The end of the Australian school year occurs in late November or early December with a six to eight-week break over summer. This is one of the most popular times of the year for holidaymakers and of course camping is high on that list for many people. So I thought I would share our Top 5 Christmas Holiday Spots, based on our travels over the last couple of years. They are perfect for anyone residing along the eastern side of Australia.
1. Gold Coast, Queensland
Without a doubt, the Gold Coast is one of the best family holiday destinations in Australia. We holidayed on the Gold Coast almost every year when our kids were little, before deciding to move there, so I know what I’m talking about.
Accommodation options are endless and there are always great deals to be had. And there is just so much to do. Make sure you check out Surfers Paradise, Seaworld, the Hinterland and Tamborine Mountain. If you are travelling with teenagers you will find lots for them to do as well.
2. Wyangala Dam, NSW
Wyangala Dam is located in Central West NSW about a 20-minute drive from the township of Cowra or about 4 hours drive from Sydney. It is a mecca for water-skiers and fishermen alike. There are several choices for accommodation from campsites to cabins and with a water capacity larger than Sydney Harbour you will be sure to find a piece of water just for you.
3. Snowy Mountains, NSW
We spent a couple of weeks checking out the Snowy Mountains region of NSW and we loved it. Again there is so much to do – bushwalking, mountain biking, water skiing, and kayaking to name just a few. Jindabyne is a great spot to base yourself and from there it is just a short drive into Kosciuszko National Park where you can walk or bike to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.
The village of Thredbo is an amazing spot to visit in summer – a chairlift will whisk you to the top of hill normally covered in snow and from there you can walk or bike to Mt Kosciuszko or try the mountain bike course that runs back down the bottom. If you are looking for lakeside accommodation where you can fish from your balcony try Crackenback Mountain Resort.
4. Cobb & Co Nine Mile Camping Ground
Cobb and Co are one of the best spots we have been to so far on our travels. Situated about 25klms southeast of Gympie this popular family-owned campground has loads of room for the whole family, without ever feeling crowded. If camping is not your thing, there are also luxury tents available. With activities galore for the kids, you won’t see them all day! Woodrum National Park is nearby and ideal for the 4WD enthusiast.
5. Fraser Island
We only made our first trip to Fraser Island at the beginning of 2014 and we loved it. We stayed at Eurong Beach Resort on the eastern side of the island. There are several other accommodation options available including Kingfisher Bay Resort, campgrounds and holiday rentals.
If you don’t own a 4WD there are hire companies in Rainbow Beach or you can go on an organised tour. Either way, it really is one of those must-visit destinations. Highlights of the island are the Maheno Wreck, Lake Mackenzie and Eli Creek.
What other awesome Christmas holiday spots have you visited?
Listen in to their podcast episode https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/travelling-and-working-around-australia/
some great travel hotspots on your list – all of which I haven’t been to…yet!
Happy travels. It was great to meet you today over on LIfestyle Fifty.
Thanks Jill….I could probably add another 5 now!
Interesting list with some places that I hadn’t heard of – okay the Gold Coast being the out and out exception! And Fraser Island has popped up on my list a couple of times, perhaps it’s time?
I think Fraser Island is a destination that everyone should have on their ‘bucket list’.
There are some great suggestions here for camping. I haven’t heard of a few of them so will have to check them out. I have only been to the Snowy Mountains in winter so it sounds like it would be an interesting place to visit in the warmer months. Thanks for the ideas.
We loved our summer stay in the Snowy Mountains…..was a very different perspective to winter.
Fraser Island is definitely making it on to my go to list. I will have to be more organised with holidays now that I am almost a school mum! Thanks for joining in my #wednesdaywanderlust link party! xx
We are thinking of heading back to Fraser next month…not sure if we will be able to fit it in yet though. Magic place.
Ive never heard of number two but looks like a cool holiday spot, will keep it in mind for next holiday
Wyangala Dam is a great spot as are the surrounding towns of Cowra and Bathurst.
Great list – so many awesome places to visit in Qld!
Great list!. We used to go to Thredbo all the time at Christmas when our boys were young. I don’t know if they still do it but Santa Claus would ride the chairlift down on Christmas Day. We even got snow once on Boxing Day – just a dusting.