As winter sets in, there’s nothing better than snuggling into a warm, fluffy doona. That’s why many Australians switch to heavier quilts or layer up to stay cosy during the colder months.
Winter temperatures vary across Australia’s eight states and territories. In Melbourne, for example, nighttime temperatures often drop to between 6°C and 14°C—and can feel even colder due to factors like wind chill.
With many homes lacking proper insulation, it’s no surprise that 77% of Australians struggle to feel fully rested after a chilly winter night. This is where a good winter doona—one that’s warm and comfortable—makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect doona to keep you warm and cosy all winter long.
What to Consider When Choosing a Winter Doona
When it comes to a winter doona, there are a few factors which are worth considering.
FILL MATERIAL
Popular fills like down, wool, microfiber, and feather each perform differently in winter. Down is the lightest and warmest, offering excellent insulation and breathability. Wool is also a natural insulator that regulates temperature but, it does add weight and has a flatter appearance. Feathers provide good insulation at a lower cost but are heavier and less durable than down. Microfiber is budget-friendly and lightweight but lacks breathability, which may lead to overheating or night sweats.
When it comes to our pick, we always choose down. Admittedly, it can be a little more expensive, but we love down for its outstanding durability, excellent warmth and its versatility across every season. More details on our recommendations for each of these fill types can be found later on in this guide.
FILL POWER
When buying a down doona, fill power is the key measurement. Fill power is pretty much the measurement of how fluffy and thus insulating a down cluster is. This is because: The bigger the down cluster, the more air that it can trap. The more air that it can trap, the greater the barrier against heat loss. So regardless of whether you’re looking at duck down or goose down for your winter doona, the higher the fill power, the better!
WEIGHT AND BREATHABILITY
What might come as a surprise is that weight doesn’t equal warmth! A doona can be incredibly lightweight yet exceptionally insulating at the same time. This lets you snuggle into a fluffy, soft, and luxurious doona that keeps you cosy without feeling weighed down. This is the unique power of down—it delivers exceptional warmth without the bulk, thanks to its incredible warmth-to-weight ratio.
SIZE OPTIONS
We recommend choosing a doona and doona cover one size larger than your bed. For example, if you have a king-sized bed, go for a super king doona and cover. If you already have bed sheets, no worries—we understand that bedding can be an investment.
Ranking top 4 Winter Doona Materials for Australians
Microfiber:
An affordable and lightweight option, but it lacks breathability and may cause overheating during colder nights.
→ Budget-friendly, lightweight, but less breathable.
Feather:
While affordable, feathers are heavier, less insulating, and less durable than down.
→ Budget-friendly, heavier, and less warm.
Wool:
A natural insulator that regulates body temperature well but tends to be heavier and flatter.
→ Warm, temperature-regulating, but heavier and flatter.
Recycled Down:
An eco-friendly option that offers decent insulation but falls short in warmth and durability compared to new down.
→ Sustainable, moderately warm, and less durable.
Down:
The ultimate choice for warmth, breathability, and insulation, perfect for very cold climates while remaining light and fluffy.
→ Lightweight, ultra-warm, and highly breathable.
Best Winter Doona Options for Australia
Best Down Doona: BONNY'S WINTER QUILT
There’s no doubt that down is the superior insulator for warmth, and when it comes to Winter Down Doonas, Bonny’s stands out as the most popular choice for Aussies. Filled with 90% ultra-high quality, 800 Fill Power down, Bonny’s doonas offer exceptional warmth and cosiness without any unnecessary weight or bulkiness.
As mentioned, a higher fill power means a more insulating but also more breathable doona. This ensures even temperature regulation throughout the night- you’ll never feel too cold thanks to the insulation but you’ll also never overheat thanks to down’s exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and natural breathability!
Customer Reviews: Customers in the Bonny Winter Product Reviews [link] consistently rave about the warmth, lightness, and loftiness of the doona. It’s repeatedly mentioned that after switching to this doona for Winter, their sleep has never been better! And, it makes sense—when your body is kept at optimal temperature throughout the night- you’re less likely to toss and turn, resulting in deeper, more restful sleep.
Price: Starting at $549, this doona brings the luxury of premium down right into your homes.
Ideal Night Temperatures: This doona will keep you cosy through nights as cold as -5°C to 5°C. However, thanks to the breathability of down, it will prevent overheating in slightly warmer conditions, remaining comfortable.
