While most destinations boast one selling point, Australia has so many top-tier attractions that it’s ideal for any traveler, regardless of their preferences.
After all, it offers a mix of beautiful beaches, amazing cuisines, natural forests, incredible wildlife, and unique road trip experiences.
But that’s not all – this country also prides itself in festive holiday atmospheres, making it the best place to be in the holidays.
And since it offers remote attractions alongside its commercial developments, you can ease into your holiday or spend it around high energy for the ultimate peak.
Let’s show you why a trip to Australia could be the best way to end your year.
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Why Travel to Australia in December?
Most travelers choose a holiday destination based on weather, amenities, activities, and safety.
Australia wins on all fronts.
How so?
- The weather: While many people celebrate white Christmases with chilling weather, Australians end the year on a high note. The temperatures often range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, even in the southern parts. So, instead of spending your mornings sipping hot cocoa, you can enjoy warm weather and much-needed humidity at the beach.
- The events: Spending your days enjoying barbecues and winding down with lively music in the evenings sounds like a dream. But it does not have to be, as this is the reality for people holidaying in Australia. There’s nothing like a summer Christmas topped with amazing headliners to put the icing on the already perfect cake!
- The activities: What do you fancy for holiday activities? Do you want to spend your mornings snorkeling with the fish? Perhaps you want to enjoy sunrises while hiking up beautiful mountains. Or visiting animals in the national parks. With the diversity in Australia, you will be so spoilt for choice that your itinerary will be one for the books!
- The crowds: Australia is so big and has so many attractions and events that you don’t need to worry about running into crowds. You can enjoy an entire month of warm weather, fun events, and incredible cuisines without ever feeling cramped. How many destinations can guarantee this?
Let’s not forget that you will get to celebrate New Year’s before everyone else – that’s a top reason to be in this remote country as the year ends. And if you will be in Sydney, the fireworks will surely blow you away!
Top Destinations in Australia
Since Australia has numerous fantastic travel options, the best way to cover this country is to create and follow a detailed travel itinerary.
And how better to make one than including the best spots in the country?
Here are some of the most popular destinations and what makes them rank high:
- Sydney: The Sydney Opera House is one of the key stops in this city, also known for its incredible beach surfing spots. So, this will do if you want to tour the Opera House, watch the fireworks in the New Year, or chill by the beach.
- Melbourne: Do you enjoy walking down memory lane or taking quiet strolls through serene gardens? Visitors to Melbourne especially enjoy its art galleries and museums, which help them appreciate local talent while learning Australia’s history. And if you enjoy taking photos against picturesque backgrounds, try the Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Brisbane: Are you truly in Australia if you have not stopped by Mt Cool-tha? This attraction pulls visitors from all over the world. As a plus, you can end your tour with a visit to the South Bank museums for an infusion of history and culture.
- The Great Barrier Reef: What would you say to the chance to explore a 3000-kilometer stretch off the coast of Queensland? The Great Barrier Reef has it all, from snorkeling spots to the best scuba diving experiences to scenic flights and dive sites. No matter what you choose, being in this dreamy location is sure to help you unwind and usher in the new year with pomp.
Other notable locations to add to your itinerary include Adelaide for the arts festivals, Perth for its beaches, Cairns for its rain forests, and Gold Coast for its theme parks and surf sites.
Seasonal Activities and Events
Street parties, traditional roasts, Christmas carols by candlelight, barbeque lunches, gifting, and cultural events are top Australian holiday traditions you can add to your itinerary to enjoy holidays the Australian way.
And while you may not be in a position to set up seafood barbecues, you can always enjoy these and more delights by attending holiday events.
Below are some great options:
Lost Paradise in Glenworth Valley
From 28th December to 1st January, you will have the chance to enjoy musical line-ups from local and international stars, including PNAU and Jayda G.
Besides music, the event will host healing arts, yoga sessions, and other cultural touches that will add some magic to the whole experience.
Rosé and Croquet in the Centennial Park, Sydney
A laid-back day sounds just perfect for the holidays.
You can experience this by sipping rosé while playing croquet in the sun dressed in comfortable summer clothes.
This event, which will run till 31st December, will allow you to make new friends, enjoy different cuisines, and soak in some sun.
Cambridge Christmas Markets in Sydney
Shopping during the holidays is the norm, and these markets are the place to be if the shopping bug bites you.
On 9th and 10th December, merchants will have a lot in store, including jewelry, skincare products, accessories, art, and even food.
Not only can you grab souvenirs, but you can also take advantage of these markets to get gifts for your loved ones.
Changing Tides in Kiama
Combining food and good music makes any event the go-to for fun lovers.
And this music festival does exactly this.
On the 16th and 17th of December, stars like Royal Blood and Spacey Jane will belt out some tunes that will match the vibes in this coastal town.
And with food trucks serving hot and delicious treats, you will hardly want to go home.
House of Splendour in Sydney
Watching the famous fireworks in Sydney ranks as one of the best ways to start the new year.
And where better to do this than the House of Splendour?
Here, you get an amazing view of the fireworks which you can enjoy while listening to some of the best Australian DJs and snacking on choice wines and food.
