Summer is here! Pack your bags for a lush local getaway.
1. Sydney, NSW
The harbour city is lovely at any time of year, but when you combine the start of summer with the festive season you’ve got a pretty unbeatable combination. The city comes alive with Christmas cheer, from the huge Swarovski tree in the Queen Victoria Building to the bright lights in Martin Place and the famous Carols in the Domain concert.
2. Bruny Island, Tas (pictured above)
Bruny Island is undeniably special, but for much of the year can be windy and downright freezing. In December, that all turns around. Days are the longest they’ll be all year with more than 15 hours of sun, temperatures are warm and the ocean is starting to rise to a swimmable temperature. Bruny is a gourmet paradise, so head there right now to eat your fill.
3. Noosa, QLD
Noosa is a grown up town. It doesn’t fall into the same traps as other family-oriented beach towns and so is a great place for a grown up summer break. There are fantastic restaurants, up market boutiques, trendy bars and several stunning beaches. You’ll never want to leave.
4. Torquay, Vic
Victoria’s favourite surf town is pretty rainy all year round, but in December you’re coming into the dry(ish) season and it’s a great time to visit. Days are sunny and the ocean is warming up, meaning you can catch some of those famous waves at Bells Beach without a wetsuit. And if the rain does fall, you can spend the day in the interesting Surf World Surfing Museum.
5. Lord Howe Island, NSW
Around 600 kilometres off the coast of Port Macquarie is the spectacular little Lord Howe Island. Only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time and the only way to get around is by bike. It's surrounded by the world’s southernmost coral reef and December is the ideal time to go exploring under water.
6. 1770, QLD
The only town in the world that’s a number, 1770 is one of the forgotten gems of the Queensland coast. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean, it sits just north of Bundaberg and is a great jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef. The weather in December is perfect and you’re unlikely to encounter too many school holiday crowds.
7. Phillip Island, Vic
Phillip Island is famous for its population of little penguins, the smallest penguins in the world at just 33-centimetres tall. A nightly Penguin Parade sees these adorable little birds make their way up to the beach and December is the best time of year to watch it with up to 1,000 penguins joining in every evening.
8. Kiama, NSW
If you want to be reminded of those glorious childhood holidays to the beach, then Kiama on the New South Wales south coast is the place to go. It’s a charming little beach town with just one main shopping street dotted with a few cafes and shops, as well as a few really retro hotels. The beaches are lovely and there’s a permanent fair on the waterfront over December.
9. Barossa Valley, SA
Summer in the Barossa means hot (hot) days and cool nights, the perfect weather for drinking wine. It’s a time for glorious long lunches at boutique wineries or cycling tours through picturesque vineyards. Just make sure to bring your sunscreen.
10. Wilsons Promontory, Vic
The southernmost tip of the Australian mainland is a 125,000-acre wonderland of rugged mountains, vast grasslands and winding walking trails. December is one of the driest months in Wilsons Prom (as its known) and the sunny days are perfect for walking holidays. The most famous is the multi-day Great Prom Walk, a stunning track that crosses from bush to beach and back again.
Have you been to any of these stunning locations? Do you have any holidays on the cards? Let us know in the comments below.
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