Whether you want to spend Christmas on sun-soaked Queensland beaches or find a cool change in the southern states, we've personally shortlisted the top Aussie destinations to go to this festive season.
Plus, we've got some top international destinations to put on your radar for next Christmas. It's never too early to start planning your festive break.
Top holiday destinations for Christmas in Australia
1. Best for beaches: The Whitsundays
You can expect all the typical festive trimmings when you spend Christmas in the Whitsundays. Resorts lay on events from carols by candlelight to visits from Santa.
Available on selected accommodations in Cairns, Port Douglas, Gold Coast, Whitsundays, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney, Queenstown, Adelaide and Dubbo. Limited time offer. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
No surprises here. Sydney is constantly one of the most popular places to be over Christmas. It could be the nightlife, the harbour icons or the chance to visit friends and family.
Whatever it is, it's a city break that offers loads of entertainment and activities over the summer.
Cost: Mid-high due to the season and demand.
How long should I stay? 2–3 days.
Recommended hotel: Stay in the heart of the city where the Christmas trees, shopping and merriment are a short walk away. The Hyatt Regency Sydney is an affordable upscale hotel with prime positioning.
Available on activities like hot air balloon flights, skydiving, lunch cruises, passes to attractions including Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madam Tussauds and more. Minimum spend of $300 is required. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
New Year's Eve Cruise in Sydney Harbour with buffet and bar from $950
Enjoy your New Year's Eve at Cruise in Sydney Harbour with a buffet and bar from $950 at RedBalloon. It includes a six-hour cruise on Sydney Harbour, a delicious five-course buffet dinner with seafood, a premium open bar including spirits, and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Available on selected accommodations in Cairns, Port Douglas, Gold Coast, Whitsundays, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney, Queenstown, Adelaide and Dubbo. Limited time offer. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
As low as $1/day on relocation campervans from Cairns
Save on your Cairns relocation campervan rental when you book at JUCY for as low as $1 per day. Destinations include Brisbane and Sydney through JUCY Crib+. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
Available on select stay dates in Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. Sample stay is for a studio apartment in Mornington Peninsula. T&Cs apply.
Member Price: 10% off or more on over 100,000 hotels
Available for travel on select dates across Australia at Expedia. Destinations include Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Available for booking from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 at Motorhome Rental using the code. Pick-up locations are Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth. T&Cs apply.
Available for booking from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027 at Motorhome Rental using the code. Pick-up locations are Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth. T&Cs apply.
Available for booking from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025 at Motorhome Rental using the code. Pick-up locations are Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Hobart, Hobart Airport, Melbourne, and Perth. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates until 2024, including Easter and school holidays. Activities include whale- and dolphin-watching and lunch and sunset cruises in Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Plus 10% off if you sign up for Oaks DISCOVERY loyalty program on select dates for a stay duration of 7 nights or more. Destinations include Broome, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Queenstown and more.
Up to 30% student discount on domestic & international flights
Get up to 30% off on flights + up to 45kg baggage with Malaysia Airlines and Firefly flights. Domestic destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Adelaide. International destination includes Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, and more. T&Cs apply.
Book a flight to the USA available for travel on select dates at Air New Zealand. Destinations include Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii, Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago. Sample fare departs from Sydney to Honolulu. Fares are subject to change without prior notice. T&Cs apply.
Available for travel on select dates and locations at TripAdvisor. Experience activities like land adventures, wine tours, water sports, and more T&Cs apply.
The kids are out of school and they've been itching all year long for a holiday. No joke. And if we had to choose one place in the nation where kids young and old are entertained to no end, it's the Gold Coast.
From theme parks and beaches, marine sports to shopping centres, spa retreats to Hinterland walks, this city has it all.
Bear in mind that you won't be the only family hightailing it to this spot. With sun and theme parks aplenty, the Gold Coast is a go-to over the summer break. Get in early.
Cost: Budget–luxe accommodation available. Choose from hostels and holiday parks to luxury resorts and retreats.
How long should I stay? 5–7 days.
Recommended hotel: When a great location at an affordable price is a must, Mantra on View is your go-to. Rooms start at $175 per night in December and Surfers Paradise Beach is less than a block away.
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Save on your next holiday and get up to $1,059 bonus value when you book your next trip on Flight Centre. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cook Islands, Bali, Fitzroy Island and more. Limited availability and for select dates only. T&Cs apply.
Available on selected accommodations in Cairns, Port Douglas, Gold Coast, Whitsundays, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney, Queenstown, Adelaide and Dubbo. Limited time offer. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
Available on select stay dates in Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. Sample stay is for a studio apartment in Mornington Peninsula. T&Cs apply.
Up to $2,500 free in extras Queensland packages with flights
Available for travel on select 2020 dates for destinations like Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and more. Packages include accommodation, return flights, daily buffet breakfast, kids stay for free and more. T&Cs apply.
Member Price: 10% off or more on over 100,000 hotels
Available for travel on select dates across Australia at Expedia. Destinations include Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates until 2024, including Easter and school holidays. Activities include whale- and dolphin-watching and lunch and sunset cruises in Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Sea World Gold Coast Helicopter Scenic Flights: $89
Soar over Sea World, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and more when you book a 5, 10, 15 or 20 minute helicopter flight from Experience Oz. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Available for travel on select dates and locations at TripAdvisor. Experience activities like land adventures, wine tours, water sports, and more T&Cs apply.
