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Hands up if you’re feeling the need for a holiday? I know I am! It always seems to be the way as we get towards the end of the year. There are of course so many benefits to be gained from getting away from home and our usual daily responsibilities and routine and exploring and relaxing! As I found out during our recent holiday to Tasmania, we are very lucky here in Australia to have so many outstanding and varied holiday destinations!
The Christmas break is the perfect time for holidaying in Australia, whether you have weeks or only a few days to spare. From sun-soaked lazy days at the beach to hikes through some of the most beautiful natural surroundings in the world, there is no shortage of options. Here are 4 ideas to suit any Christmas holiday agenda.
1. Holiday Break for the Foodies
There is no better time to indulge in your favourite food than Christmas. After all, it is the time to eat, drink and be merry. Pairing this with a beautiful island destination can make the holiday even more enjoyable. A visit to a secluded area such as Lord Howe Island, where you can stay in resort-style accommodation like Pinetrees Lodge, is the perfect getaway. Four-course dinners are served every day, with a focus on local produce and fresh seafood. When you have eaten more than your fill, you can retire to the comfort of a garden cottage or suite.
2. The Exploration Trip
Travelling around Australia is a big undertaking, which is why breaking the exploration down into regions is the easiest way to do it. The Christmas holidays are an ideal time to travel the Great Ocean Road as you have more time and the climate is mild. The spectacular coastline is filled with places to stop and explore such as beaches, cliffs and many small towns spread along the way. Unwind from your drive with a swim in the ocean, or explore the bike paths. There are also many activities to keep the kids occupied, such as horse riding or mini golf.
3. The Action-packed Holiday
Australia is so diverse; your holiday can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you want. If sitting home nursing a plate of Christmas leftovers isn’t your style, you might be more interested in a slice of adventure. Plan a holiday around your interests. A destination like Tasmania offers hiking, camping and nature experiences that suit singles, couples and families. Walk the Overland Track – a 65km hike from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair – or visit one of the wildlife parks and get up and close with the local animals.
4. The Luxury Getaway
Leave the stress of your everyday life behind with a luxury getaway. The Whitsundays is one of the most popular destinations for visitors chasing a slice of paradise. That doesn’t mean you will feel crowded on your holiday though. With 74 different islands and some of the most beautiful white sand you have ever seen, it is easy to forget your troubles on arrival. The warm waters are perfect for swimming and the beach is stunning; it’s easy to spend the whole afternoon relaxing. Many resorts here offer luxury packages that can include spa sessions, beach picnics and even private pool options.
Australia may not offer the chance to celebrate a White Christmas, but there are plenty of holiday options. Whether you are longing to avoid the crowds or looking to splurge on a little rest and relaxation, these destinations are a great place to start.
I’m looking forward to a week at Burleigh Heads on the gorgeous Gold Coast in December. What are some of your favourite Christmas Holiday ideas and destinations?
Ciao for now,
Linking up with With Some Grace for #FYBF
and
with Bron of Maxabella Loves, Sonia of Life, Love & Hiccups, Zoe of A Quirky Bird,
and Tash of Gift Grapevine for #WeekendRewind
32 Comments
We’re both daydreaming about holidays from home today, Min! I put two hands up when you asked if anyone needs a holiday. I think a luxury one is in order for me at the moment. So need a break. Which one would you choose?
Yes, my hand goes up for needing a holiday too! A luxury holiday would be lovely wouldn’t it Renee?! To be honest I would have trouble choosing between all 4 of these holidays as there is something that appeals to me in every one of them! Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast is calling me – one week coming up in December. Cannot wait! 🙂
We are doing the family meet up trip and the lie on the beach and do nothing trip….I like the foodie trip. We holiday in Asia a bit and they sure know how to cook!!
We’re doing the beach holiday too – read lots of books, stroll the shops, early morning and late afternoon beach walks, afternoon nana naps, happy hour on the balcony with the gorgeous view etc! The only trip to Asia I’ve done is one trip to Singapore quite a few years ago. Must change that soon!! 😉
I’d love a luxury getaway but backyard camping is more suited to our budget LOL
I can relate! LOL
We only just recently had a family holiday but I feel the need to go away again! I’d definitely have a luxury escape!
That luxury escape does look inviting doesn’t it Bec?! I think you should organise yourself another family getaway. We’re off to Burleigh Heads in December – a nice relaxing break away is just what we need! 🙂
I’d love to go to the WhitSundays! Looks so beautiful there. My favourite Christmas holiday memory was when we were on a Cruise to Singapore. The ship was decorated beautifully for the holiday season and they had Santa for the kids. 🙂
I’m very lucky to have seen a lot of the Whitsunday’s and it is gorgeous up there. So unique and beautiful! I’ve been to Singapore but not via a cruise! What a lovely memory of your cruise to Singapore you have. It would have been extra magical being the holiday season and with all the Christmas decorations and Santa on board! 🙂
What a great list of ideas Min.