Best Wool Doona: Aussie Wool 'Winter' Quilt
The Aussie Wool Comfort Pure Australian Wool Quilt is handmade from 100% pure Australian wool and a high-quality 100% cotton sateen weave outer. This quilt provides exceptional warmth without unnecessary weight, offering the perfect balance for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Thanks to the natural breathable properties of wool and the unique Loft Advantage method, this quilt is light, fluffy, and contours to your body, eliminating cold spots for ultimate comfort. It's also completely chemical- and resin-free, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
Customer Reviews:Customers love the Aussie Wool Comfort Pure Australian Wool Quilt for its softness, warmth, and comfort. Many recommend it for its perfect fit and light, cosy feel.
Price: $263
Recommended Sleep Temperature: 1°C to 15°C
Budget Friendly Option: High Warmth Synthetic Quilt
The Kmart High Warmth Quilt offers great value, providing warmth and comfort for those on a budget. Made with a soft, breathable outer and filled with a high warmth synthetic (polyester) fill, it ensures you stay warm with an approachable price tag. The quilt is designed for easy care and durability, making it a practical option for families and individuals alike.
Customer Reviews: Customers appreciate the warmth and affordability of this quilt, often highlighting its great value for the price. It’s praised for its softness, comfort and warmth.
Price: $42-55
Recommended Sleep Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
Hypoallergenic Choice- Tontine Winter Anti-Allergy Quilt
The Tontine Luxe Silver Defence Anti-Allergy All Seasons Quilt is designed to offer a cleaner, healthier sleep experience with its hypoallergenic properties. This quilt is filled with anti-allergy fibres that help reduce dust mites and allergens, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. The soft cotton outer is gentle on the skin, while the quilt’s even distribution ensures no cold spots for a perfect night’s sleep.
Customer Reviews: Customers love the quilt for its ability to keep them warm and allergy-free, often noting the comfort and softness it provides. Many recommend it for its breathable fabric and anti-allergy properties, making it a popular option for sensitive sleepers.
Price: $139
Recommended Sleep Temperature: 10°C to 20°C
Best Lightweight Yet Warm Option: Sleep Solutions Lightweight Summer Wool Quilt
The Lightweight Summer Wool Quilt provides a nice balance of warmth and lightness, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter, more breathable option, even during the colder months. Made with 100% natural wool, it offers excellent temperature regulation, keeping you comfortable in both warmer and cooler months. The quilt is soft, fluffy, and designed to last, providing luxurious comfort without the weight.
Customer Reviews: Customers mention the quilt’s softness and lightness, making it a top choice for the warmer sleepers.
Price: $199
Recommended Sleep Temperature: 10°C to 18°C
How to Care for Your Winter Doona
Caring for your doona depends largely on the type of fill.
Down doonas
Foe example Bonny’s Winter Quilt, require more care due to their delicate structure. These doonas should be washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and tumble dried on low heat to maintain loft and prevent clumping of the doona.
Wool doonas
Such as are also natural but are generally easier to care for. They should be washed on a gentle cycle with cool water using wool-safe detergent and air dried flat to preserve their softness and breathability.
Synthetic doonas
Synthetic doonas are the easiest to care for and can simply be machine washed on a warm cycle and tumble dried on low heat without the need for special detergents.
Feather doonas
It require gentler handling, often losing loftiness or clumping when machine washed. This requires spot cleaning or dry cleaning to preserve the quality and prevent damage.
In all cases, storing doonas in breathable cotton bags, avoiding compression, and keeping them in cool, dry places will help prolong their lifespan.
FAQs about Winter Doonas in Australia
Are down doonas ethical?
When it comes to animal-derived products, ethical sourcing is crucial, and down is no exception. Bonny stands out from other down duvet providers in Australia by offering 100% transparency on the ethics, sourcing, and quality of their down. After extensive research, Bonny partnered with the world’s leading down supplier to ensure ethical and responsible sourcing. This means that no harmful practices like live plucking and force-feeding are ever involved in the sourcing of their down. Further, their down is certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures that the down used for their products is always only a byproduct of the poultry industry. Bonny also provides detailed but clear information on their website about the cleaning process, explaining how their down is cleaned repeatedly without harsh chemicals, ensuring it remains hypoallergenic, durable, and safe for the environment.
Can I use a winter doona in summer?
While winter doonas like Bonny’s are designed for colder months, and Australian summers can be quite warm, there are two scenarios where they may still be suitable for year-round use:
-
You’re a cold sleeper who feels chilly even during warmer months.
-
You use air conditioning during the hotter months.
