14th September, 2011

5 Unique Christmas Getaway Ideas

Christmas is a special time for many families. In Australia, it often marks the beginning of the summer holidays. If you’re looking to make the coming Christmas holidays extra special, consider these seven ideas for a unique Christmas getaway for you, your partner, and your family.

1. White Christmas

A White Christmas in Australia? Think sand and not snow. Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast has a plethora of white sandy beaches close by, not the least of which is Surfers Paradise Beach. Combined with sparkling waters, stunning ocean views, and a variety of activities on offer, the Gold Coast makes for a festive and vibrant white Christmas. At Surfers Paradise, accommodation can be close to the beach, allowing you and the family to make the most of your time. Surfers Paradise apartments are plentiful and luxurious enough for even the most discerning visitors.

2. Cultural Breaks

For a cultural Christmas break, Australia is not short of choice either. The colder southern states such as ACT and Victoria are home to some excellent art galleries.

Canberra

Canberra may be the political centre of Australia, but it’s not short on cultural attraction either. Children may enjoy a tour of Parliament House and other must-see such as the National Museum, Old Parliament House, National Library of Australia, and National Gallery of Australia. Questacon, a science and technology centre, is great for visitors all ages.

Melbourne

Melbourne is also full of cultural attractions. Aside from famous galleries and museums such as the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Museum (the largest in the Southern Hemisphere), there’s the Immigration Museum, a must-do for local and interstate tourists, and numerous theatre shows and musicals that run all year around. The more popular shows should be booked well in advance to avoid missing out.

3. Camping Holidays

There are excellent camping sites in every state or territory that offer good amenities and scenic drives. Some of these include:

  • Arkaroola, South Australia. Arkaroola is located in the Flinders Ranges in the midst of gorges and mountains. Lots of wildlife and great views.
  • Lake Glenbawm, New South Wales. Lake Glenbawn is three-and-a-half hours drive from Sydney has a diversity of wildlife and bushland.
  • Snowy River National Park, Victoria. Great river scenery and forests, with plenty of safe swimming spots.

Other notable camping sites are Mary River (NT), Cape Tribulation (Qld), Cape Le Grand (WA), and Cradle Mountain (Tas).

4. River Holidays

A houseboating break can be a fun and interesting holiday for families. There are a variety of choices for houseboat hire and lots of destinations around Australia supporting houseboating. These include:

  • The Murray River in Victoria, which is the longest river in Australia.
  • The Hawkesbury River, a stunning river in New South Wales.

5. Australian Safari

For a taste of Africa, there are several destinations to consider in Australia. The Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria offers camping accommodation, tours, lots of opportunities for getting close to animals, and a variety of African themed activities for children.

Kadaku National Park, with its spectacular scenery and variety of wildlife, may be closest thing Australia has to an African safari. Striking waterfalls, changing wetlands, and dramatic landscapes can make this Christmas holiday an unforgettable experience.