables Resort in Perisher Valley. It offers Australian-style meals such as burgers, pizza, steaks, and bar snacks, along with drinks and happy hour. The restaurant has a warm atmosphere with an open fireplace and is popular for relaxing after a day of skiing.
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SNOWGUMS
DINE
Snowgums Restaurant at Falls Creek offers relaxed, stylish alpine dining with a focus on seasonal Australian cuisine. Guests enjoy beautifully presented dishes, a warm lodge atmosphere, and panoramic mountain views, perfect after a day on the slopes.
QUEENSTOWN
New Zealand
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ROSEWOOD MATAKAURI
STAY
Luxury lakeside resort located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown. It offers elegant suites and villas with mountain and lake views, along with fine dining that focuses on fresh, local New Zealand ingredients. The resort is known for its peaceful setting, luxury facilities, and easy access to outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and wine tours.
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QT QUEENSTOWN
STAY
Stylish boutique hotel located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. It offers modern rooms with lake and mountain views, along with dining options like Bazaar Restaurant and Reds Bar. The hotel is known for its bold design and convenient location close to Queenstown’s main attractions and outdoor activities.
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EICHARDT’S PRIVATE HOTEL
STAY
An architectural beauty on Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s Private Hotel has welcomed travellers through its doors since 1861. Awarded a Michelin Key in 2025, the hotel is recognised for its exceptional standard of luxury, service and hospitality.
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THE CARLIN HOTEL
STAY
A five-star luxury boutique hotel located above Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. It offers spacious suites with private terraces, spa pools, and panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The hotel is known for its personalised service, fine dining restaurant, and exclusive, high-end accommodation experience.
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BOTSWANA BUTCHERY
DINE
Your popular fine-dining restaurant located by Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. It is known for its premium steaks, seafood, and locally sourced New Zealand ingredients. The restaurant has a warm, luxury atmosphere with fireplaces and lake views.
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ARYBURN
DINE
Scenic food and wine precinct near Queenstown, offering multiple restaurants, bars, and outdoor spaces set on a restored 19th-century farm. It’s popular for dining, drinks, and socialising with lake and mountain views.
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AMISFIELD
DINE
Winery and restaurant near Queenstown, located by Lake Hayes. It’s known for its award-winning wines, seasonal New Zealand cuisine, and elegant dining in a vineyard setting.
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RATA
DINE
Fine-dining restaurant in Queenstown, founded by celebrity chef, Josh Emett. It offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients in a stylish, modern setting.
PORT DOUGLAS
Queensland
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SHERATON GRAND RESORT
STAY
five‑star beachfront resort in set on famous Four Mile Beach with lush tropical gardens and large lagoon‑style pools. It offers luxury rooms, villas, multiple restaurants and bars, and plenty of space for families to relax. The resort’s location also makes it easy to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest on day trips.
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SILKY OAKS LODGE
STAY
A luxury rainforest lodge set along the Mossman River on the edge of the World Heritage‑listed Daintree Rainforest. It offers secluded treehouse‑style accommodation, fine dining in an open‑air restaurant, a Healing Waters Spa, and activities like yoga, guided rainforest walks and shuttle access to Port Douglas. The setting is peaceful and immersed in nature, making it ideal for a relaxing tropical getaway.
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COCONUT GROVE
STAY
Self‑contained apartment‑style resort, just a short walk from Four Mile Beach and the shops and restaurants along Macrossan Street. It features spacious premium apartments with private terraces, plunge pools or spas, ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxed tropical stay right in the centre of town.
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LUXURY HOMES
STAY
Hiring a luxury home on Wharf Street in Port Douglas offers the ultimate tropical getaway. These high-end properties feature stunning ocean views, private pools, and spacious living areas. Being just steps from Macrossan Street, guests have easy access to boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, while still enjoying the privacy and comfort of a secluded luxury home.
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SALSA BAR AND GRILL
DINE
Popular tropical‑style restaurant on Wharf Street overlooking the water and parklands. It’s known for its relaxed Queenslander vibe, creative menu blending local and global flavours, tasty cocktails, and friendly service, making it a favourite with both locals and visitors. Open for lunch and dinner, Salsa offers a varied menu with fresh seafood, steaks, small plates, and more in a breezy, open‑air setting.
