It’s that time of winter when we start to long for warmer weather and days at the beach.
If you’re feeling uninspired and are sick of gloomy, freezing weekends, Best Picks is here to tell you that winter can actually be the perfect time to get away or get busy with exciting events.
Here at Best Picks, we have compiled the ultimate list of winter events and getaways you need to book right now to get yourself out of a winter funk.
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1. Pasta making class and Italian feast
A pasta making class is one of my favourite weekend activities, as whether you’re a seasoned cook or an amateur, anyone can do it.
Bottega Coco at Barangaroo is offering pasta making classes from $118 per person plus a booking fee.
Throughout this guided masterclass, you’ll learn how to make authentic pasta from Bottega Coco’s chefs and afterwards indulge in a shared banquet.
The ticket price includes a 60–90-minute fun and interactive class followed by a shared antipasto platter.
You’ll also get a glass of sparkling on arrival or juice/soft drink for a non-alcoholic option.
Perfect for a girls’ get together, romantic date idea or family fun with the kids, you can book your tickets here.
2. Hot air ballooning over the Hunter Valley
Hot air ballooning is one of those exhilarating experiences that just takes your breath away.
Winter is the perfect time to do it because the temperatures aren’t stifling hot, and you can enjoy the views without sweltering heat.
If you’re looking to do something magical this winter weekend, then Red Balloon’s Hot Air Balloon Over The Hunter Valley for two is the ultimate experience.
For $698, you’ll get to experience the exhilaration of a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the beautiful Hunter Valley.
As you float peacefully with the clouds, you can admire this world-class wine region bathed in the golden hues of sunrise, before savouring an a la carte breakfast with sparkling for two following the flight.
The Hunter Valley offers the perfect backdrop for a hot air balloon flight, you may even spot kangaroos grazing and hopping on the grounds below.
This is an unforgettable experience, and you can book yours here today.
3. Crabapple Cottage Getaway
Winter is the perfect time for a cosy cottage weekend escape.
Crabapple Cottage is an idyllic self-contained cottage on a heritage property, situated in Berrima, NSW.
This freestanding cottage is on half acre block in the beautiful Berrima.
It’s a one room bed sitter sleeping two with a kitchenette and a separate bathroom.
The cottage features a wood burning stove plus air conditioning.
Not only is the cute cottage close to many restaurants and cafes but it also features fantastic walks around the historic town.
Dogs are also welcome, and you can book this cottage getaway here.
4. Freycinet Lodge
If you’re after a coastal-meets-bush retreat amidst a mountainous landscape in beautiful Tasmania, then look no further than Freycinet Lodge.
Experience the untouched beauty of Tasmania’s east coast at this superb haven, the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park.
Freycinet Lodge offers direct access to Richardson’s Beach and views of the Hazards mountains and Great Oyster Bay.
With daily breakfast taken care of and additional dining credit, you’ll be spoiled for choice of culinary delights.
Luxury Escapes is currently offering a two-night stay at Freycinet Lodge for $599.
For the adventurous, the lodge’s own company, Freycinet Adventures, offers thrilling experiences from sea kayaking to e-biking through the wilderness.
A short stroll will lead you to the famed Wineglass Bay, or wander to the Lodge’s picturesque deck to enjoy a glass of bubbles and fresh Tasmanian oysters as you watch the sunset.
Book this Tasmanian getaway today here.
5. Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience
If you’re looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind winter dining experience then Dining in the Dark is something you’re going to want to try. Credit: tomazl/Getty Images
A unique, one-of-a-kind winter dining experience, Dining in the Dark is something you’re going to want to try.
Unlike any other dining experience, you’ll enjoy a secret three-course menu, while blindfolded which will heighten your senses of taste and smell.
Enter a realm of sensory delight where an intimate setting invites you to break away from routine and relearn how to use your taste buds.
With a blindfold as a gateway, taste and aroma intensify, transforming each bite into an extraordinary adventure.
Menu options include meat, seafood and vegetarian and a welcome drink is also included in the ticket.
Get your tickets here for Dining in the Dark, an unparalleled encounter that transforms dining into a thrilling journey of discovery.
6. Turkish Lamp Workshop, from $99
Looking to change it up from the usual paint and sip class? Then you might want to consider a Turkish Lamp workshop.
This unique workshop will help you to discover and employ the techniques of a 500-year-old craft, from designing to laying the tiles.
You’ll also get to enjoy a delicious Turkish tea service and Turkish delight to fuel your creativity.
You’ll also create your very own Turkish mosaic masterpiece for you to take home.
This lamp-making experience is a great experience for friends, families, couples, as a birthday celebration or a gift.
Book your tickets here now.
7. Thredbo Day Trip to the Snow
If you want the full winter experience, then spend a day at the snow with a one-day trip to Thredbo that includes return transfers from $145 per person.
Hit the slopes on this full-day Thredbo Snow Tour with convenient transport from Sydney.
Departing at night from a central pick-up point in the CBD or Parramatta, you’ll reach Jindabyne in the early morning to take advantage of your discounted snow gear rental.
At Thredbo, you’ll have about seven hours of free time to experience the snow however you prefer!
Hit the slopes with your skiis or snowboard or practice your skills at making the perfect snowman in the Snowy Mountains.
Book your snow day here today.
8. Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Parramatta River Cruise
The Blue Mountains is a perfect winter destination — and it’s now World-Heritage listed.
Think spectacular lookouts, excellent bushwalks, deep gorges and steep cliffs.
And if you’re trying to save money but still want to getaway for the day then this is the perfect solution from just $77.85.
You’ll travel on clean, modern and air-conditioned buses, on a personalised tour with friendly service.
Your tour includes a pickup from prescheduled locations in the city centre.
If you’re a chocolate lover, then you’ll also have to stop and have a hot chocolate at the local chocolate cafe while you’re there.
And travel with passionate, friendly and qualified guides with local knowledge and extensive commentary as you visit the famous places and “get off the beaten track”.
Tickets are available here.