{"menuItems":[{"label":"Christmas travel deals","anchorName":"#christmas-travel-deals"},{"label":"Top holiday destinations for Christmas in Australia","anchorName":"#top-holiday-destinations-for-christmas-in-australia"},{"label":"1. Best for beaches: The Whitsundays","anchorName":"#1-best-for-beaches-the-whitsundays"},{"label":"2. Best city break: Sydney","anchorName":"#2-best-city-break-sydney"},{"label":"3. Best for families: The Gold Coast","anchorName":"#3-best-for-families-the-gold-coast"},{"label":"4. Best low-key destination: Tasmania","anchorName":"#4-best-low-key-destination-tasmania"},{"label":"5. Best to support your local: South Coast NSW","anchorName":"#5-best-to-support-your-local-south-coast-nsw"},{"label":"Top holiday destinations for Christmas around the world","anchorName":"#top-holiday-destinations-for-christmas-around-the-world"},{"label":"1. Best for FOMO: Bali","anchorName":"#1-best-for-fomo-bali"},{"label":"2. Best short international break: Auckland, New Zealand","anchorName":"#2-best-short-international-break-auckland-new-zealand"},{"label":"3. Best for a white Christmas: Lapland, Finland","anchorName":"#3-best-for-a-white-christmas-lapland-finland"},{"label":"4. Best for festivities: London","anchorName":"#4-best-for-festivities-london"},{"label":"5. Best for beaches: Fiji","anchorName":"#5-best-for-beaches-fiji"},{"label":"6. Best city break: Singapore","anchorName":"#6-best-city-break-singapore"},{"label":"7. Best for island hopping: Krabi, Thailand","anchorName":"#7-best-for-island-hopping-krabi-thailand"},{"label":"8. Best low-key destination: Cook Islands","anchorName":"#8-best-low-key-destination-cook-islands"},{"label":"9. Best for Christmas and New Year's holidays: New York City","anchorName":"#9-best-for-christmas-and-new-year-s-holidays-new-york-city"},{"label":"5 sites to book Christmas holiday packages online","anchorName":"#5-sites-to-book-christmas-holiday-packages-online"},{"label":"1. Wotif","anchorName":"#1-wotif"},{"label":"2. RedBalloon","anchorName":"#2-redballoon"},{"label":"3. Agoda","anchorName":"#3-agoda"},{"label":"4. Groupon","anchorName":"#4-groupon"},{"label":"5. Luxury Escapes","anchorName":"#5-luxury-escapes"},{"label":"Top Christmas holiday travel gifts","anchorName":"#top-christmas-holiday-travel-gifts"}]}
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.
Available on select dates on hot air balloon flights and scenic flights. Destinations include Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Sydney, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and more.
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 hot air balloon flights, skydiving, lunch cruises, jet boat rides and attraction passes on Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and more. Minimum spend of $350 is required. T&Cs apply.
Use the code and get 35% off your stay at Vibe hotels like Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour, Vibe Hotel Subiaco Perth, or Vibe Hotel Canberra. 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 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.
Book your flights from Sydney for as low as $115 at Kayak. Sample fare is Sydney to Ballina Byron via Jetstar. Other destinations include Ballina, Launceston, Melbourne, Coolangatta, Brisbane and more.
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.
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 activities including skydives, jet ski rides, whale watching cruises, day tours, rally driving and scenic helicopter flights. Minimum spend of $250 required. Destinations include Cairns, Sydney and Adelaide. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates until 15 December 2023 when you book your hotel and flights together. Destinations include Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Gold Coast. 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.
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.
Sydney: Up to 12% off Thrilling Flyboard Sessions in Penrith or Kariong
Expires 1 Jan 2024
Available for booking until 28 March 2024. It includes five minutes of flyboard air time wetsuits, a life jacket and helmet, and a bottle of water. 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 for Expedia Rewards to become a member and get exclusive discounts on hotel stays. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Canberra, Sunshine Coast and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates until 2023, 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.
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 for booking on selected travel from 16 March 2024 - 28 July 2024. It includes a flight and stay for 5 nights at Paradise Resort Gold Coast. 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.
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.
Available on select dates until 15 December 2023 when you book your hotel and flights together. Destinations include Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Gold Coast. 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.
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.
Available on select travel dates until 2023, 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.
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 dates on hot air balloon flights and scenic flights. Destinations include Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Sydney, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and more.
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.
Up to $3000 bonus value on select flights, holidays and accommodations
Verified 4 days agoExpires 10 Dec 2023
Enjoy $1500 bonus value on 6-night Bali getaway, $3000 bonus value on Princess World cruises, up to $1040 savings on Vietnam roadtrip and more at Flight Centre. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
International flights from $299 on Virgin Australia
Verified 4 days ago
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.
Available for booking until 31 December 2023. It includes breakfast for 2 persons, a special dinner party for 2 pax, free access to the gym and whirlpool, and free SBEC Benefits membership. 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 dates until December 2023 when you book a minimum of 2 days' rental at least 21 days in advance. Valid for 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.
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 from $549 at Emirates. Available for travel on select dates. Fares are subject to change without prior notice. T&Cs apply.
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.
Deal