I suppose for many of us in the community the thought of a holiday is an unattainable wish. So reading about the places you have talked about is informative and entertaining and gives us something to dream about for the future.
I’m glad that you are going to get away for a family holiday, after the past few months that you have shared you deserve a good break, enjoy it.
Ciao
Patrick
Thanks Patrick! I really hope that a holiday being unattainable for you is only for the short term and that it won’t be long before you are off enjoying yourself somewhere lovely! I am looking forward to the week in Burleigh. After the busy’ness of our Tasmania trip (though I loved it), this holiday will be a lot more relaxing! 🙂
I love that in Australia we have a warm Christmas and get to splash around at our great beaches during the festive break. We will possibly be doing a staycation but with the beach 10 minutes down the road that is where you will find us most days.
We are very lucky here in Australia! Having said that, one year I would love to experience a white Christmas! You never know! You are very lucky having a beach 10 minutes down the road! 🙂
I’d love a holiday at pinetrees. It looks like a lovely place for a feast!
Oh my gosh Steph – Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island looks so divine doesn’t it? They are serious about food and wine. I like that (not to mention the gorgeous nature everywhere)! Imagine the photography opportunities. 🙂
Any of these sound pretty good, Min! We did a week at Sea World Resort last Christmas, and it was so lovely for the kids to have plenty to do x
They do look good don’t they Lisa?! Makes me feel all holiday’ish just looking at them. Sea World Resort sounds fantastic and yes there would be plenty for kids to do there! 🙂 x
I to am dreaming of a Christmas get away but at this stage that is all it is, a dream. We are lucky to live just 45 minutes from Airlie Beach, so day trips are often made in the summer holidays and even a day cruise as well. Back in August hubby and I did the Great Ocean Road and it was just breathe taking. Hope you get the chance to get away lovely xx
Oh my goodness Beck – if I lived only 45 minutes from Airlie Beach I’d be so excited by the possibilities! Day trips to the islands for starters and I love your day cruise idea too! I know it’s always nice to get away from home though but you are lucky to have such gorgeous options on your doorstep! I’ve never done the Great Ocean Road but gee I’d really love to one day! We’ve got a week at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast in December which I’m looking forward to. Couldn’t afford a bigger trip after our April/May Tassie trip. xo
My bank account is disagreeing with me, but I could so do luxury Whitsundays !!!
Let’s not tell our bank accounts and I’ll come along with you!! Sound like a plan? 🙂
I don’t think we’re going anywhere this Christmas, too expensive during peak season and with hubster only just in a new job, he only gets time off between Christmas & New Year. Still, my 50th is a bit over 12 months away and we are planning an AWESOME holiday for that – not sure where yet though!!! It’s fun to dream and imagine all the possibilities!
We don’t go during peak season either Janet. We’re having a week at Burleigh Heads just before peak season! Oh you are still not 50 – making me feel old! Look forward to hearing about that holiday you plan for the big 50! 🙂
I don’t need a holiday. Said no one ever! I think I’d go for the luxury escape. I would just flop down on the beach and do nothing except inhale cocktails and read my book. A girl can dream can’t she?!
Oh I could do that luxury holiday too Sammie – in a heart beat! Flopping on the beach, inhaling cocktails and reading books sounds perfect too! Yes – let’s dream away! 🙂 xo
I’d happily take any of these 4 and they are all places on my must-visit list (it’s a very long list!). Here in WA we have some amazing coastline so there’s lots of great escapes to choose from. Rottnest Island is a favourite of mine and we holiday there every year. Such a great family holiday destination and kids have so much freedom. The bays are beautiful for swimming and everyone gets around the island on bicycles (only commercial staff vehicles are allowed on the island). I’ve been going almost every year since I was a baby. We are so lucky to have it on our doorstep!
I’d happily take any of these 4 too Tash! Getting over to WA is on my wishlist! I have never been but have heard nothing but wonderful things about the beautiful beaches you have over there. You are lucky to have Rottnest Island so close by! Hopefully one day I will see it too 🙂
We’re going on holiday in 3 weeks!!! We’re doing a bit of a luxury and exploration – 2 weeks in Japan and 2 in Bali. Can’t wait!
Oh wow Grace – not far off at all. How exciting! I do recall reading on your blog that you spent some time living in Japan and have some people there that you care very much about. I also know you have family in Bali … so looks like a very enjoyable holiday coming up for you! Enjoy! 🙂 xo
ooo I think I would be picking the luxury one haha. My fave place would have to be Noose or Byron – I just love the vibes of both of those gorgeous places xx
Luxury sounds good Sonia! lol I love the vibes of Noosa & Byron too + absolutely love the Byron hinterland! 🙂 xo