Skip the crowds: 10 secret Aussie winter getaways that won't break the bank

Instead of: Cairns or Airlie Beach, Queensland

Where is it? About 1000 kilometres north of Brisbane, 150 kilometres south of Airlie Beach. There's an airport with regular Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin flights.

Why you should go: How can Mackay continue to fly under the radar? The place rivals Cairns for what's on offer: that is, a complete escape just offshore, or in its hinterland and/or coastal rainforest. But it's much cheaper than Cairns. Just west of Mackay, you drive up a mountain range to Eungella National Park. Eungella is the best place to see platypus in the wild ... anywhere on Earth. The forests are amazing to hike, too. Just north of Mackay, find kangaroos on the beach at secret coastal hideaway, Cape Hillsborough. There are budget-priced cabins here, within metres of the surf. Or take a ferry (Keswick Explorer) out to off-the-radar islands such as Keswick and St Bees, where you can rent self-contained cabins beside deserted beaches for a Robinson Crusoe experience.

Where to stay: Sleep beside the beach at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park, terrace huts for two start at $124 per night, or rent The Beach House on Keswick Island for $970 per night for six people.

Instead of: Orange or Mudgee, NSW

Where is it? On the border with NSW, about 200 kilometres south-west of Brisbane.

Why you should go: Queensland has a bona-fide, true-blue wine region, ideal for winter wine and foodie getaways. There are more than 50 wineries and vineyards here, and they're mostly family-owned, so you'll get to meet the people who actually made the chardonnay, shiraz and cab sav you're quaffing. Cellar door tastings are much more affordable than trendier wine regions like the Hunter Valley or Orange, and there are some great winery restaurants (such as the one at Balancing Heart Vineyard) offering gourmet food at a fraction of what you'll pay in Mudgee. It's the perfect Queensland winter getaway - you might even see snowfall. Expect crisp mornings and cosy fireplaces at night, but blue-sky days hitting (occasionally) 20 degrees. It's packed with low-cost and free activities, too - there are national parks (such as Girraween) surrounding town, full of hiking trails and mountain bike tracks.

Where to stay: Stay in a self-contained villa, 31The Rocks, within the bush, with its own kitchenette and barbecue on the deck to save on meal costs. Rates are from $205 per night.

Instead of: Jindabyne, NSW

Where is it? About two hours' drive west of Canberra and about two hours' drive north of Jindabyne.

Why you should go: Have you been to the Australian ski fields lately? Wow, you sure have to save your pennies. Tumut is tucked away at the western edge of the Snowy Mountains and is a secret winter destination which delivers plenty of snow without crowds, or high prices. On the foothills of Kosciuszko National Park, it's close enough for families to experience snow without paying resort prices. Base yourself here and take a short day trip to Selwyn Snowfields where kids pay as little as $35 to ski. While you can't ski in Tumut, it's a tranquil alpine escape with a true Aussie country town vibe (you'll make new friends). Nature is the drawcard here, you're surrounded by rivers, forests and Australia's tallest mountains - so there's plenty of cheaper activities on offer, like hiking, fishing and scenic drives.

Where to stay: Stay from $99 per night in a twin or double room above the historic Oriental Hotel in the heart of the town, or have mountain views for $130 per night at Tumut Valley Motel.

Instead of: Yamba or Byron Bay, NSW

Where is it? Halfway between Brisbane and Sydney, and 40 minutes' drive from Coffs Harbour Airport with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Why you should go: Ranked one of NSW's most affordable coastal suburbs, Nambucca Heads is known to many ... just not well known to any. But it's beautiful; the Nambucca River winds through town and empties by white-sand beaches set near the main street. Most coastal towns are all about summer, but Nambucca Heads stays tranquil all year. The weather peaks in winter - it's drier then and averages 20 degrees at daytime - and winter is when humpback whales pass by, very close to shore. There are headlands and lookouts - try Captain Cook Lookout - to see them. There are coastal walks and hikes along the river foreshore. Or bring your own kayak. And check out restaurants such as Matilda's and Nambucca Boatshed and Cafe for a dreamy view - among locals - across the water.

Where to stay: For views over the river and ocean for a fraction of what you'd pay in Yamba, try the newly refurbished The Beach Rooms from $190 per night.

Instead of: Philip Island or the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Where is it? Six hours' drive from Melbourne, seven from Sydney, and 90 minutes' from Merimbula, where there's an airport.

Why you should go: This could be the country's best low-season escape. For starters - and this is important in Victoria - it is one of the warmest places in winter in the state. While that doesn't mean you'll be leaping into the ocean, it's pleasant for all the nature-filled adventures on offer around town. You'll save money with these free activities - most revolve around time spent on beautiful Mallacoota Inlet or in nearby Croajingolong National Park (no entry fee) - a World Biosphere Reserve that's home to more than 50 mammals, including koalas and platypus. It's one of Australia's most biodiverse spots - and in winter, you'll have it for yourselves. Thousands of humpback whales pass by close to shore, and you'll get to immerse yourself within the local community at quiet cafes and restaurants.

