Winter warmth

Though the weather has been kind lately, Melbourne winter still has a way of creeping into my bones. The cold mornings, the short days and the endless layers of jumpers make me appreciate the warmth all the more. That is why my wife and I have developed a tradition we look forward to every year: escaping north for a week of sunshine in northern Queensland. This Saturday we leave for Magnetic Island and Palm Cove, two places that feel a world away from the middle of a Victorian winter. There is something wonderfully reassuring about packing shorts and sandals while everyone else is searching for scarves and heaters. The thought of stepping off the plane into warm air instantly lifts my spirits.

Magnetic Island promises relaxed days, beautiful beaches and perhaps a few encounters with the local wildlife, while Palm Cove offers its famous palm-lined esplanade and laid-back tropical atmosphere. We are looking forward to morning walks along the water, long lunches, warm evenings outdoors and the simple pleasure of slowing down for a while. The week will no doubt pass far too quickly, but that is often the sign of a great holiday. For now, the anticipation is part of the enjoyment. After months of Melbourne’s winter chill, a week in the Queensland sunshine sounds like exactly what we need. Safe, warm and relaxed; that’s the plan.