Save $10 when you grab the 14-day Village Roadshow Mega Pass at Experience Oz. Enjoy 14 days unlimited entry to Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Paradise Country, and Wet'nWild at Gold Coast. T&Cs apply. Limited time offer.
Book a sightseeing buffet lunch cruise in Gold Coast through the Sea World Cruises for $89 per person at Experience Oz. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Book a sightseeing dinner cruise in Gold Coast through the Sea World Cruises for $199 per person at Experience Oz. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Available on select stay dates until December 2023 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Darwin, Canberra and more. Sample rate is for a stay at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort in Cairns.
Sign up with your email address and unlock Sneaky Saver deals. Activities include day tours, attraction passes and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Available on select rental dates in 2023 with Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar and more. Destinations include Brisbane, Toowoomba, Lamington National Park and more.
Book the best tours and activities and get huge discounts that will end soon. Travel destinations include Port Douglas, Cairns, Perth, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select stay dates with Express Deals. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Thredbo Village, Sunshine Coast, Jindabyne, Perth, the Gold Coast and more.
Australia's southernmost state is warm. Comfortable temperatures over the summer months make it ideal for adventure-seekers wishing to hit those trails or road trip around the island.
Cost: Mid-range as Tasmania isn't one of the nation's more expensive states, but summer is its peak season.
How long should I stay? 4–5 days.
Recommended hotel: Treat yourself to a spot on the waterfront at the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel. Don't forget to check out the bar and restaurant that guests highly recommend.
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is for pet-friendly accommodation in Brighton Council. Destinations include Launceston and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
New South Wales residents can explore their own backyard this year by making their Christmas one along the south coast.
From Wollongong to Shellharbour, Kiama to Shoalhaven and Batemans Bay to Merimbula, plenty of tourist townships were hit hard by the bushfires and then the pandemic. They're sure to appreciate your support this summer, especially as it's their peak season.
Bali is one of the top international spots for Aussie Christmas holiday-makers. If you're thinking of joining the masses over the festive season, you can bet your bottom dollar that it's the place to go.
Stick around until New Year's Eve when the skies become frenetic with fireworks and celebrations last well into the next day.
Cost: High-end-priced accommodation and mid-range food.
How long should I stay? 5–7 days.
Recommended hotel: With its own beach, huge pool and Jacuzzis, the Melia Bali gives you more than one opportunity to spoil yourself at Christmas.
Save on your next holiday and get up to $1,059 bonus value when you book your next trip on Flight Centre. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cook Islands, Bali, Fitzroy Island and more. Limited availability and for select dates only. T&Cs apply.
International flights from $485 on Virgin Australia
Available for travel until 15 September 2024. Sample fare departs from Melbourne to Queenstown. Destination includes Apia (Samoa), Denpasar (Bali), Tokyo (Haneda), Nadi (Fiji) and Port Vila (Vanuatu). T&Cs apply.
Get extra 5% off trips for travelers who have travelled with Topdeck before. Available on select travel dates across New Zealand, Bali, Croatia, Greece, USA and more. T&Cs apply.
Kicking off the festive season with a huge Santa parade and Christmas in the Park festival, Auckland goes all out at Christmastime. With the sunshine also comes the flowering of the red pōhutukawa, which is the Kiwi take on the Christmas tree.
Cost: Mid-range accommodation and reasonably priced food.
How long should I stay? 3–5 days.
Recommended hotel: You can count on festive feasts at the in-house restaurants when you book a Christmas stay at Cordis Auckland.
Available on select stay dates when booking through the Agoda app. Destinations include Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, New Zealand and more. First-time users only. T&Cs apply.
School holiday experiences from $24 + 10% off with code
Book some of the top school holiday experiences in Australia and New Zealand with prices starting from $24 at Experience Oz. Plus use the code FDEXOZ350 upon checkout to get 10% off your bookings. T&Cs apply.
Book at least 21 days in advance to save up to 20% off the base of your car rental for 2 days or more. Valid until 15 December 2024 within Australia and New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates in 2023 with Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and more. Sample rate is for a 3-night cruise with Carnival Cruises.
Sign up and become an ALL Accor Live Limitless member and receive a year-round discount of 5% on participating Accor hotels like ibis, Mercure, Novotel and more in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia. T&Cs apply.
Become an ALL Accor Live Limitless member and receive a year-round discount of 5% on participating Accor hotels in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia. Valid for Australia and New Zealand residents only. T&Cs apply.
Plus 10% off if you sign up for Oaks DISCOVERY loyalty program on select dates for a stay duration of 7 nights or more. Destinations include Broome, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Queenstown and more.
Book a flight to Tahiti (Papeete) available for travel on select dates at Air New Zealand. Sample fare departs from Melbourne to Tahiti (Papeete). Fares are subject to change without prior notice. T&Cs apply.
Book a flight to the USA available for travel on select dates at Air New Zealand. Destinations include Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii, Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago. Sample fare departs from Sydney to Honolulu. Fares are subject to change without prior notice. T&Cs apply.
Book a flight and discover the beauty of New Zealand at Emirates. Available for travel on select dates. Fares are subject to change without prior notice. T&Cs apply.
Up to 30% off Australia and New Zealand apartment hotels
Use the code and enjoy up to 30% off at over 20 apartment hotels across Australia and New Zealand. Sign up and unlock your exclusive discount now. T&CS apply.
