Christmas in July: embrace winter's magic in Queensland

Cottage escapes | Granite Belt road trip | See snow | Luxurious baths | Jumpers & Jazz Festival | Hiking adventures | Bunya Mountains | Brisbane City

Winter unveils a different kind of magic across Queensland. While it’s peak season on the Great Barrier Reef and our postcard-worthy tropical islands, the state’s south offers sunny days best spent among frosty vineyards, beside roaring fireplaces, and immersed in natural adventures of all kinds.

Here’s your guide to embracing the winter spirit with festive Christmas in July celebrations and cosy escapes that’ll warm you inside and out.

Fireside bliss: luxury cottages that warm the soul

When the mercury drops, there's nothing quite like curling up beside a crackling fire. At Spicers Peak Lodge in the Scenic Rim – Australia's highest non-alpine lodge – you can warm up in the main lodge or retreat to a spa suite with its own fireplace after a day of nature hikes, 4WD discovery tours, scenic heli flights and chef-hatted dining.

For something a little wilder, Nightfall's glamping retreat on the edge of Lamington National Park balances luxury and adventure, complete with rustic tubs beside a roaring fireplace, and the sights and sounds of World Heritage wilderness.

Discover more luxury retreats with fireplaces near Brisbane here.

Embark on a Christmas in July themed road trip through the Granite Belt

Wine country tastes even better in wintertime, with frost-covered vineyards, clear skies, and just the right temperatures for sipping bold reds. And the high-altitude Granite Belt wine country transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for Christmas in July celebrations.

Begin your journey at Granite Belt Christmas Farm in Applethorpe, a treasured spot that delivers Christmas spirit year-round with a Christmas tree farm and a spectacular range of decorations and gifts at the Mistletoe Store. Don't miss Mrs. Claus' hand-crafted sweet treats and gourmet products!

For the ultimate festive experience, book a table at Granite Belt Brewery's Christmas in July feast. Their traditional three-course Christmas dinner in the cedar-walled restaurant includes a complimentary welcome drink, live entertainment, and even a visit from Santa! There’s a best dressed prize so come in your most eye-catching Christmas outfit.

There are dozens more local wineries to tour and taste your way through – but be sure to visit Summit Estate for the weekly Sunset Sessions to warm up over a signature mulled wine by the roaring campfire as the sun sets over the vineyard. Between festivities, explore Stanthorpe's incredible food scene and fall asleep in one of the region's cosy accommodations - from luxury glamping at Alure to the unique experience of staying inside a wine barrel at Barrel View Luxury Cabins.

Witness snowflakes in the Sunshine State

Where to see snow in Queensland? Your best bet is in Stanthorpe, which holds the reputation of Queensland's coolest town thanks to reaching an elevation of 1,000 metres above sea level. Expect plenty of frosty mornings throughout winter – and the odd smattering of snow from time to time, which is a truly unique Queensland experience.

While natural snow isn't guaranteed, you can experience the next best thing at Snowflakes in Stanthorpe, a biannual winter festival returning 4-6 July 2025. Grab your beanies, scarves, and mittens for this beloved family-friendly event that transforms the town into a winter playground, snow angels included.

Soak under the stars

Sinking into a deep bathtub is one of life's true luxuries. Now imagine that experience outdoors surrounded by Queensland's awe-inspiring winter landscapes.

Make a weekend of it in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. How? Book a luxury falls villa or spa studio at Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny for a rustic cedar hot tub on your private veranda with unbeatable rainforest views. Bath time is even better after a rejuvenating treatment at award-winning Spa Anise and dinner at the chef-hatted restaurant, The Tamarind.

For epic views, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat features hand-crafted wooden tubs overlooking the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Lamington National Park. The Valley View and Rainforest Villas boast spa-style bathtubs with amazing bush views – the perfect warm up after exploring the park's hiking trails, waterfalls, and treetop walks.

Discover more bathtubs with epic views in Queensland.

Jazz up your winter in Warwick

For ten days each July, the tiny Queensland Country town of Warwick hosts one of the state’s most unique community celebrations. The centrepiece of Jumpers and Jazz Festival (17 – 25 July 2025) are the 90-odd trees adorned with vibrant textile art creations – if you can picture trees wearing bright sweaters of all shapes and sizes – but there’s so much to enjoy. Pop up art and crafts, classic car displays, swing dance sessions and live jazz performances are just the beginning.

This year, complete the festive experience and stay at the historic Abbey Boutique Hotel, built in 1891. Their Christmas in July celebrations in the gothic English manor-style architecture include a traditional three-course Christmas dinner, trivia and oodles of fun. Christmas-inspired outfits are encouraged.

Wild winter wanderings through national parks

Winter is the perfect time to explore Queensland's breathtaking national parks without the summer heat. Lamington and Springbrook National Parks in the Gold Coast Hinterland offers cooler climates and fascinating ancient Gondwana Rainforest. Choose from trails ranging from short walks to full-day hikes or even multi-day treks like the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

For the truly adventurous, Carnarvon National Park presents dramatic sandstone gorges, hidden oases, and Indigenous rock art. Celebrate Christmas in July around a campfire under a blanket of stars, or base yourself at Wallaroo Outback Retreat for a touch of luxury amid the wilderness.

Can’t get away for a full weekend? Try one of these day hikes from Brisbane instead.

Cosy up in the Bunya Mountains

Just three hours from Brisbane, the Bunya Mountains offer one of Queensland's cosiest winter escapes. Explore Queensland’s second-oldest national park, home to the world's largest stand of ancient bunya pines, which produce massive cones and nuts that have been culturally significant to Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. There are beautiful walks to take, crisp mountain air to appreciate, and plenty of country accommodation to choose from, whether you prefer roasting marshmallows from your campsite or busting out the board games at a cabin. Travelling sans-kids? Stop by Shackleton’s Whiskey Bar, Australia’s highest whiskey den.

Round out your visit at the monthly Bunya Mountain Markets or a historic outing with Bunya Horse Drawn Tours.

Feast with family and friends in Brisbane

You don't need to leave the city to embrace the winter spirit. Many of Brisbane's restaurants and hotels celebrate Christmas in July with decadent dinners and festive soirees – stay tuned for more details closer to winter.

The annual pop-up ice skating rink in King George Square (late June to July) transforms the heart of Brisbane into a winter wonderland as part of the Brisbane Winter Festival, while those who want an early start on present shopping should save the date for the Christmas in July Twilight Pop-Up Market at VEND Annerley (July 12), featuring locally made goods, a pop-up cocktail bar serving holiday cheer by the glass, and a marketplace of over 120 small businesses to support.

Prefer to warm up in winter? Plan an island escape to The Whitsundays, or venture to the Southern Great Barrier Reef Island where tis’ the season for swimming with manta rays.