‍15 winter memories shared by the Citro community

These 15 standout stories from the Citro community remind us that the best winter memories aren’t about the destination, but about the people we share them with.

By Robyn Peña

When we launched our May community competition and asked one simple question: “What’s a winter tradition, trip, or spontaneous moment you'd love to relive, or one you're planning to create this year?” — we expected stories about snow trips, roaring fireplaces, and hot chocolates.

We got those. But we also got stories that made us laugh, surprised us, and in many cases, deeply moved us.

Some of the most memorable entries weren’t about traditional winter destinations at all. They were about tropical escapes, accidental detours, roadside coffees, and chaotic family adventures that somehow became treasured memories.

This month’s winning story

A memory worth passing on Across more than 1,400 entries, one theme came through again and again: the moments we remember most aren't about where we went – they're about who we shared them with. 

Parents passing on traditions. Grandparents creating lifelong memories. Families finding joy in the simplest moments together. That's exactly why Michael Felton's story stood out. 

It wasn't just a memory about snow. It was about passing an experience from one generation to the next and creating the kind of family moments that stay with us long after the holiday ends. Congratulations, Michael, on being our July winner.

“Back in the 80s, my parents packed up my brother and me and took us to Cradle Mountain, when family holidays meant no Wi-Fi, questionable snacks, and somehow everyone surviving in one car together. I still remember the cold air, the endless wonder, and feeling like the mountains were bigger than the whole world. 

This year, I’d love to recreate that same magic with my own kids, who are now the same age I was back then and have never seen snow. To watch them experience that first snow moment, that same wonder I felt all those years ago, would be pretty special. Only this time I’ll have adult knees, a better jacket, and hopefully fewer arguments over who gets the window seat. Some winter memories don’t fade they just wait for you to make them again.”

Selecting just one winner was no easy feat, with so many stories leaving a lasting impression on us. Here are some of the entries that beautifully captured the heart, humour and warmth of the Citro community.

Stories from the Citro community

‍More than 1,400 people shared the winter moments they'd love to relive or create this year. Here are 15 stories that made us smile, reflect and dream of our next adventure.

1. Where our favourite winter memories begin

"Every winter we pack up our four boys and head to the Mornington Peninsula, the season most people avoid. The beaches are emptier, the skies are wilder and life seems to slow down. Between windswept walks, hot chocolates and simple family time, we've discovered that our favourite version of the Peninsula isn't summer at all."

- Natasha Pritchard

2. Snow chaos and “parental cruelty”

“We'd relive the winter we took our little kids to the snow - the trip they still tease us about. Every toboggan run ended with someone face‑down in icy slush (and yes, there may have been the occasional “helpful push”). They still accuse us of “parental cruelty” for letting them freeze and the photos and videos are… let’s just say, somewhat discriminating. Now we’d love to take them back - but this time as full‑blown kidults, where they can freeze, fall and recreate the chaos entirely on their own, while we supervise from a warm, sensible distance.”

- Ermelinda Porter

3. Simple, happy moments

“Every winter, my three children and I would head up to Seal Rocks for a little surfing holiday. Cold mornings, sandy towels, fish and chips after the beach, and all of us squeezed together laughing in the car on the way home. I would love to relive those simple, happy moments again this year.”

- Aristea O'Dea

4. Most cherished winter memories

“I am an only child. When I was little, my Papa would wake me up super early on a Saturday morning to drive to the snow while it was still completely dark and quiet on the roads. Although I didn't like the early wake-ups at the time, looking back, those quiet car rides with my dad are my most cherished winter memories. I'd love to relive that closeness."

- Kimberley Cilmi

5. Chasing connection, wonder and freedom

"Winter, to me, is less about escaping the cold and more about chasing connection, wonder, and freedom. One spontaneous moment I would relive in a heartbeat is driving along the Queensland coastline at sunrise on a crisp July morning. The air was cold, but the sky turned an incredible shade of neon pink and gold over a completely flat ocean. Stopping the car, opening the doors to let the salt air in, and drinking thermos coffee in that complete silence was pure perfection."

- Deb Lewis Consulting

6. Giant cuttlefish instead of ski slopes

“We took an impromptu road trip to Whyalla to snorkel with giant cuttlefish and observe their spectacular colour changes as part of their annual mating ritual. It was an incredible underwater light show that I would love to see again.”

- Jo-Anne Seater

7. A cinematic road trip

“I want to pack with no plan, just the essentials: coffee, warm clothes, and a playlist that makes every bend in the road feel cinematic. By dusk, I want to park the camper van tucked away into a hidden cliffside spot, with the ocean stretching out below like silk under the fading light. Inside, I imagine everything feels impossibly cosy—linen sheets, warm timber finishes, soft lamps glowing against the windows. We open the doors, let the salt air drift in, and watch the stars arrive one by one.”

