These iconic Aussie holiday spots are up to 40% cheaper in winter

It's probably no surprise some Australian holiday destinations are cheaper in winter than summer. But what if we told you some of our country's greatest regional centres were actually quite a bit cheaper?

Let's start with the ever-popular Byron Bay, on the North Coast of NSW. Perhaps you've been priced out in summer? Try winter - it's 40 per cent cheaper.

New data from accommodation booking platform Expedia shows Aussies can save big in the boho-luxe capital if they're prepared to swap the sweaty summer heat for clear skies and crisp mornings - and it's 15 per cent quieter, too.

So that means you can enjoy the epic winter surf with fewer fellow humans, and partake in a magical activity that's at its peak in the region in the cooler months: humpback whale watching.

Expedia travel expert, Sarah King, says fewer crowds and seasonal experiences are all part of the charm of exploring Australia in winter - and our regions are home to some of the best offerings.

She said more than a third of Aussies enjoy winter at home because of the cooler temperatures, "and we're seeing that preference carry through into their travel choices".

"Cosy features in winter are no longer a nice-to-have as properties with winter-friendly amenities like fireplaces, saunas and spas are top of mind for Aussies, as are destinations where winter truly shines, such as Launceston and Margaret River," Ms King told Explore.

But the appeal doesn't end with being able to cozy-up and bunker-down: winter also offers some great discounted accommodation rates.

"Expedia data shows destinations like Newcastle can offer up to 15 per cent cheaper on accommodation in winter, while Albury can be up to 90 per cent quieter based on accommodation compared to summer," Ms King said.

Take Apollo Bay, along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Accommodation is up to 35 cheaper in winter, and a whopping 90 per cent quieter, according to Expedia. So you can take in that dramatic scenery, rug-up and revel in those misty mornings, without the crowds.

For wildlife, and food and wine culture, Kangaroo Island in South Australia is up to 35 per cent cheaper and 50 per cent quieter in the cooler months, the data shows.

If wine is on your agenda, you might also look at Margaret River in WA, which is up to 30 per cent cheaper and 25 per cent quieter during the period, Expedia says.

But if you want to see one of Australia's great regional cities in a new light, try Launceston in Tasmania, which comes alive in winter. Think cool-climate dining, vineyards, cold plunge experiences and woodfire saunas - and it's 25 per cent cheaper than in summer.

On the NSW coast, Newcastle - known for its laid-back surf culture - is a smidge cheaper at 15 per cent during winter, and you can really lean into the city's cozy, coastal vibe with waterfront restaurants and heritage pubs, and revel in its growing arts scene.

Similarly, Wollongong, south of Sydney, is also 15 per cent cheaper during winter, and offers pubs with wood fires, and pristine coastal walks and cycling trails.

If inland is more your speed, Canberra offers museum-hopping and fireside dining, and there's now a floating sauna on Lake Burley Griffin - and it's 20 per cent quieter compared to summer.

Down in Victoria, Albury is a whopping 90 per cent quieter in the cold months. Go there for the heritage buildings, the mighty Murray River, and the nearby wine regions and ski fields.

But if you just can't forgo your winter abroad trip for an Aussie wonder, airline search platform Skyscanner says it's all about "considered travel" this year.

"We're seeing Australians pause and think more carefully about what they want from a winter escape and shifting towards value-driven decisions," Jarrod Kris, travel expert, said.

Some of the cheapest return flights on offer under $1000 during winter are to Hamilton Island ($406 on average), Wellington in New Zealand ($642), Puerto Princesa in Philippines ($840) and Suva in Fiji ($898).

For a smidge more at $1138 on average, you can buy a return ticket to Okinawa in Japan.