The Christmas holidays are an excellent opportunity to visit new places or return to much-loved destinations. Sometimes it's good just to get away for a little bit, pack up the car, or book a flight and head for an adventure! Of course, we are utterly spoiled for choice here in Australia, with so many stunning spots to see. Whether you are after a city break, a remote beachside vacation or an action-packed bush-style experience, there is somewhere for everyone’s preference, so we have rounded up five favourites for you to check out.
Cairns is a fabulous place to holiday for some tropical, island-style living. A provincial city located on the far North West Coast of Queensland, it has an easy-going vibe packed with style and sophistication. The central city is buzzing with activity, giving you the peaks of urban life balanced out by the surrounding nature. The Cairns Esplanade features a beautiful swimming lagoon, lined with a vast offering of restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as shopping boutiques. Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and its proximity is undoubtedly part of its alluring draw. The city and trending suburbs are bordered by spectacular mountains, sugar cane plantations and lush rainforest, including the Daintree, so if you fancy venturing further afield, there is much to see and do.
If you are looking for some of the finest food and wine regions in the country, then a visit to Adelaide should be at the top of your Christmas wish list! Situated between the rolling hills and the Gulf, the city is encompassed by Australia’s most famous vineyards, including the Barossa Valley, Mclaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. Adelaide is full of walking parks, perfect for a picnic; it is also home to the South Australia Botanic Gardens and an expanse of breathtaking historic churches. The gourmet food and rich cafe culture are unparalleled; you will find yourself falling right into the delicious dining experiences, wine-tasting tours, and other delights this city has to offer.
For an edge-of-the-earth experience, Broome offers an existence far away from reality. Perched on a minute peninsula on the Indian Ocean in the top corner of West Australia, it is easy to feel a million miles away! In fact, the closest city is Perth which is over 2,000 kilometres south. This small coastal town makes for an impeccable beach resort with a long stretch of white sandy dunes and turquoise waters at Cable Beach; you will never want to leave! Get active with crystal clear snorkelling, visit the world-renowned pearling farms or enjoy a sunset camel ride on the sand. The dramatic backdrop of Broome is mind-blowing, not to mention the real-life dinosaur prints you can see embedded in the red rocks during low tide.
Another incredible Christmas holiday destination that is great for those after an adventure is the Blue Mountains. Home to some of Australia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, this area offers majestic mountains, escarpments and plateaus to explore. It gets its name from the misty haze caused by the oil from the indigenous Eucalyptus trees that you will see throughout the gorgeous hiking trails and bike tracks. Pack your trip with fun activities, visit the Jenolan caves, walk up to the Three Sisters lookout, or get lost gazing at the Wentworth Falls, all while breathing in the cool, crisp mountain air. It is surprising how easy it is to get to Sydney from the Blue Mountains, as it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere. It is super easy to take a train to the city centre for a day trip; the public transport is fast and affordable, allowing you to make the most of your festive holiday!
We may be slightly biased, but you can't argue with the 4.4 million tourists who visited Byron Bay in 2019. Our golden home town, located on the far North Coast of New South Wales, is a pocket of magic. There is so much to do and see here, and Christmas is an incredibly popular time to enjoy everything Byron has to offer. The choice of pristine beaches alone is worth coming to see and enjoy; go surfing at the Pass, sunbake at Tallows or venture along Broken Head (whilst potentially trying to spot a Hemsworth!) Mother Nature is always showing off here; watch the whales go by at the Cape Byron Lighthouse or spot some wallabies whilst walking the track down to Wategoes Beach. The surrounding hinterlands are full of smaller villages and towns to explore as well as local distilleries, breweries and incredible restaurants. Take a look at the gorgeous produce on offer at the weekly farmer's markets, and the Byron-born brands in the shops dotted through town and the Arts and Industrial Estate. We will see you here - Happy Christmas!