The Sapphire Coast’s highly anticipated Wonderfully Wild Winter competition has officially wrapped, and the winner has been drawn!
Firefighter Bernadette Dickson from Victoria is the lucky winner of an epic three-night winter getaway to the Sapphire Coast to experience the region’s wild coastal beauty, warm community charm, and rich, immersive experiences.
Upon receiving the news, Ms Dickson said she was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience winter on the Sapphire Coast.
“This is fantastic, I have never won anything in my life. Thank you Sapphire Coast, I am very excited,” she said.
The prize package, curated to highlight some of the region’s best winter experiences, includes stylish accommodation at Hillcrest Motel in Merimbula, a bespoke gin tasting at North of Eden Artisan Distillers, and a guided Aboriginal cultural experience with Yandama On Country.
Rounding out the experience is a fireside dinner at Dulcie’s Cottage, wine and grazing board at Bar Superette, and a rejuvenating wellness session at Safir House.
The competition, which ran from 2 April to 30 May 2025, attracted thousands of entries from across Australia, showcasing the growing interest in the Sapphire Coast as a premier destination for off-peak travel.
“Winter on the Sapphire Coast offers a refreshing combination of crisp, golden mornings, warm days in the winter sun, and captivating experiences in a spectacular natural environment,” Sapphire Coast Tourism Manager, Rhys Treloar said.
“We’re thrilled to share this special time of the year and our favourite winter warmers with visitors to the Sapphire Coast. Who needs the ski slopes when we have fireside dining, handcrafted spirits, mulled wine and a pristine coastline all to yourself?” Mr Treloar said.
Ms Dickson and her guest will visit in August, just in time for the start of the southern migration whale-watching season and the full vibrancy of the region’s winter food and culture.