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NAUTILUS
DINE
Iconic open‑air fine‑dining destination set beneath towering palm trees in a lush tropical garden. Established in the 1950s, it’s known for its elegant Modern Australian degustation menus showcasing local seafood and produce, an extensive wine list, and relaxed yet memorable atmosphere. The restaurant is entirely outdoors (with clever canopies for rain), making dining feel like a tropical experience under the stars.
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MELELEUCA
DINE
Highly‑rated modern Australian restaurant, known for its creative, seasonal menu featuring local seafood and produce with subtle global influences. The dining experience includes waterfront views, a lovely alfresco courtyard under mango trees, and an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner in town.
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WATERGATE
DINE
Contemporary tropical dining in a stylish, relaxed setting. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes, it’s ideal for casual lunches, elegant dinners, and memorable tropical culinary experiences.
HAMILTON ISLAND
Queensland
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SHERATON GRAND RESORT
STAY
Five‑star beachfront resort in set on famous Four Mile Beach with lush tropical gardens and large lagoon‑style pools. It offers luxury rooms, villas, multiple restaurants and bars, and plenty of space for families to relax. The resort’s location also makes it easy to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest on day trips.
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SILKY OAKS LODGE
STAY
A luxury rainforest lodge set along the Mossman River on the edge of the World Heritage‑listed Daintree Rainforest. It offers secluded treehouse‑style accommodation, fine dining in an open‑air restaurant, a Healing Waters Spa, and activities like yoga, guided rainforest walks and shuttle access to Port Douglas. The setting is peaceful and immersed in nature, making it ideal for a relaxing tropical getaway.
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COCONUT GROVE
STAY
Self‑contained apartment‑style resort, just a short walk from Four Mile Beach and the shops and restaurants along Macrossan Street. It features spacious premium apartments with private terraces, plunge pools or spas, ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxed tropical stay right in the centre of town.
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LUXURY HOMES
STAY
Hiring a luxury home on Wharf Street in Port Douglas offers the ultimate tropical getaway. These high-end properties feature stunning ocean views, private pools, and spacious living areas. Being just steps from Macrossan Street, guests have easy access to boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, while still enjoying the privacy and comfort of a secluded luxury home.
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SALSA BAR AND GRILL
DINE
Popular tropical‑style restaurant on Wharf Street overlooking the water and parklands. It’s known for its relaxed Queenslander vibe, creative menu blending local and global flavours, tasty cocktails, and friendly service, making it a favourite with both locals and visitors. Open for lunch and dinner, Salsa offers a varied menu with fresh seafood, steaks, small plates, and more in a breezy, open‑air setting.
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NAUTILUS
DINE
Iconic open‑air fine‑dining destination set beneath towering palm trees in a lush tropical garden. Established in the 1950s, it’s known for its elegant Modern Australian degustation menus showcasing local seafood and produce, an extensive wine list, and relaxed yet memorable atmosphere. The restaurant is entirely outdoors (with clever canopies for rain), making dining feel like a tropical experience under the stars.
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MELELEUCA
DINE
Highly‑rated modern Australian restaurant, known for its creative, seasonal menu featuring local seafood and produce with subtle global influences. The dining experience includes waterfront views, a lovely alfresco courtyard under mango trees, and an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner in town.
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WATERGATE
DINE
Contemporary tropical dining in a stylish, relaxed setting. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes, it’s ideal for casual lunches, elegant dinners, and memorable tropical culinary experiences.
DARWIN
Northern Territory
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MINDIL BEACH RESORT
STAY
Mindil Beach Casino Resort offers relaxed tropical luxury overlooking the Arafura Sea. Featuring stylish rooms, multiple dining venues, a vibrant casino, lagoon-style pools, and easy access to Mindil Beach markets, it’s ideal for leisure and entertainment.
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PALMS CITY COVE
STAY
Palms City Resort offers relaxed tropical accommodation in central Darwin, set among lush gardens and palm-lined pathways. Guests enjoy villa-style stays, a resort pool, and easy access to the waterfront, dining precincts, and city attractions.
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STONE HOUSE
DINE
Stone House delivers refined modern Australian dining in the heart of Darwin. Elegant interiors featuring natural stone create a sophisticated atmosphere, while seasonal menus highlight premium local produce, complemented by attentive service and an impressive wine selection.
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HANUMAN
DINE
Hanuman delivers vibrant Asian fusion dining in Darwin, blending Thai, Indian and Nonya influences. Expect bold flavours, fragrant spices, elegant interiors and a lively atmosphere, complemented by attentive service and a well-curated wine and cocktail list.