What kind of holiday in Australia’s state capitals could possibly tempt you out of the house during winter (and those Ugh boots, fluffy socks, slippers or other secret fashions that never leave your feet while at home)? Grab your ice skates, high heels and cowboy boots, because we may have just found the answers…

No need to go to Europe for a white winter experience – the amazing Sydney Winter Festival is on from 29 July – 21 August. At Cathedral Square, in the heart of the CBD, you can go for a romantic open air ice-skate, try an authentic apres ski experience,  warm up with dishes from over 20 countries and wash it all down with a tasty cup of mulled wine or three.

Make sure you’re ready for your Torvill and Deaning with a limber up in Great Southern Hotel Sydney gym.

See more great Sydney hotel deals.

Showbags, exhibitions, food, art, craft…where to start? Well August 11 – 20 in Brisbane would be a good place as Ekka - the annual show to please everyone – is in town again. There’s entertainment, agriculture shows, fairground rides and plenty of educational gems to mix up with some naughty vices like fairy floss and dagwood dogs.

You’ll find great family accommodation at the iStay River City Brisbane Hotel.

See more great Brisbane hotel deals.

Love art, but find galleries a tad dull? Then you should be in  Adelaide and other SA locations between 5-28 August for the South Australia Living Arts Festival. Over 3000 painters, photographers, designers sculptors and others will show their creations across 518 official metropolitan wineries, cafes, galleries pubs and more.

Relax with some fine wine and Mediterranean cuisine at the Grand Chifley Adelaide Hotel.

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If you’re already missing the pomp and ceremony of the Will n Kate hitching, head to A Night at the Proms in Perth on 12 and 13 of August. The West Australian Symphony Orchestra brings polish and class to British music performed at coronations and other swanky dos, and will be sure to rouse a proud and patriotic sense in your heart.

You can even whip up a spotted dick or Yorkshire pudding in your Medina Executive Barrack Plaza Perth apartment kitchen.

See more great Perth hotel deals for 12 and 13 August.

–Image courtesy of Alpine Winter Festivals