Where to spend Christmas? For most it will be with the folks or the in-laws, it may well be spent with your family members who get together thrice yearly or for some it may be spent alone. Whatever your circumstances, there are other possibilities if you want to mark 2019 Christmas a little differently. Danielle Wilcock highlights some of the best destinations to spend an alternative Aussie Christmas break.
Lord Howe Island, NSW
Take the Christmas break to immerse yourself in the spectacular surroundings of Lord Howe Island and experience some of the world’s best day hikes, snorkelling on the coral reef, hand-feeding fish on Ned’s Beach.
There is much to see and enjoy on an island that truly provides some blissful tranquility.
Lord Howe Island is considered to be an outstanding example of an island ecosystem developed from submarine volcanic activity.
Nature at its finest is truly at your fingertips; treks among the landscapes or snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters are just two ways to experience the island’s beauty.
Particular points of interest include Ned’s Corner, Mt Gower, Transit Hill, Balls Pyramid and Blink Beach. Mt Gower, standing tall at 875m, is Lord Howe’s highest mountain.
Rated as one of Australia’s best day walks, the Mt Gower hike is a challenging eight-hour return trek, complete with rope-assisted climbs and dizzying drops.
Then there’s Ned’s Beach. Wade into the sparkling water at this beach, situated at the island’s north-east, to hand feed the fish.
You will instantly be surrounded by a feeding frenzy of mullet, wrasse, garfish, silver-drummer, spangled emperor and kingfish.
Wellington Square, Perth, WA
Spending the festive period in Perth, WA, will be nothing short of a great alternative to Christmas at home.
The state’s capital offers great weather, fantastic parks, city sights and plenty of great gourmet food.
The city’s Christmas markets have built quite a reputation. They offer high-quality handmade crafters from WA an opportunity to sell their goods and a great time for everyone to do some Christmas gift shopping.
Easily get into the Christmas spirit by shopping among the decorations and talents of the community.
One particularly significant reason to spend your Christmas in the city is the Christmas lunch held annually in Wellington Square.
Each year Mission Australia holds a Christmas lunch with the aim of bringing hope, compassion and celebration to Perth’s most marginalised and disadvantaged people. It’s a really great event for a tremendously important cause.
Thousands of people descend on the square and provide those who are doing it tough at this fragile time of year, with some moral support, love and companionship.
Torquay, VIC
Located on Victoria’s south coast, and a short drive from Melbourne, Torquay is a great location to spend your festive break.
A seaside town at the east end of the Great Ocean Road coastal drive, southwest of Melbourne, Torquay is known for surf beaches like Bells and Jan Juc.
Torquay has been a popular holiday destination for Victorians since the early 1900s and its beaches have been modelled on those of England with wide grassy foreshores and large shady trees lining the coast.
The fresh sea breeze on Boxing Day will be sure to wipe away the festivities of the day before, while affording the opportunity to take in some pretty magical sights.
Scenic walking tracks extend through much of the town and provide some really incredible views can be enjoyed from Yellow Bluff.
There are ample events throughout December to enjoy in Torquay including Torquay Carols by the Sea, Christmastime in Torquay and the Torquay Christmas markets that run right up to Christmas.
Noosa, QLD
The beach, the sea, the fresh breeze and the cosy community feel make for a great experience around the festive period.
Noosa can remain pretty lively during the Christmas period.
As a popular tourist destination, it doesn’t slow down quite the same as everywhere else.
One popular event is the Noosa Boating Regatta, also known as the Noosa Waters Flotilla. This is a great opportunity to spend some time on the water and watch the boats decked-out in Christmas lights.
There’s also the Sunshine Coast Christmas Tree Trail, of which Noosa is a part.
The fig tree in the middle of Hastings St roundabout is beautifully lit at night and only enhances the Christmassy feel of the place.
Bruny Island, TAS
This hidden gem off the coast of Hobart, Tasmania, is visited by 26,000 holidaymakers each year, mostly for day trips.
Bruny Island is a spectacular island of stunning sights; from hay bales and cattle to windswept beaches and arctic wildlife.
Roughly 100km in length, Bruny Island is made up of a north and south island, which are separated by a narrow isthmus known locally as “The Neck”.
It was discovered by Abel Tasman in 1642 and is steeped in both British and Aboriginal history.
Bruny Island is home to Australia’s second oldest and longest continually staffed lighthouse.
It was lit for the last time on August 6, 1996, to be replaced by a solar light nearby.
This along with the penguins that waddle around The Neck are two of many sights to be seen on this delightful island.
A stay here at Christmas would make for a tranquil and calm festive period.
Kangaroo Island, SA
Kangaroo Island is 155km in diameter, is Australia’s third-largest island and is home to many beautiful native animals such as fur seals, sea lions, goannas, koalas, penguins, wallabies and of course kangaroos.
It is also home to almost 5000 people, making it a really friendly and inviting place to visit.
It is the magic combo of wilderness experiences coupled with gourmet tasting (think local honey and cheese) that appeals to many visitors.
The island is only a 30-minute flight from Adelaide or, alternatively, you can drive and catch a ferry from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island, a journey which takes about 45 minutes.
This totally accessible island has much to offer.
Between the coastlines, mountains, bushland and desert and the variety of wildlife, pristine beaches and wineries, you will not be short of things to see and do over the Christmas break.
There’s a full spectrum of accommodation options available on Kangaroo Island, ranging from camping to luxury boutique resorts.
Christmas on the island is festive, joyful and full of life.
If you’re looking for places to feast on Christmas Day itself, look for Aurora Ozone Hotel in Kingscote, Fish in Penneshaw, Hannaford and Sachs on the North Coast and Sunset food and Wine on the Dudley Peninsula are all open from noon.
