Where Australians Are Escaping This Winter, What to Pack, and How to Do It Without Dragging a 30kg Suitcase Through Customs
There's a moment, somewhere between mid May and the first real cold snap, when every Australian woman has the same private thought: I'm getting out.
The kettle is permanently on. The flannel sheets are back. And the calendar for the next three months is starting to look like a sentence you did not ask for.
That's the moment Susan Bay was made for.
The Winter Escape Edit is not really about clothing. It's about everything those pieces represent: the flight you've already booked, or are about to, the cover up you'll throw over your swimsuit at 4pm, the effortless dress you'll wear to dinner with sand still on your feet.
It's about the version of you who shows up in the warmth.
So before you finalise the itinerary, here’s where Australians are heading this winter, and what to actually pack once you've booked the flight.
Where to Go: The 2026 Escape Edit
1. Bali, Indonesia. The Classic, for Good Reason
Sanur for slower days, Seminyak for the buzz, Ubud for the rice terraces and peaceful mornings.
Bali's dry season, from May to October, lines up almost perfectly with the months you need it most, and flights remain some of the most affordable from major Australian cities.
It's also a destination built for longer stays, with private villas, easy access to healthcare, and restaurants where the staff know your name by the second week.
Pack for: Hot, humid, almost always pool weather. Swimwear that dries quickly. Linen everything. One elevated dress for the rooftop evening you'll inevitably find yourself at.
2. Fiji. For the Slow Down
If Bali feels too busy, Fiji is the answer.
The dry season runs from May through October, bringing clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and water that genuinely looks like a postcard.
The Yasawa Islands offer a quieter and more affordable experience than the Mamanucas, while adults only resorts continue to grow in popularity among travellers looking for peace and relaxation.
Pack for: Warm days and surprisingly cool evenings. A lightweight cover up is worth bringing. Pack more swimwear than you think you'll need, as the humidity slows drying time.
3. Phuket and Northern Thailand. Two Trips in One
The smart itinerary is simple: spend a week in Phuket for the beach and relaxation, then head to Chiang Mai for cooler temperatures, mountain views, and a cultural reset.
Thailand makes an extended stay feel like a holiday within a holiday. Easy entry requirements and incredible food make it an easy choice year after year.
Pack for: Variety. Phuket is warm and humid, while Chiang Mai can be cool in the mornings and evenings. Layers matter more than you might expect.
4. Far North Queensland. The Domestic Favourite
Do not overlook staying closer to home.
Broome sits around 30°C through July with very little rain. Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, and the Whitsundays remain warm and dry throughout winter and are increasingly popular for extended stays.
No passport. No long haul flights. The same beautiful sunshine with far less hassle.
Pack for: Warm days and mild evenings. Long sleeve linen pieces are perfect once the mosquitoes appear after sunset.
5. The Cook Islands. For When You Want to Disappear
Rarotonga moves at a completely different pace.
Less developed than Fiji and far quieter than Bali, it has become increasingly popular among women travelling solo or with close friends because life simply feels slower there.
You won't find giant resorts. You will find beaches where you may be the only person there before 9am.
Pack for: Warm temperatures all year round. Soft fabrics and simple outfits. Less luggage than you think you'll need.
What to Pack: The Carry On Only Guide
After choosing the destination, this is where most women get it wrong.
Overpacking costs you in airline fees, heavy luggage, and the eventual realisation that you wore the same three outfits the entire trip anyway.
The principle behind every recommendation below is simple:
Pack lighter. Live warmer.
Six Pieces That Work Harder Than Twenty
1. Two swimsuits.
One for wearing, one for drying. Choose different styles so you can switch between swimming, lunching, or relaxing by the pool.
2. One linen cover up.
Quite possibly the most useful item you'll pack. Perfect from pool to lunch, beach to dinner, and even for the flight itself.
Cream or terracotta pairs beautifully with everything else in your suitcase.
3. One flowing midi or maxi dress.
Lightweight, easy to pack, and ready for dinner.
Look for fabrics like linen, viscose, or soft jersey that can survive a humid suitcase without needing an iron.
4. One pair of wide leg linen trousers.
Perfect when you want coverage without sacrificing comfort.
Ideal for temples, dinner reservations, or cold air conditioning on the flight home.
5. One lightweight shirt or blouse.
Long sleeves are ideal for sun protection, cool indoor spaces, and evenings outdoors.
Cream, white, or sand tones work effortlessly with everything else you packed.
6. Sandals you can actually walk in.
Not the pair that looks good for an hour.
The pair you'll still love on day three.
Your future self will thank you.
Add a woven sun hat that survives being packed, sunglasses that stay in place, and a natural fibre tote that doubles as your beach bag.
Done.
The Winter Escape Edit Is Live
If you're escaping this winter, or simply dreaming about it from the kitchen, the Winter Escape Edit is our biggest thank you yet.
Enjoy up to 70% off selected styles, accessories, and holiday favourites, designed for women who know what they actually wear on holiday.
Not what looks good on a twenty two year old model in a campaign shoot.
When a style sells out, it's gone for good.
Pack lighter. Live warmer.