As winter sets in, there’s nothing better than snuggling into a warm, fluffy doona. That’s why many Australians switch to heavier quilts or layer up to stay cosy during the colder months.
Winter temperatures vary across Australia’s eight states and territories. In Melbourne, for example, nighttime temperatures often drop to between 6°C and 14°C—and can feel even colder due to factors like wind chill.
With many homes lacking proper insulation, it’s no surprise that 77% of Australians struggle to feel fully rested after a chilly winter night. This is where a good winter doona—one that’s warm and comfortable—makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect doona to keep you warm and cosy all winter long.
What to Consider When Choosing a Winter Doona
When it comes to a winter doona, there are a few factors which are worth considering.
FILL MATERIAL
Popular fills like down, wool, microfiber, and feather each perform differently in winter. Down is the lightest and warmest, offering excellent insulation and breathability. Wool is also a natural insulator that regulates temperature but, it does add weight and has a flatter appearance. Feathers provide good insulation at a lower cost but are heavier and less durable than down. Microfiber is budget-friendly and lightweight but lacks breathability, which may lead to overheating or night sweats.
When it comes to our pick, we always choose down. Admittedly, it can be a little more expensive, but we love down for its outstanding durability, excellent warmth and its versatility across every season. More details on our recommendations for each of these fill types can be found later on in this guide.
FILL POWER
When buying a down doona, fill power is the key measurement. Fill power is pretty much the measurement of how fluffy and thus insulating a down cluster is. This is because: The bigger the down cluster, the more air that it can trap. The more air that it can trap, the greater the barrier against heat loss. So regardless of whether you’re looking at duck down or goose down for your winter doona, the higher the fill power, the better!
WEIGHT AND BREATHABILITY
What might come as a surprise is that weight doesn’t equal warmth! A doona can be incredibly lightweight yet exceptionally insulating at the same time. This lets you snuggle into a fluffy, soft, and luxurious doona that keeps you cosy without feeling weighed down. This is the unique power of down—it delivers exceptional warmth without the bulk, thanks to its incredible warmth-to-weight ratio.
SIZE OPTIONS
We recommend choosing a doona and doona cover one size larger than your bed. For example, if you have a king-sized bed, go for a super king doona and cover. If you already have bed sheets, no worries—we understand that bedding can be an investment.
Ranking top 4 Winter Doona Materials for Australians
Microfiber:
An affordable and lightweight option, but it lacks breathability and may cause overheating during colder nights.
→ Budget-friendly, lightweight, but less breathable.
Feather:
While affordable, feathers are heavier, less insulating, and less durable than down.
→ Budget-friendly, heavier, and less warm.
Wool:
A natural insulator that regulates body temperature well but tends to be heavier and flatter.
→ Warm, temperature-regulating, but heavier and flatter.
Recycled Down:
An eco-friendly option that offers decent insulation but falls short in warmth and durability compared to new down.
→ Sustainable, moderately warm, and less durable.
Down:
The ultimate choice for warmth, breathability, and insulation, perfect for very cold climates while remaining light and fluffy.
→ Lightweight, ultra-warm, and highly breathable.
Best Winter Doona Options for Australia
Best Down Doona: BONNY'S WINTER QUILT
There’s no doubt that down is the superior insulator for warmth, and when it comes to Winter Down Doonas, Bonny’s stands out as the most popular choice for Aussies. Filled with 90% ultra-high quality, 800 Fill Power down, Bonny’s doonas offer exceptional warmth and cosiness without any unnecessary weight or bulkiness.
As mentioned, a higher fill power means a more insulating but also more breathable doona. This ensures even temperature regulation throughout the night- you’ll never feel too cold thanks to the insulation but you’ll also never overheat thanks to down’s exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and natural breathability!
Customer Reviews: Customers in the Bonny Winter Product Reviews [link] consistently rave about the warmth, lightness, and loftiness of the doona. It’s repeatedly mentioned that after switching to this doona for Winter, their sleep has never been better! And, it makes sense—when your body is kept at optimal temperature throughout the night- you’re less likely to toss and turn, resulting in deeper, more restful sleep.
Price: Starting at $549, this doona brings the luxury of premium down right into your homes.
Ideal Night Temperatures: This doona will keep you cosy through nights as cold as -5°C to 5°C. However, thanks to the breathability of down, it will prevent overheating in slightly warmer conditions, remaining comfortable.