With most Australian holiday-themed events centering on good music, mouthwatering food, and incredible shopping experiences, your holiday will surely be memorable.
Beach Holidays and Water Adventures
The summer holidays in Australia coincide with the Christmas season, gifting you the chance to enjoy a warm Christmas morning.
For most people, this equates to beach hangouts almost every day.
And how could they not when beaches have all the following perks?
- No crowds: Unlike many countries that have limited beaches, Australia boasts thousands of kilometers of amazing beaches. Finding a good option is a walk in the park – and you can always avoid the crowds by opting for less inhabited sections.
- Ideal surf spots: Does anything beat the feel of the wind in your hair while enjoying an unobstructed beach view as you surf? Even better is the abundance of spots that serve all surfer preferences, including punchy reef enthusiasts.
- The relaxed vibes: Beaches in Australia attract laidback people, and you can enjoy getting to know the locals in a relaxed environment. You can learn a lot about the top attractions, local cuisines, and traveling tips by bonding with the people you meet at the beach.
- The food: Many people head to the beach for the tantalizing seafood barbecues. Friends, families, and strangers gather around the beach to enjoy these hot meals with the ocean view as they watch the sunset in the distance.
- The water activities: If you enjoy an adrenaline rush to go with your barbecue, you will love touring Australia. Options range from kayaking to parasailing, water skiing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, sailing, boating, scuba diving, and jet skiing. Even if you cannot swim or would rather not be in the water, there are multiple ways to take advantage of the beautiful, expansive waters.
Of course, this list would not be exhaustive without touching on the Great Ocean Road.
This tourist route, which hugs the coastline, gives you a spectacular ocean view against the contrast of forests and towns.
Along the route, you also experience tens of other attractions, such as waterfalls, surf breaks, the war memorial, and the 12 Apostles.
And as luck would have it, the best time to tour this route is December!
Wildlife Encounters
Australia is home to animals that the world idolizes, from seals to kangaroos to dingos to koalas.
And with most of the country unspoiled, you can visit these and other animals in their natural habitats.
Below are some experiences you will live to remember:
- Koala cuddling at the Australia Zoo: The Instagrammable photo ops alone convince most people to book a koala cuddling session. But besides the photos, you learn more about koalas and the need for extensive conservation efforts.
- Visiting quokkas in Rottnest Island: While most animals shun strangers, quokkas welcome them. These animals are so open to human interactions that snapping selfies with them is almost commonplace. You will also love that these experiences do not harm their natural ecosystems.
- Feeding dolphins in Tangalooma: Flipper changed dolphins for most people, and many look forward to the day they can interact with these animals closely. Dolphin tours in this region allow you to do this while ensuring the animals are safe and can maintain their independence.
- Watching penguins at Phillip Island: Waddling penguins make for great memories. You can enjoy the penguins emerging from the water as they head home and get amazing photos and videos. Plus, you get to learn a lot about them.
Other wildlife encounters include swimming with manta rays, boating with crocodiles, watching whales, and interacting with platypuses.
In all these experiences, the emphasis on natural habitat conservation will be evident, showcasing why Australia is ideal for wildlife tours.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Touring Australia during the holidays allows you to soak in the warm weather and vibrant summer atmosphere.
Below are some tips you can use to get the most out of your trip:
- Get your documents in order: You should have the following documentation- a valid passport, a visa (tourists need an ETA), travel insurance, medical cover, a flight itinerary, an accommodation booking confirmation, and any other supporting documentation. A passport agency can expedite passport and visa applications and can get you the required documents within days.
- Dress for the weather: Summers in Australia can be especially hot, including in the south. What’s more, the UV rays in Australia are pretty high. You should thus wear enough sunscreen, dress in light and breathable fabrics, and pack some aloe vera to help with any excess sun exposure. If you will be outdoors often, carry heavy-duty boots, long pants, insect repellents, rain jackets, and other outdoorsy clothes to help you feel comfortable when exploring.
- Take advantage of public transit: While hiring a car or booking a cab is always an option, the public transport system in Australia is so efficient that you don’t need to find private means. You can easily use buses, trams, and trains to travel within the country.
- Consider different accommodation options: Besides hotels, you can stay in hostels or rental homes. Consider the length of your stay, the amenities you need, and your budget when booking an option. For example, a hostel is a good idea for a traveler looking for a short-term stay on a budget. Some options cost as low as $10 a night!
- Stay safe: While Australia is mostly safe, it always helps to follow safety precautions, e.g., not walking alone at night. You should also not approach wild animals unless you are in the company of a trained guide in a safe environment. When interacting with animals, follow the instructions of the guide to avoid getting harmed or scaring the animals.
Also, stay updated on the news and share your itinerary with loved ones to enhance your safety even more.
Visiting the 6th largest country in the world has many perks, with the key being the extensive list of things to do and see.
These advantages are even more profound in the summer when the weather allows you to dive into your itinerary and cross things off your bucket list with little concern over the weather.
Add the allure of holiday-themed events, and your year will end with the bang you deserve!
Australia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Australia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
