The winter school holidays are fast approaching, but it’s still not too late to book in a last-minute break. There are many places to escape the cold weather in the north, or to fully embrace it up in the mountains or the countryside. The cooler weather offers a chance to discover some hidden treasures across the country and our close neighbours, cheaply and without the big crowds.

Here’s our pick of the best, leaving from destinations around Australia.

Cape Tribulation

Two and half hours from Cairns, Cape Tribulation sees two heritage sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll avoid any family fights with the reef and rainforest both in close proximity. You can be snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef one day and exploring the forests the next. It’s a bit more rugged than the usual beach destinations, but it’s good for those that don’t really want a touristy holiday. Isolated accommodation among the rainforest will also make it feel like a private getaway.

Return flights from Brisbane to Cairns for two adults, two children from $872 with TigerAir.

Accommodation at Daintree Crocodylus from $85 per night for a family room.

Brisbane departure for a Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Setting sail from Brisbane, this cruise ships travels as far north as Port Douglas across seven nights, with visits to Airlie Beach, Yorkeys Knob, and Willis Island along the way.

There are supervised entertainment programs for the kids while the adults can enjoy a range of restaurants and bars, as well as stage shows and roaming entertainers. All the meals at the silver-service restaurants are included in the ticket.

Quad rooms from $517 per person, P&O cruise begins on 27 June. Return flights for two adults, two children from Perth to Brisbane from $2,412 with Virgin Australia.

Daylesford

Originally a gold rush hotspot, Daylesford is now one of Australia’s only spa towns. This is for a family that wants a completely relaxing holiday in a quiet countryside town. The whole family can indulge in the hot springs, gardens, and walks through the forests, and there’s also a chocolate factory for the kids.

Daylesford is only an hour and a half from Melbourne, and you can stay in your own private cottage.

Houses at Abelia Cottage from $95 per night. Return flights from Sydney for two adults, two children from $712 with JetStar.

Hobart

Don’t let the icy cool weather deter you, Tasmania transforms into a winter wonderland during this time of year and there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied. Lose yourself in the giant and world-renowned Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) – but a word of warning, not all the works are suitable viewing for young children – or explore the port town’s historic buildings.

Soaring above the city, Mount Wellington offers a chance to show your children some snow, as well as incredible views (on a clear day). If the cold gets to be a bit much, venture 45 minutes out of town to the Hastings Cave State Reserve, and sit back and relax in thermal streams, which normally sit at 28C. This is for a family that wants to fully embrace a real winter holiday and the cold weather.

Flights from Adelaide to Hobart from $1,672 return for two adults and two children with Virgin Australia. A family room at Graham Apartments from $128 per night.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a refuge from urban sprawl of Sydney, only an hour away. There are a range of hikes leading to towering lookouts, or for a more relaxing trip, there’s the world’s steepest railway that takes you down into the rainforest of the valley floor. You can also adventure inside the mountains in the Jenolan Caves further west. A trip to the Blue Mountains caters for both the adventurous family that want to get in touch with nature, and also those who want to relax in front of a open fire.

Flights to Sydney from Melbourne from $752 for two adults, two children with JetStar. Accommodation at the Grand View Hotel in Wentworth Falls from $115 per night.

Bangkok, Thailand

There’s still time to fit in a quick visit to one of our closest and most culturally vibrant neighbours during the winter break. It won’t even feel like winter over there, with temperatures still regularly climbing above 30C.

There are lots of museums, historical sites and other landmarks for the parents to enjoy, and a range of huge aquariums, playgrounds and wildlife to keep the kids entertained.

It’s at the pricier end of the spectrum, costing from $4,051 for return flights and four nights accommodation at the Grand Pinnacle, package from Webjet.