Where to stay: Nothing beats a waterfront room at Karbeethong Lodge from $170 per night, with shared kitchen facilities to keep meal costs down.

Instead of: Daylesford, Victoria

Where is it? About 90 minutes' drive north of Melbourne and 30 minutes' north of Daylesford.

Why you should go: Maldon is considered one of Australia's best preserved historic towns (it has the most intact streetscape of any Victorian gold-mining town) yet so few of us know about it. In a region of Victoria famous for 19th-century gold mining history, this is that town which makes you feel like you've time-travelled, yet everyone goes to Daylesford instead. And in winter it just gets more atmospheric (and cheaper). Maldon suits the cold; you can easily walk its streets (less fuel required) - stacked with vintage stores, second-hand shops, and cafes and restaurants with open fires to thaw out beside. It's flat to walk, though a hike to Mount Tarrengower will provide a bird's-eye perspective. Check out old gold mining sites, too.

Where to stay: Motel Maldon is a family-run hotel five minutes' walk from town set among gorgeous gardens. Rates are from $155 a night (it has a great barbecue area, too).

Instead of: Bruny Island, Tasmania, or Lorne, Victoria

Where is it? Four hours' drive from Hobart and two-and-a-half hours from Launceston Airport.

Why you should go: Located at the southern end of Tasmania's world-famous Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay is often overlooked in summer - while in winter, it's completely deserted. But this is one of Australia's most beautiful spots. Nestle in at beach side accommodation and watch the storms come in from the Southern Ocean with a book and a glass of local shiraz. Take long deserted beach walks on the silica-white sand, as dolphins and whales swim by. Nowhere feels more edge-of-the-world than Binalong Bay in winter. There are kayaking tours, or hike to nearby Skeleton Bay, and meet the locals minus any tourists.

Where to stay: Get cosy at low season rates in a luxury bell tent two minutes' drive from the beach (set amongst 10 hectares of bush) at Bay Of Fires Bush Retreat from $255 per night.

Why you should go: While hardly a secret thanks to multiple stories about the town being the Tasmanian answer to Byron Bay, Cygnet doesn't get much traction in winter, with accommodation prices dropping accordingly. But the town truly shines in the cold. This alternative village in the Huon Valley is full of art galleries and cafes, and bars and restaurants largely deserted outside of summer. But winter is peak season for harvesting produce, especially its iconic apples. Apple orchards, cider houses and farm gates are peaking; while galleries, artisan shops and historic cafes and pubs heated by fireplaces became the social hubs. The misty mornings along D'Entrecasteaux Channel are a photographer's dream; as are the southern lights at night.

Where to stay: Check in to Tranquil Point Retreat. Eight kilometres outside Cygnet, it's set on a hectare of private land with 270-degree ocean views and private beaches, and rates start from $170 per night.

Instead of: Lorne, Victoria, or Glenelg, Adelaide

Where is it? Three-and-a-half hours from Adelaide and six hours from Melbourne, it's the ideal stop between the two cities.

Why you should go: Situated on the Limestone Coast, Robe rivals Mallacoota as the best under-the-radar winter coastal holiday village. It peaks in summer, but it's practically a ghost town in winter when prices drop. Don't let the cold put you off - average temperatures still hover above 15 degrees. There's much to do beyond the ocean. The town is a cultural bonanza - there are more than 70 heritage buildings including two of SA's best historic pubs. And there are great wineries just beyond town, serving cool-climate cab sav and shiraz. Crayfish eateries - like Sails at Robe and Sky Seafoods - offer the freshest lobster going. There are plenty of free attractions - like sunsets at Beacon Hill or from the Robe Obelisk at Cape Dombey, or drive your car along the 14-kilometre Long Beach.

Where to stay: The best pub in town, Robe Hotel, built in 1847, has cheap but great rooms upstairs. Rooms start at $85 per night (no ensuite) or $116 (ensuite).

Instead of: Margaret River, WA

Where is it? 250 kilometres south of Perth, 100 kilometres inland from Margaret River.

Why you should go: Unlike much more famous Margaret River, Bridgetown flies under our radar. And it really shines in winter when the hills surrounding the town turn bright green and mist hangs in the valley. There are few tourists so you'll get to meet the eclectic characters that make this town special. Many artists moved here - go check out their galleries. And discover the wineries Margaret River tourists don't know about - like Sunnyhurst Winery, operating out of a 120-year-old homestead. There are low-key art and food festivals all through winter (like Fridgetown Festival held every weekend through winter, showcasing activities, entertainment and local produce). This part of south-western WA is part of one of the best scenic drives in Australia: 12-day Perth to Esperance South-West Edge. There are also great hikes in the forest and some of the better mountain bike trails in WA.

Where to stay: For the best rustic bush escape, try barn-style accommodation at Idlewild Bridgetown (with breakfast provisions) from $300 per night.