As the holiday season approaches, many Sydneysiders start thinking about escaping the city for a well-deserved break. With so many incredible destinations within a few hours of Sydney, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to planning a Christmas getaway. Here are 10 fantastic options to consider for a festive escape from Sydney in 2017.
Christmas is a time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and spending quality time with loved ones. Whether you're looking for a romantic retreat, an adventure-filled escape, or a family-friendly vacation, there's a perfect Christmas getaway from Sydney waiting for you.
1. Byron Bay: A Coastal Christmas Paradise
Byron Bay is a stunning coastal town in northern New South Wales, known for its pristine beaches, scenic coastal walks, and vibrant atmosphere. Christmas in Byron Bay is a truly magical experience, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. Take a stroll along the beach, go whale watching, or simply relax in a beautiful beachside villa.
2. Hunter Valley: A Wine Country Christmas
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia's premier wine regions, and it's a fantastic place to spend Christmas. With its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet restaurants, the Hunter Valley is the perfect destination for a relaxing and indulgent Christmas getaway. Take a hot air balloon ride, go wine tasting, or simply enjoy a festive feast with friends and family.
3. The Blue Mountains: A Scenic Christmas Escape
The Blue Mountains are a breathtakingly beautiful region just a short drive from Sydney. With its stunning scenery, picturesque villages, and range of outdoor activities, the Blue Mountains are an ideal destination for a Christmas getaway. Take a hike through the mountains, visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere in one of the many charming villages.
4. Port Douglas: A Tropical Christmas Getaway
Port Douglas is a stunning tropical town in far north Queensland, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. Christmas in Port Douglas is a truly special experience, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. Take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, go snorkeling or diving, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
5. Melbourne: A Cultural Christmas Getaway
Melbourne is a vibrant and cultural city, known for its street art, live music scene, and world-class restaurants. Christmas in Melbourne is a fantastic experience, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. Take a stroll along the Yarra River, visit the famous Queen Victoria Market, or simply enjoy the city's festive atmosphere.
6. The Whitsundays: A Beach Christmas Paradise
The Whitsundays are a group of beautiful islands off the coast of Queensland, known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Christmas in the Whitsundays is a truly unforgettable experience, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and simply relaxing on the beach.
7. The Gold Coast: A Theme Park Christmas
The Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination in southern Queensland, known for its theme parks, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. Christmas on the Gold Coast is a fantastic experience, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. Take a trip to Dreamworld, Sea World, or Warner Bros. Movie World, or simply enjoy the city's festive atmosphere.
8. Tasmania: A Wilderness Christmas Getaway
Tasmania is a beautiful and rugged island state, known for its stunning wilderness areas, picturesque villages, and vibrant cultural scene. Christmas in Tasmania is a truly unique experience, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and simply enjoying the island's natural beauty.
9. Cairns: A Tropical Christmas Getaway
Cairns is a tropical city in far north Queensland, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. Christmas in Cairns is a fantastic experience, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. Take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, go snorkeling or diving, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
10. The Sunshine Coast: A Beach Christmas Getaway
The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful region in southern Queensland, known for its stunning beaches, scenic coastal walks, and vibrant atmosphere. Christmas on the Sunshine Coast is a truly special experience, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and simply enjoying the region's natural beauty.
Gallery of Christmas Getaways
FAQs
What are the best Christmas getaways from Sydney?
+Some of the best Christmas getaways from Sydney include Byron Bay, the Hunter Valley, the Blue Mountains, and the Whitsundays.
How far are these destinations from Sydney?
+Distances from Sydney vary, but most destinations are within a few hours' drive or a short flight.
What activities can I do on a Christmas getaway from Sydney?
+Activities vary depending on the destination, but options include swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and exploring local towns and villages.