Follow the sun

Yearning for warmth and sunshine? Yes, it's winter, but these exciting escapes will give you a sun-filled adventure!

- WORDS by BERNARD O'SHEA

The Coral Coast, Western Australia

The rising star of Australian tourism is the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef on West Australia's gorgeous Coral Coast. With more than 1000km of shoreline to explore between Cervantes and Exmouth - and an intriguing hinterland - this is where you can soak up the sun and immerse yourself in unspoiled nature. The stars of the marine show are the giant but gentle whale sharks - best encountered via Exmouth and Coral Bay - as well as sea lions, turtles, manta rays and dolphins. Be tickled pink at the Hutt Lagoon, Australia's spectacular "Pink Lake", between Geraldton and Kalbarri. There are great splashes of colour inland too at this time of the year when Western Australia's spectacular wildflowers come into blossom. See australiascoralcoast.​com and westernaustralia.​com

It's the time of the year when travellers like to follow the sun, and it's on the rise. Booking.​com has noted a marked increase in searches for sunseeker getaways this year compared to last, both at home and aboard. If you haven't treated yourself yet, here's a selection of places that tick all the right boxes at this time of year.