Australia's best winter destinations have just been named

Winter is here and it's not going anywhere soon. But that doesn't mean you have to put your domestic travels on ice, particularly when new data from Wotif reveals how exploring your own country in the colder months can save an average of 10 per cent when compared to holidaying in summer. NSW's South Coast leads the charge when it comes to big bargains, with accommodation in the region costing 40 per cent less when the weather is cold.

Over in Victoria, it's the glorious wine region of Mornington Peninsula that's stealing the show, with accommodation in winter 30 per cent less expensive. Of course, if you absolutely want to escape the cold, take a look at Wotif's top 10 winter weekend destinations, which the travel booking website has compiled keeping in mind factors such as accommodation availability, value and traveller interest.

Cairns in Tropical North Queensland is at the top of the list, followed by Tweed Heads in NSW, Fremantle in WA, Airlie Beach in Queensland and Darwin in the Northern Territory.

Here's the full list:

Meanwhile, comparison website MoneyTransfers.com has come up with an interesting list of best destinations for each month of the year, which it compiled according to factors such as costs, popularity among tourists and - our favourite - average sunshine hours. Head to Bangkok in January, Mexico City in February and to Cape Town in March, the list suggests.

Here's the full calendar:

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