8 Places to Spend the Christmas holidays in Australia

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Christmas is almost upon us and what better way to spend the extra time off work than on an adventure with your loved ones? Australia is so vast, from its red earth rocky terrain to crystal clear waters, luscious rainforests, and uber-hip cities, there’s plenty of places to explore. Struggling on where to choose for your Christmas break? We’ve come up with a list of places to inspire you on where to explore next.

Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef. Photo by Yanguang Lan on Unsplash

Cairns should be on everyone's travel bucket list. The adventure capital is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, and an archipelago of 600 islands. This beautiful Queensland city is a dream holiday destination for its tropical climate, eclectic mix of cafes, bars, and shops. Explore the vibrant city centre before heading off on an adventure. Enjoy a jungle trek through the world heritage Daintree Rainforest, a scuba dive on the world’s largest coral reef, or admire the local wildlife. Enjoy your Christmas break in Cairns.

Perth

Cotteslow Beach is a popular choice for locals. Photo by Michael_Spencer on Flickr

With a stunning coastline of white sandy beaches, Perth is the perfect city to explore for those who love the beach. Cottlesloe and Scarborough beach are popular choices for Perth locals, Mettams Pool has an amazing ecosystem of marine life and is perfect for a snorkel. Aside from the beaches, Perth’s bustling city centre has an eclectic nightlife, trendy bars, and restaurants. For the wine lovers, head to Swan Valley for a day exploring the vineyards and tasting the wines.

Hunter Valley

The majestic sight of Hot Air Balloons at Hunter Valley!

Discover Australia’s oldest wine region this Christmas with a trip to Hunter Valley. Surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, the wineries here create some of the best wines in the world, like the Hunter Valley Semillon. Hire a bike and spend the day sampling the tasty local produce and acclaimed wines. For an unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the spectacular vineyards of the valley. A trip to the hunter is the perfect way to spend a few days over the festive period.

Sydney

Check out the iconic Sydney Opera House. Photo by Keith Zhu on Unsplash

With so much on offer, it is easy to understand why Sydney is the tourism capital of Australia. Boasting beautiful beaches to explore, incredible iconic landmarks to visit and offering exciting events all year round you can expect to find your perfect adventure just around the corner. Spending Christmas day on Bondi Beach is a fun way to spend the day in the sun. Explore the incredible architecture and majesty of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, or take a drive out to the Royal National Park for its stunning coastline.

Brisbane

Brisbane, capital of the sunshine state boasts a vibrant hub of arts, cafes, bars and boutique shopping. Its subtropical climate makes Brissy a must-visit destination for sun-seekers this Christmas. Queensland is only one of two states where you can hug a koala. Snap a selfie with Australia’s native bear at the world’s first and largest Koala sanctuary, Lone Pine. Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife, feed the Kangaroos, and tick something off your Aussie bucket list this Christmas.

Melbourne

Melbourne is an urban playground. Where Sydney’s nightlife lacks, Melbourne’s booms. Whether it be a trendy rooftop bar, an alternative warehouse party, or a quaint wine bar, there is an eclectic mix to suit everyone. You never know what each laneway will hold, edgy street art, cool boutiques, or one of Melbourne’s infamous coffee shops. For the fashion conscious, shopping in Melbourne is like no other, and perfect for spending your Christmas money on a new wardrobe.

Hobart

Hobart sits beneath the magnificent Mount Wellington.

Hobart has so much to offer travellers, with its captivating history, exceptional beauty, scenic mountain views, and an abundance of gourmet experiences. Located in the foothills of Mount Wellington, Australia’s second oldest capital is the perfect escape for every adventurer. Discover awe-inspiring views of Hobart from the summit of Mount Wellington. Just twenty-minutes from Hobart’s centre you’ll find a wealth of wilderness and natural beauty. Enjoy leisurely strolls or tough climbs; uncover cascading waterfalls and some of Tasmania’s native wildlife.

Alice Springs

The magnificent red rock of Uluru. Photo by Wikimedia

There is no better way to explore Australia’s Red Centre than an adventure to Alice Springs. With its stunning desert landscapes, aboriginal history and captivating culture, it’s an exhilarating destination to discover on your Christmas vacation. Go on an outback adventure and see the natural wonders of Uluru, Devils Marbles and the Larapinta trail in this awe-inspiring location.