Best Wool Doona: Aussie Wool 'Winter' Quilt
The Aussie Wool Comfort Pure Australian Wool Quilt is handmade from 100% pure Australian wool and a high-quality 100% cotton sateen weave outer. This quilt provides exceptional warmth without unnecessary weight, offering the perfect balance for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Thanks to the natural breathable properties of wool and the unique Loft Advantage method, this quilt is light, fluffy, and contours to your body, eliminating cold spots for ultimate comfort. It's also completely chemical- and resin-free, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
Customer Reviews:Customers love the Aussie Wool Comfort Pure Australian Wool Quilt for its softness, warmth, and comfort. Many recommend it for its perfect fit and light, cosy feel.
Price: $263
Recommended Sleep Temperature: 1°C to 15°C
Budget Friendly Option: High Warmth Synthetic Quilt
The Kmart High Warmth Quilt offers great value, providing warmth and comfort for those on a budget. Made with a soft, breathable outer and filled with a high warmth synthetic (polyester) fill, it ensures you stay warm with an approachable price tag. The quilt is designed for easy care and durability, making it a practical option for families and individuals alike.
Customer Reviews: Customers appreciate the warmth and affordability of this quilt, often highlighting its great value for the price. It’s praised for its softness, comfort and warmth.
Price: $42-55
Recommended Sleep Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
Hypoallergenic Choice- Tontine Winter Anti-Allergy Quilt
The Tontine Luxe Silver Defence Anti-Allergy All Seasons Quilt is designed to offer a cleaner, healthier sleep experience with its hypoallergenic properties. This quilt is filled with anti-allergy fibres that help reduce dust mites and allergens, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. The soft cotton outer is gentle on the skin, while the quilt’s even distribution ensures no cold spots for a perfect night’s sleep.
Customer Reviews: Customers love the quilt for its ability to keep them warm and allergy-free, often noting the comfort and softness it provides. Many recommend it for its breathable fabric and anti-allergy properties, making it a popular option for sensitive sleepers.
Price: $139
Recommended Sleep Temperature: 10°C to 20°C
Best Lightweight Yet Warm Option: Sleep Solutions Lightweight Summer Wool Quilt
The Lightweight Summer Wool Quilt provides a nice balance of warmth and lightness, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter, more breathable option, even during the colder months. Made with 100% natural wool, it offers excellent temperature regulation, keeping you comfortable in both warmer and cooler months. The quilt is soft, fluffy, and designed to last, providing luxurious comfort without the weight.
Customer Reviews: Customers mention the quilt’s softness and lightness, making it a top choice for the warmer sleepers.
Price: $199
Recommended Sleep Temperature: 10°C to 18°C
How to Care for Your Winter Doona
Caring for your doona depends largely on the type of fill.
Down doonas
Foe example Bonny’s Winter Quilt, require more care due to their delicate structure. These doonas should be washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and tumble dried on low heat to maintain loft and prevent clumping of the doona.
Wool doonas
Such as are also natural but are generally easier to care for. They should be washed on a gentle cycle with cool water using wool-safe detergent and air dried flat to preserve their softness and breathability.
Synthetic doonas
Synthetic doonas are the easiest to care for and can simply be machine washed on a warm cycle and tumble dried on low heat without the need for special detergents.
Feather doonas
It require gentler handling, often losing loftiness or clumping when machine washed. This requires spot cleaning or dry cleaning to preserve the quality and prevent damage.
In all cases, storing doonas in breathable cotton bags, avoiding compression, and keeping them in cool, dry places will help prolong their lifespan.
FAQs about Winter Doonas in Australia
Are down doonas ethical?
When it comes to animal-derived products, ethical sourcing is crucial, and down is no exception. Bonny stands out from other down duvet providers in Australia by offering 100% transparency on the ethics, sourcing, and quality of their down. After extensive research, Bonny partnered with the world’s leading down supplier to ensure ethical and responsible sourcing. This means that no harmful practices like live plucking and force-feeding are ever involved in the sourcing of their down. Further, their down is certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures that the down used for their products is always only a byproduct of the poultry industry. Bonny also provides detailed but clear information on their website about the cleaning process, explaining how their down is cleaned repeatedly without harsh chemicals, ensuring it remains hypoallergenic, durable, and safe for the environment.
Can I use a winter doona in summer?
While winter doonas like Bonny’s are designed for colder months, and Australian summers can be quite warm, there are two scenarios where they may still be suitable for year-round use:
-
You’re a cold sleeper who feels chilly even during warmer months.
-
You use air conditioning during the hotter months.
All Rounder
Versatile, cuddly, just right.
