Are you planning a Christmas itinerary, but are confused which place to go for the holidays? Do you wanna take a break from the white Christmas? If you are thinking of going away overseas for the Christmas holiday and want to spend your days relaxing on the beach, then Australia could be your perfect spot.
For most of the people, Christmas means snow, frost, beautiful decoration and heat coming from an open fire. But the heat in Australia comes from the sun and snow is a distant dream here. Christmas here is all about spending long days in the sun, catching up with friends and family and taking everything easy. Besides, not chestnuts, but prawns are roasted on the barbecue. That’s news to us too! And that’s what makes it stand out.
- Cairns:
If you are looking for tropical destinations to spend your Christmas, then we’d recommend you to visit Cairns. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind in any of the resorts dotting the coastline. The festive decoration in Cairns will delight the Christmas revelers of all ages. Even we think that there is nothing better than lazing by the poolside and having sumptuous Christmas food. Do not forget to explore the coral and sea life.
- Whitsunday Islands:
If you want to experience the quintessential Australian beach Christmas, then Whitsunday Islands are the best place to hop on. Whitsunday Islands with its white sandy shores and emerald water is a perfect luxury destination for people who desire to spend their holidays in a warm destination. You might not get White Christmas here, but you will surely find the purest and brightest sand seen everywhere. If you’re fond of boating, then you will be spoiled for choice here as there are around 150 islands to check out here. The Queensland Coastal region, right in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, will allow you to enjoy the warm waters on your Christmas. The Whitehaven Beach here is a must visit place. The beach is also considered one of the best beaches in the world.
- Victoria:
Victoria is no less than a summer playground. It is a perfect place for people who want to escape the cold and white Christmas. Cycle alone or with your partner along the Bright Rail Trail. The trail comprises of more than 95 kilometers of sealed path along the railway lines from Wangaratta to Bright. Bright also has plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve delectable Christmas cuisine. Mount Beauty is another excellent place, especially if you are visiting with the family. The beautifully decorated wineries are worth visiting here. Besides, the people are also very friendly, and even the kids will get plenty of spaces to run while you go wine tasting.
- Lake Mungo National Park:
Fond of fossils? Then Lake Mungo National Park is the place for you to visit. Lake Mungo was once just a small, 132 square kilometers to be precise, inland freshwater lake. But the lake dried around 14,000 years back. The park is also home to the Aboriginal life. These tribes have been inhabiting the place since 40,000 to 60,000 years. Here, you can learn about medicines and bush tucker plant in detail. We highly recommend you to visit the Mungo National Park Visitor Information Center and check out the historic Woolshed built by the Chinese laborers. You can also learn about the local Barkindji people here. A visit to the Lake Mungo National Park will cost you around $500 per family. The price may increase during the Christmas season. So be prepared.
- Sydney:
Spending Christmas in Sydney will be a surreal experience for you. Taking a stroll on the Bondi beach and hearing the shouts “Happy Christmas” will transport you to another world. You can even take a tour of the city during Christmas. Most of the tourist attractions remain open on the Christmas Day. Sydney is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the country. But the attraction that stands out is Sydney’s Harbor Bridge. The Harbor Bridge organizes one of the most spectacular Christmas parties in the world. You will also get lovely views from the Manns Point in Greenwich and Robertson Park. Besides the attraction, Sydney also displays two great fireworks. The first firework show begins at 9 pm and the one at midnight.
- Kangaroo Islands:
The unexplored land of the Kangaroo Islands is the perfect place for people who want to spoil themselves in the Christmas season. The island has a 509 log kilometers coastline with a concentrated wildlife and bushland for you to explore when you want a break from the beach. You can also go on a trail from Kangaroo Island Farm Gate to the Cellar Door Trail to sample the freshly produced wines right from the source. If you are a food lover, then you will love the delicious honey and sheep’s cheese here. And on the Christmas Day, you will go feasting on a sumptuous Christmas day lunch of seafood like prawns, oysters, freshwater marine with locally produced wine.
- Werribee Open Range Zoo:
If a safari is what you desire this Christmas, but cannot get to Africa, then Werribee Open Range Zoo’s Slumber Safari will be the next best thing. You can get up, close and personal with the animals, indulge in a delicious African barbecue feast, learn an African drumming lesson and have fun around the campfire. You can stay in a four-star campus safari tent and wake up to watch the Savannah come to life while enjoying the delicious breakfast. Another benefit- you’ll get special discounts on all the tours of the zoo that also includes the open vehicle safari and the canoe safari along with the Werribee River.
- Lake Macquarie:
Lake Macquarie is a delightful place to visit during Christmas, especially for kids. Every year in December, Santa Claus cruises on the Wangi Queen Show Boat around the Lake Macquarie to deliver candies and chocolates to children at the docks. The massive Lake Macquarie, located in the north of Sydney, is one of the largest lakes in the whole of the Southern Hemisphere. It’s surrounded by towns namely, Mount Hutton, Glendale, Charlestown, Toronto, Cardiff and Warner’s Bay to name a few. So you can also explore a few of these towns where you are done touring the lake. There is a plethora of activities to do near Lake Macquarie like hiking down the tracks, recreational sailing, and waterfront dining.
- Melbourne:
Start your Christmas in Melbourne with traditional of Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the Kings Domain Gardens. The tradition dates back to the 19th century. It is a mix of carols and entertainment with a stunning spectacle of thousands of lighting the sky on the Christmas Eve. Besides, you must also try to attend the annual Christmas festival here. The festival celebrates Christmas in true Melbourne style. Melbourne transforms into a magical place during the festival.
- Canberra:
Canberra dazzles during Christmas. It lights up in millions of lights that create a breathtakingly beautiful Christmas ambiance. Christmas in Canberra will be a perfect family-friendly affair and offers a plenty of events and activities. You can take your kids to the Kids Christmas Lights in the City, one of the largest LED images display in the world. If you’re a wine connoisseur, then you can head to the 30-boutique wine cellar. Do not forget to check out the white lions at the National Zoo and Aquarium, the one of a kind attraction in Australia. The animals and marine animals are spread over 7 kilometers of land.
Don’t worry, Australia also has the usual festive traditions like carols, lightings, Christmas trees and presents. So if you’re traditional at heart, you won’t be disappointed here.
Australia is one of the most expensive places to visit during Christmas. So if you want some good deals then book the hotel and flight tickets beforehand.