- Naomi Burke

8. A snowman with a top hat

“When I was 5 my dad drove my sister who was 7 and my mum to mount for the first time ever to see snow : he worked for GMH at Elizabeth and had saved hard working that job and two others so that he could to take us there : I remember him filming us with his old movie camera putting one pair of skis in the boot of the car for my sister and share at mount Buller. We stayed at my aunties house as we couldn’t afford to stay in the snow but we drove up to have a go at skiiing for the day and make a snowman : still remember mum packing all the things that a snowman might need to wear in a overnight bag including my grandpas pipe and top hat from one of the musicals he was in at the local town hall : I grinned like a Cheshire Cat putting the top hat on the snow man and dad filmed the whole thing for us to watch later with all the relatives on Saturday after Saturday after Saturday while my sister and I sat in our little cane chairs eating home made pikelets ! Never forgot this trip as it was a big moment for us as we only ever had caravan holidays at Victor harbor : now I’m 63 and I would love to see snow again at mount buller as I had three seizures last June and wasn’t expected to live so …… I am trying to tick things off my bucket list and this would be so so awesome : Thankyou kindly for the opportunity ❤️💯🙏🏽”

- Rosalie Langley

9. Sisters, sunshine and terrible singing

“This winter, my sister and I are trading a chaotic year for seven days of absolute freedom around Broome. We’re planning the kind of simple, wild trip we’ll talk about when we’re old and grey. We want red dirt, salty hair, and no real schedule. The dream is to watch the sunset over Cable Beach, explore the spectacular red cliffs of Gantheaume Point, and wander down outback tracks with the windows down. A week in an Apollo means no rushing to check into hotels—just long drives with terrible singing, secret swimming holes, and parking under a sky so full of stars it doesn't look real. There’s something magical about winter in the north. While the rest of the country is freezing, we’ll be chasing sunshine in dusty thongs. No big luxury plans, just sisterly connection, laughter, and a winter week we'll never forget.”

- Yolande Buckley

10. The spontaneous coffee run

“So one morning as I'm making a cup of tea, my husband walks into the kitchen and says, "so are we going to Kyneton for a coffee or what?". Now, you've got to understand that we live in Melbourne so Kyneton is over an hour away, which is a fair drive to get a coffee. Also, my beautiful husband is not what you'd call the spontaneous type so his question totally came from left field and bowled me over. Yes! We jumped in the car and had a great drive up the highway, followed by coffee (and breakfast) in Kyneton. Imagine my excitment if we could do a road trip with an amazing motorhome for 7 days! My dream is for us to wake up by the water, sit in the morning sun, drinking a hot cup of tea. Hmmmm, maybe some day.”

- Ruth Keily

11. Reliving moments that matter most

“Growing up, our family holidays were spent in our trusty camper van. They weren’t luxurious, but they were filled with everything that mattered: laughter, closeness, and my dad at the heart of it all — driving us, telling stories and dad jokes - making even the chilliest mornings feel warm. Those trips shaped who we are as a family. Today, my dad is living with dementia. The man who once led every journey is now facing a very different path. As a family, we are learning to navigate this difficult time together, cherishing what remains while quietly grieving what is being lost. This is why recreating one of our amazing winter breaks would be so meaningful. It would give us the chance to relive, in some small way, those simple camper van moments that meant so much. A chance to pause, reconnect, and hold onto each other a little more tightly. Even a fleeting sense of familiarity or joy for my dad would be invaluable.”

- Lisa Frederickson

12. Road Trips, lilos and laughs

“40 years ago we had a 4WD van and would do spontaneous weekends away in it. It had curtains all the way around for privacy, and a big box with all our cooking gear that filled the gap at the door, so then we could put our lilo and bedding over the folded (but not very flat!) seats and box. We'd stop on the side of a road in the country and stay the night. One evening we read our books for so long the battery was flat in the morning! Oops! A kind farmer came by, and jump started our van for us. I'd love to recreate those fun times! I think the Apollo motorhome would be a lot more comfortable. We're not as young anymore!!”

- Jennifer Susan Mills

13. Queensland winter

“We live in North Queensland so we don't get to expereince a cold winter. However, on our coldest "winter" evening we pull out the fire pit, invite our family and friends over to enjoy a meal around the fire under the stars. It's a lot of fun and we'd love the chance to expereince this somewhere that is actually cold.”

- Angela Wenta

14. The beauty of spontaneity

“One winter moment I’d love to relive was a spontaneous road trip down south to Augusta with no real plan. Just good music, takeaway coffee, and stopping at random spots along the way. It reminded me how the best memories usually come from the unplanned moments. This year, I’d love to create something similar again. A simple winter escape somewhere quiet, with great food, cold mornings, and a chance to properly switch off and reconnect with the people around me.”

- Albert Di Sabatino

15. Golden syrup dumplings

“I’d love to drive along the Great Ocean Road in a motorhome! I have a wonderful childhood memory of travelling on that road with my late Dad and Mum when I was 13 - we experienced 2 weeks on the road, towing a caravan and staying in beautiful coastal towns. Mum would make golden syrup dumplings each night for dessert, and I’d definitely be whipping up some of those in the motorhome in her honour.”

- Katrina Hancock

Share your story in Citro’s monthly competitions and win prizes

This month’s stories reminded us just how special our community is – and we know there are many more memories waiting to be shared. Be sure to join our current competition: Tell us one money lesson you'd pass on to your kids, grandkids or your younger self for your chance to win a share of $1,000 in fuel or EV charging gift cards. Enter now – entries close on 31 July!

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Every story shared in our community is a reminder that life's best moments aren't always the biggest or the most expensive—they're the ones we remember together.

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Whether you're looking to reduce your household bills, save on fuel, plan your next road trip or simply connect with people who value smart living, Citro is here to help you make more of every day. Join over 150,000 Australians discovering rewards, savings and stories worth sharing.

^{Feature image: Compiled from Citro competition entries}

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