From the Top End to tinny trips: the hottest winter escapes (minus the jet lag)

It's around this time of the year that many of us start looking to the north for possible escape routes from the wintry weather. For some, that often means Europe or North America, but there are plenty of reasons you may be reluctant to go so far this year. Increased travel costs, flight disruptions through the Middle East, and the spectre of overtourism are just a few of the concerns people have.

Luckily, there's plenty to do here in Australia, including in the gorgeous warm weather of the Top End. Or you might want to embrace the cold for some of the other new experiences in the southern states.

Can't decide which board to take on holiday? Well, Wild Adventures Melbourne has a new Snow to Surf Tour where you can be snowboarding (or skiing) at Mount Hotham one day and surfing in Gippsland the next. The company reckons it's a 'world first' combination, and includes driving the Great Alpine Way and soaking in hot springs.

For the less adventurous, the annual Balloons Over Mildura festival sees colourful hot-air balloons fill the skies at dawn and late afternoon. Or as part of a winter escape to Melbourne, be dazzled by the new Cartier exhibition opening this week at the NGV, with nearly 400 gems and pieces of jewellery on display.

One of the best ways to see a destination is through the eyes of a local, which is why the Burgess family launched Islander Adventure Co this year, to run private boat trips around Bruny Island. You can choose options like a coastal cruise or a long lunch - all planned by these island residents.

Near Hobart, the new Piyura Kitina bush garden showcases native plants and foods with a guided tour and tasting experience. A bit further out of town, escape for a four-hour private retreat at Arden Bathhouse with a sauna and cold plunge in the middle of the bush.

There must be something in the water, because Justin and Cathy Ross have started Murray Tinny Tours where they (as the name suggests) offer tours of the Murray in their tinny. You'll see bird life, billabongs and backwaters all through the eyes of locals.

Meanwhile, the Festival State's living up to its name in July with Illuminate Adelaide lighting up the city with events celebrating art, music, technology... and lots of neon. Then head into the Adelaide Hills where newly-opened Restaurant Aptos serves a 16-course tasting menu progressively in three spaces across a restored church, with just 14 guests per sitting!

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If you're looking for a road trip, Australia's Golden Outback has you covered. Covering half the state, this vast region's launched a campaign with 25 driving routes featuring themes like desert landscapes, mining heritage or local food. Alternatively, head to Margaret River where a new craft beer trail might be more up your alley.

And at the top of the Kimberley near the NT border, Berkeley River Lodge has just reopened after severe cyclone damage. The remote luxury accommodation (accessible only by air or sea) has 18 private villas in the red dunes with all food and drink included. It's a splurge... but so is a lot of travel these days!

Just a short flight across the border from the lodge, there's the Darwin Fringe Festival in July with burlesque, circus and plenty more - then the Darwin Festival in August with plenty of events including the cult band TISM headlining.

But there's also lots that's new around Alice Springs, including birdwatching trips blended with cultural immersion run by Tjarnintja Tours, and women-led bush food tours with Kungkas through significant sites along the Larapinta Trail. Or take a 45-minute flight to the new Taarna Arts & Cultural Centre for immersive walks on country and a special dinner under the stars.

While we're up north, don't forget Taste Port Douglas, the tropical food festival in August that this year has added a 'sober rave' with a beachfront dancefloor that starts at 5am, no alcohol allowed. And just up the road, Yalada Tours has launched an Indigenous-led trip for two nights through the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation.

Or maybe you're interested in the four-day Scenic Rim Trail, inland from the Gold Coast, but don't want to be in a group. Well, this privately-run 60-kilometre route has just launched self-guided walks where you'll get the luxury accommodation and food, but can go by yourself during the day.

In Sydney, take a walk down memory lane at the State Library of NSW, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary with an exhibition of 200 collection items. There's a journal of Joseph Banks, a sketchbook of Arthur Streeton, and even a lock of Mary Shelley's hair (I don't know why either).

Or in the Southern Highlands, Burradoo Park Farm has launched guided tours of its regenerative farming ahead of next week's opening of its new Three Blue Ducks restaurant, cafe, and bakery. While Bowral Honey Farm now has a Beehive to Table workshop where you'll learn to extract honey and join a tasting.

Finally, there have been a lot of changes at the Australian War Memorial and this could be a good opportunity to see the new galleries with exhibitions about Australia's involvement in the Middle East. And in July, the National Museum will launch an exhibition about Australia's exploration and research in Antarctica.

Why not also check out East Traders Hall, the large dining precinct that just opened a couple of weeks ago. From coffee to beer and a whole heap of food in between, you could easily spend half a day.