'I just returned from this underrated Aussie destination. It was the perfect winter escape.'

Is anyone else feeling the weight of seasonal depression setting in? 

As each cold day begins to blur into the next, the desire to escape has never been more alluring. And no matter which friend I ask, it seems we're all in agreement about the energy around this time of year — especially for anyone who doesn't have plans to travel to Europe for the final weeks of their summer.

If you can relate to any of the above (I can, it's me), I have the solution. Just a few hours' flight from most major cities is a cheeky little part of Australia called Townsville — the perfect spot for you and the girls to soak up the very summer vibes you've been dreaming about, any time of the year

I know because I just got back from a few days spent there with my bestie, and it happened to be the most rejuvenating weekend away I've had in a while. But if you're not yet convinced that Townsville is Australia's hidden gem, prepare to have your mind changed.

Where to stay in Townsville.

Love a cheeky rooftop pool view. Image: Supplied.

Opening late last year, the five-star Ardo Hotel is perfectly positioned on Townsville's foreshore. 

This new $88 million development is the first of its kind to offer high-end accommodation, world-class dining and stunning panoramic views across the Coral Sea at a very affordable price.

The rooftop pool (above) was a huge vibe, and the perfect spot to just sit back and soak in the relaxation.

And as for the rooms? They're modern, stylish and comfortable — and you can expect to wake up to breathtaking ocean views. Just be aware that your Insta feed will make your friends jealous.

Hotel room vibes were on point. Image: Supplied.

What to do in Townsville.

Enjoy a sunset or sunrise sailing tour.

With 23 gorgeous beaches and bays to visit, you can sail around paradise almost completely remotely.

Big Mama Sailing Tours offers day trips, overnight charters and private experiences, meaning there's something to suit any budget or occasion. My friend and I went with the morning option, as we're both early risers, and honestly, there's truly no better way to start the day.

Crewed by Lisa, Stu, their son Fletcher, and our personal favourite, their adorable Chihuahua, Coco, this wholesome family-run tour was such a personal experience and we couldn't have felt more comfortable.

We set sail on the Samari and as the sun began to pop over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water, the view was breathtaking.

En route to paradise. Image: Supplied.

Just a five-minute walk from our hotel was the jetty where visitors can jump on a ferry and head over to Magnetic Island. It's a quick ride, and when we arrived, we grabbed a coffee and had a little explore before joining one of the many half-day tours.

Our first stop was a private beach, where we enjoyed some morning tea and our first dip of the day. Once we finished snacking on the delicious fresh fruit, we headed towards the reef, stopping at a protected part of the park.

A few snaps from the reef. Image: Supplied.

Who would have thought just two days earlier we'd been sitting in our winter jackets, complaining about the cold? Now here we were, rubbing shoulders with a fella named "Rod the Cod", AKA the biggest, most fearless fish I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

One of the most stunning day spas you'll ever visit. Image: Supplied.

Trust me when I say there’s no better bonding experience than pampering yourself alongside your bestie — especially after a big day of exploring Magnetic Island and the surrounding waters. 

Ardo Spa was a delicious treat, and with a super-luxe service menu, you'll find it hard to pick which treatment to go with. 

I couldn't go past the aromatic relaxation massage. Using gentle botanical essential oils, the entire experience was exactly what I needed to totally relax and rejuvenate. 30 minutes was all it took to melt away any stress — a serious must-try if you're in town.

Located next door to the Ardo is its sister property, The Ville, which is equally as inviting as its sibling and definitely worthy of a visit. You'll be able to relax on a cabana or enjoy a cocktail at the swim-up pool bar Splash Bar. Grabbing a coffee and watching the sunrise from this spot became somewhat of a ritual during our stay.

Between the Ardo and The Ville, you could easily spend a weekend trying all the different (very Instagram-able) spots at the two properties. However, if you’re visiting Townsville for the first time, you must make time for a stroll along the Strand. There, you'll get to choose from an overwhelming amount of mouthwatering food and drink options, all with waterfront views. For us, Shorehouse was the winner. With its modern twist on all Asian flavours, it's the perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends.

And if you fancy an award-winning cocktail, I have to give a shout-out to Tan Lines Distillery. Their intimate brewery has everything from delicious fruity infusions to refined stand-alone spirits — very on brand for a holiday in Tropical North Queensland.

The author travelled as a guest of Tourism Townsville North Queensland. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.

Feature image: Supplied/Isabelle Dolphin.