Winter in Queensland is unlike anywhere else. While southern states are shivering, we’re soaking up sunshine, clear skies and crisp mornings. That’s why it’s the perfect season to create your own winter bucket list — a mix of feel-good experiences, simple joys, and local adventures that help you feel happy, healthy and energised all winter long.
Whether you’re looking to boost your wellbeing, explore your community, or simply try something new, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of winter in the Sunshine State.
Embrace the morning chill – start with a sunrise walk or beach stroll
Queensland’s winter mornings can be brisk but beautiful — think golden sunrises and dew-kissed grass. Kick off your bucket list with a mindful walk just after sunrise. It’s a great way to:
- Soak in morning sunlight (which helps regulate sleep and mood)
- Wake up your body and mind gently
- Get your daily steps in. If you would like extra support to get moving, try the 10,000 Steps Program, where you’ll find several resources to help you stay motivated.
Host a healthy winter feast
Winter is the season of warm, hearty meals — and it’s easy to make them both nourishing and delicious. Why not invite friends or family over for a winter wellness feast?
Try these tasty, wholesome recipes:
Make it fun: ask each guest to bring a healthy dish and swap your favourite recipes — food tastes better when shared!
Try a new outdoor activity
Queensland winters are made for outdoor adventures — cool air, low humidity, and sunny days. It’s a wonderful time to try something new (or revisit a favourite).
Winter-friendly activities:
- Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding
- Bushwalking in cooler hinterland areas
- Cycling along waterfront paths (many are flat and beginner-friendly)
- Yoga or tai chi in the park
Adding variety to your movement routine can help you stay active and motivated throughout the entire season.
Visit a local market or festival
Queensland’s winter calendar is full of community markets, regional food trails, and local festivals that bring people together. Supporting local is good for your community — and your soul!
Look out for:
- Winter Harvest Festival (Scenic Rim)
- Brisbane Street Art Festival
- Regional farmers’ markets in Toowoomba, Bundaberg, or Cairns
- Mount Tamborine’s Artisan Markets
Bucket list tip: Plan a day trip around a market – pack a picnic rug, grab local produce and enjoy lunch in a nearby park.
Make space for joy: find your winter happy habit
Winter can be a time of slowing down and reconnecting with yourself. We suggest adding a personal habit to your list that lifts your mood.
Try:
- Journaling with a warm cuppa in the morning
- Starting a new puzzle, book or creative project
- Meditating for five minutes each night
- Calling a friend every Sunday just to chat
Small habits like these help you stay mentally and emotionally well during the cooler months.
Keep moving – even when it’s cold
Staying active through the winter keeps your immune system strong, your mood lifted and your energy up.
Winter movement tips:
- Join a walking group (check your local council or libraries)
- Dance in your living room (put on your favourite playlist!)
- Do 10 minutes of stretches when you wake up
- Try a movement challenge e.g. 10 squats or lunges every time you boil the kettle
Make movement fun and flexible — the more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Create a winter warm-up station at home
Make your home feel extra cosy this season. Having a go-to space where you can rest, warm up, and recharge can make winter feel more nurturing.
Add to your warm-up station:
- A soft blanket
- Herbal teas or hot lemon water
- A good book or magazine
- Calming music
- A diffuser with eucalyptus or lavender
This little corner of comfort can become your favourite winter ritual.
Declutter and refresh your space
Winter is a great time to refresh your surroundings. A tidy space can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. Take advantage of those indoor days to clear out the clutter, reorganise a room, or donate what you no longer need.
Try this:
- Pick one small area each week (a drawer, cupboard, or shelf)
- Light a candle, play some music and make it a mindful activity
- Donate warm clothes or blankets to a local shelter
A clearer space often leads to a clearer mind, perfect for setting the tone for spring.
Learn something new (even just for fun!)
Winter is a great time to pick up a new skill or hobby. Learning boosts brain health and gives you a fresh sense of purpose.
Ideas:
- Join a local workshop (painting, cooking, gardening)
- Take up knitting, journaling or photography
- Enrol in a short course or try an online class
- Learn to cook one new healthy recipe each week
Even a small new skill can spark joy and motivation through the cooler months.
Check in with your Health Coach or GP
Winter is a great time to pause, reflect, and check in on your health goals. Maybe you started a new habit earlier in the year — how’s it going? Whether you’re tracking well or need a little reset, adding a winter health check to your bucket list can help you stay on track.
Here are a few simple ways to do that:
- Book in for a health review or screening with your GP
- If you’re part of My health for life, chat with your free Health Coach. If you would like a free Health Coach, do the online Health Check today to see if health coaching is right for you.
Winter is what you make it
In Queensland, winter is more than just cooler weather — it’s an invitation to slow down, reconnect and do the things that fill your cup. Whether it’s a morning walk, a homemade soup, or a weekend road trip, there are plenty of ways to thrive this season.
So, what’s going on your winter bucket list?
Let’s make this winter one to remember.
