I originally wrote this up in response to an Aussie redditor who was asking for tips on staying warm. I can't find the thread anymore, but rather than let this go to waste, I thought this might be useful to somebody. Your mileage may vary. I know also that non-Australians might find the below very basic, but hey, a lot of us know how to cope with hot weather. Cold weather can be a different story.

Source: formerly from temperate Sydney, spent my first winter in Canberra freezing in an old sharehouse. Have acclimatised now.

Warming yourself up

• Wear layers. Certain materials, synthetic or natural (e.g. poly fleece, wool), are more insulating than others such as cotton. Don't forget your extremities and your head/neck.
• Thermal underwear helps.
• Not all blankets are made equal. Blankets with a higher GSM are more insulating. Synthetic blankets such as microfibre types are light and reasonably warm considering their affordability. Generally synthetic materials can be very warm but don't breathe. This isn't the case for wool, but woollen blankets can be heavy and more expensive.
• Similar case for quilts. To add, there are also feather/down quilts. These aren't necessarily cheap depending on quality, but can be extremely warm. A bit high maintenance compared to other quilt types.
• Hot water bottles under a blanket or quilt are useful especially if you don't want to use any electrical heating. In my experience put it under your sheets just before sleep and it'll still be lukewarm in the morning. Let the water cool a bit after boiling before pouring in, use a cover with your hot water bottle, for safety reasons replace every two years or if it looks worn.
• There are of course electric blankets (for use in bed), more affordable than ever. For sitting on the couch, electric throw blankets are increasingly popular.

Warming up your surroundings

• The majority of heaters, in terms of efficiency, are 1:1 in electrical use compared to heat output. Differences to consider are safety, noise, how quickly you want warmth and how extensive the warmth will be. No suggestions here as heater type really depends on your specific needs.
• There are a decent number of buyers guides for Aussie consumers that explain the types of heating available. Here's one such.
• Many heaters have timers if you don't want to leave them running all the time. I use a separate digital timer in conjunction with an oil column heater to turn the heater on two hours before I wake in the bedroom. Use your judgement as to which heaters are safe to leave running inadvertently in the event that the timer malfunctions.
• If your bathroom is often cold and damp, heated towel racks and extra heater lamps can be a luxury.
• In regards to efficiency, a reverse cycle air con with a heat pump is considered more efficient than other heating types, with a coefficiency of 1:3. They don't do well in very cold climates, but should be fine for Aussie winters.
• Gas heaters in my experience aren't frugal at all, but they're the most comfortable type of heating I've experienced.
• If your heater operates based on temperature, consider turning it down a few degrees if you can cope, e.g. 18c instead of 24c.

Keeping the place warm

• Single glazed windows are still the norm in Australia, so use curtains. Thermal curtains. They can be thick and usually have a backing. There are also such a thing as insulating blinds. A lot of window coverings in rentals can be inadequate in this regard.
• Open up the curtains on your windows if they're north-facing to get sunlight. Not south-facing (that's northern hemisphere stuff). Close them with nightfall.
• If you're really really desperate, apparently bubble wrap on windows works in a pinch as window insulation.
• Close internal doors. If doorways, hang drapes or blankets. If you're heating a space, minimise the amount of heat that may escape through open passageways.
• If you have drafty gaps under doors, use door snakes or something similar.
• A lot of the suggestions above will be ineffectual if your home has inadequate insulation, which might be the case for many older Aussie homes. I know if you're in a rental you're pretty much out of luck, but if you own your home improving the insulation of your home can really pay off in terms of heating and cooling.
• This will vary on a state/territory basis, but if you're in the market to rent or buy, a lot of homes are rated on their energy efficiency. In the ACT, new residential properties are required to be built to higher ratings.

Can't think of anything else right now. I'd welcome any tips that people have.

Some interesting or contextual links:

• Brr: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/07/11...ing-after-heater-use-causes-spate-house-fires
• How we sometimes feel so cold in Australia: http://theconversation.com/cold-weather-is-a-bigger-killer-than-extreme-heat-heres-why-42252
• A few unconventional tips: http://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-keep-your-home-warm-this-winter-34464