Winter, Queensland-style: four small pleasures
What passes for winter in Queensland has arrived. It was 6c – SIX degrees overnight.
Now, before anyone from colder climates spits out their coffee, yes—I know. “Winter” here is mostly a suggestion. But when the air turns crisp and the mornings have that ooh, that’s fresh bite, my whole routine shifts. The ceiling fans have been turned off for a while now, but we put an extra blanket on the bed very recently. And I’ve dug out my lambswool lined slippers. And a tracksuit. Dress for the weather, you know.
There are a few things I look forward to when the days cool down (just a little), the humidity eases (yay), the light gets softer, and everything feels… calmer. It’s not so windy in winter, for a start.
1) The boardwalk (not the esplanade)
We don’t actually walk on the esplanade. Too many e-bikes, e-scooters, and mobility carts. The real treat is the boardwalk—the one that runs through that strip of natural trees between the road and the sea. It’s a pedestrian only area.
It’s cooler in there, shaded, and it feels just a tiny bit wild in the nicest way. You get that mix of sea air, eucalypts, and casuarinas, and you’re close enough to hear the water without being out in the full open.
In summer, it’s a survival strategy. In winter, it’s a pleasure. You can slow down, look around, and enjoy the ambience.
2) Beach walks when it’s calm and sparkly
Summer beach walks are a sport. Winter beach walks are a mood.
When it’s not so hot, the beach has this sparkle to it. Check the image above. The light hits the water just right, the breeze behaves itself, and everything looks slightly polished—like the world has been tidied up overnight.
It’s calmer too. Not as many people. Less frantic energy, fewer “must do all the fun things before we burst into flames.” Just sand, sky, that soft shush of water, and the feeling that you’re allowed to slow down for a bit.
It’s always easy to spot the tourists. They’re the pale-skinned people splashing in the water or lying on the beach soaking up the sun, while we’ve broken out our (light weight) sweaters.
3) Weekend markets: cool air, dogs, and good people-watching
The weekend markets are at their best when the day is cool and dry. You can actually wander the stalls without feeling like a wilting lettuce leaf.
There’s always something to look at—crafts, plants, produce, baked things that smell unfairly good—and the vibe is friendly. And then there are the dogs. People bring their dogs, and the dogs have Opinions about everything, and it’s impossible not to smile.
Markets in winter feel like community in motion: a hundred tiny conversations, a thousand small discoveries, and that pleasant sense of having “been out” without needing a two-hour recovery nap afterward.
4) Soup season (aka: goodbye salad, you’re on probation)
This is the big one.
The moment the temperature drops, my body immediately votes for hearty, warming soups. The salads can stand aside. I want bowls of comfort: steamy, savoury, the kind of food that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together even if you absolutely do not.
And soup is brilliant even if you’re trying to keep things low-fat. It’s flexible, forgiving, and you can make it as “virtuous” or as indulgent as you like. Pete makes a wonderful minestrone—properly hearty, full of goodness, and the sort of thing that makes the whole house smell like someone has made an effort.
And chicken soup? Chicken soup is always in vogue. Possibly because it’s basically edible reassurance. It doesn’t ask questions. It just turns up and makes everything slightly better. All served with sour dough toast or a crusty loaf. Unfortunately, pea and ham soup is not on the menu for now. (Low fat diet). And I can’t put Parmesan on the minestrone. Life’s full of setbacks. (Sigh)
Winter here might not come with snow or frost, but it comes with these little gifts: shaded boardwalk walks, calmer water, friendlier wandering, and meals that feel like a warm hug.
If you’ve got a favourite “winter ritual” (no matter where you live, or what your winter looks like), I’d love to hear it.
Quick note before I go: my new release Fireglass is coming on June 30, and if you’d like a sneak peek, you can read the opening chapter here: https://gretavdr.com/2026/06/03/opening-chapter-fireglass/
Here’s the cover to whet your appetite.
