A sun-soaked affair, spending Christmas Down Under is unique and magical in its own way. Swapping sleighs for surfboards, and cosy fireplaces for a BBQ on the beach, there are plenty of places to spend Christmas in Australia. 

From golden beaches to cool mountain towns, Australia offers a festive cheer unlike you’ve ever seen before. Ready to have the best Christmas ever in Australia? Here are the best places in Australia to spend the most magical time of year.

Best for: city-lovers, foodies, and families. 

Combining big-city festive buzz with a classic Aussie beachside Christmas, Sydney is one of the best places to spend this magical time of year. Not only are there an array of festive events to choose from leading up to the 25th, but you’ll be having sundowners at rooftop bars, enjoying coastal walks along Bondi or Manly, or experiencing iconic attractions like Taronga Zoo with a festive twist. A Christmas in Sydney will definitely be one to remember.

Best for: Families, thrill-seekers, beach bums

Need to keep the kids (big and small) entertained this Christmas? A family trip to the Gold Coast will tick all the boxes. From sun-drenched beaches to iconic theme parks like Movie World and Dreamworld, Gold Coast is the sort of place that’s both relaxed and adventurous at the same time. Think warm summer evenings, ocean dips, and last-minute Christmas shopping — Gold Coast has it all.

Best for: Couples and nature lovers. 

Prefer a more relaxed festive season? Byron Bay’s laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural landscapes make for the perfect warm-weather holiday — sans the big city chaos. Whether you’re exploring local Christmas markets or catching the sunrise with your loved one at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay is an excellent choice for a nature-filled Christmas destination. 

Best for: Coffee lovers and foodies. 

Whether you’re strolling through the stalls at Queen Victoria Markets, taking in the street art at Hosier Lane, or cafe hopping all weekend long, Melbourne brings a fun, festive spirit to an urban city landscape. Watch as the city lights up with dazzling decorations — including the giant Christmas tree at Fed Square and Myer’s famous Christmas windows — and end the night with a festive cocktail and one of Melbourne’s many rooftop bars.

Best for: Families and beach lovers. 

The Sunshine Coast delivers a more laid‑back beach Christmas with national parks, festive markets, and a wide‑open coastline that screams relaxation. From Noosa to Mooloolaba, the Sunshine Coast is perfect for those who want a classic Aussie Christmas by the sea. 

Best for: Nature lovers and adventurers 

Want to swap a beachy Christmas with misty mountains instead? Why not head to the Blue Mountains? Whether you’re taking scenic walks on Christmas Day or you’re just after a tranquil escape that’s just a couple of hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a popular Christmas destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.  

Best for: Adventure seekers and snorkellers. 

Celebrate Christmas underwater (or at least by the sea) with a trip to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re snorkelling coral gardens, sailing between the Whitsundays or lazing on reef‑fringed sands, Christmas is the perfect time to explore all the magic that the Great Barrier Reef has on offer.