Winter sun: three places to top up your vitamin D

Let’s be honest, winter isn’t fun. It’s cold, dark and did we mention cold? They don’t call it seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for nothing. That’s why when dreaded June rolls around we like to plan a little mid-year vacay to get some much-needed sunshine.

Here’s a list of our four favourite travel destinations during winter. And the best part? You don’t even need to leave Australian shores.

1. Port Douglas, QLD

We just can’t get enough of Far North Queensland. Port Douglas is renowned for its lively tropical vibe and has everything you could ever want in a holiday – good weather, beautiful beaches, islands and yummy cafes.

Weather: Dry season is from May to October, meaning warm temperatures and low rainfall. The average temperature during June is between 18 and 25 degrees.

Things to do & see: Great Barrier Reef, Four Mile Beach, Flagstaff Hill, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation.

Places to eat: Origin Espresso for amazing coffee, The Little Larder for delicious sandwiches and Salsa Bar & Grill for mouth-watering seafood.

2. Whitsunday Islands, QLD

The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and what we like to call Australia’s version of Bora Bora. Whitehaven Beach is the largest of the 74 islands and is famous for its white Silica sand and crystal blue waters (not to mention it’s been voted in the Top 5 world’s best beaches on Trip Advisor).

Many people often stay at Airlie Beach, which is the vibrant hub of the Whitsundays and makes for the perfect base to plan your water and island activities.

Weather: Like Port Douglas, the average temperate during June is between 18 and 24 degrees.

Things to do & see: Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet, Heart Reef, snorkelling tours, sailing lessons and scenic flights.

Places to eat: If you’re staying at Airlie Beach you can’t go past Fat Frog Beach Café for the tastiest big breakfast, Village Café Restaurant & Bar for a delicious steak and Whitsunday Sailing Club for the best balcony views.

3. Broome, WA

Broome – where the desert meets the ocean with its dusty red rocks and glistening turquoise waters. It’s a gateway to exploring many of Australia’s natural wonders, including breath-taking beaches and clear starry skies. And we can guarantee that a Cable Beach sunset will be one of the best you’ve ever seen.

Winter is also about the only time you can enjoy the beauty of Broome without melting away.

Weather: The average temperate in June is between 15 and 29 degrees.

Things to do & see: Cable Beach, Sunset Camel Ride, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Gantheaume Point, Horizontal Falls and the stairway to the moon.

Places to eat: Sunset Bar & Grill for dinner with a view, Matso’s Broome Brewery for an ice-cold beverage and Divers Tavern for a classic pub meal.