5 Must-See Christmas destinations in Australia

Must see destinations in Australia

5 Top Australian Christmas Destinations

Christmas destinations in Australia
New Year’s eve fireworks light up Sydney’s opera House
  1. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne

Christmas Concerts, you say? You shouldn’t miss the annual Carols by Candlelight event held at Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.

The 79-year-old tradition reaches new heights as the event brings together classic Christmas carols performed by the best musicians and stars of the stage. Give your family a memorable Australian-inspired Christmas Eve as you sing carols in chorus with thousands of visitors and locals.

  1. Bondi Beach, Sydney

Enjoy the Australian summer as you take your family to a tropical escape in Bondi Beach. Since it’s considered as the most famous beach in Australia, expect massive crowd celebrating the hot Christmas season with you and your family. The beach is not for people seeking solitude but for those who seek liveliness with fun and outgoing strangers.

Experience walking into a warm sea, hearing shouts of “Happy Christmas.” With thousands of visitors during Christmas, Bondi Beach turns into a party scene with lively people, water sport and other beach activities, sumptuous food choices, huge music events, and a variety of entertainment continuing till dawn. Ready to get drunk at the beach? Sorry to tell you, though, but alcohol is not permitted here.

  1. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

This has been one of the most talked about yachting event in the globe. The spectacular sight of the Sydney Harbour includes hundreds of colorful maxi yachts and sailboats racing towards Hobart in Tasmania at tremendous speed. You can either get amongst the action by joining a harbour cruise or simply slack off at one of the restaurants, picnic groves, and hotels in Sydney with perfect harbour views.

  1. Kangaroo Island, South Australia

If you’re up for a uniquely Australian escape during the holidays, you can never go wrong with spending the rest of the Holiday season in Kangaroo island. Kangaroos, as we all know it, is an Australian icon, and you surely don’t want to leave the country without encountering these furries.

Contrary to what its name implies, Kangaroo island isn’t limited to kangaroos, for it’s also a home to wild sea lions, koalas, and diverse bird species. Apart from rich wildlife, Kangaroo island is also a nature reserve that boasts its native bushland, pristine beaches with fresh seafood, and local wineries perfect for your scenic adventures and gastronomic journey.

  1. Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

What’s the first scenery that comes to mind when you hear Australia? Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge resting on the beautiful Sydney Harbor, I bet. Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney Australia and one of the modern time’s most distinctive buildings.

Before flying back home, don’t forget to visit the iconic destination on New Year’s Eve. Every year, breathtaking fireworks display light up the dark sky above the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Since this is a sought-after event, try to arrive earlier than 5 pm before the crowds start to swell. You may also lodge into one of the well-located hotels and restaurants near which offer stunning views of the Harbour.

 

Carmina Natividad is a writer who has always been passionate about giving in to her wanderlust and collecting mementoes from different places. She also enjoys writing for Holiday Inn, a modern hotel in Western Sydney known for their exceptional accommodation, service, and location, which appeals to travellers in Australia.

 

Must see destinations in Australia

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Top 5 Christmas Traditions in Australia

Christmas traditions in Australia
Christmas traditions in Australia
Image credit

When we think of Christmas, the first things that come to mind are snow-filled Christmas trees with shiny ornaments, warm fireplace, and gifts brought by the fat old man in a red suit and hat. It is not unusual to associate Christmas with white, winter snow – unless you’re in Australia.

I find it awkward to sing “Let it Snow” or “White Christmas” in Australia, for Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere takes place during summer. Australian’s Christmas is when we watch Santa surfing in the best of beaches and the traditional hot roast dinner by the fireplace is replaced with cold turkey and “Barbie” by the beach.

Aussies’ Christmas may not be as cold as the holiday season of the rest of the world, but the need for warmth from the presence of families, friends, and other fun and outgoing personalities remain.

If you are visiting Australia for a warm, unconventional Holiday season, here are special Australian traditions and destinations you shouldn’t miss.

Australian Christmas Traditions

Christmas traditions in Australia-Christmas carols by candlelight
Christmas carols by candlelight Image credit
  1. Carols by Candlelight

Carols by Candlelight is a Christmas event unique to Australia. It’s a wonderful time of the Christmas Eve when people come out of their homes, gather outdoors, and sing and listen to beautiful harmonies of classic Christmas carols while holding candles.

The tradition of the Australian Christmas Eve carol service lit by candle lights began in 1937 in Melbourne. Today, it has spread far and wide. Carols by Candlelight today ranges from the smaller local community and church events to huge gatherings which are aired live throughout the country.

  1. Christmas ornaments

Aside from hanging wreaths and decorating with Christmas trees and Christmas light displays, families adorn their homes with ferns, evergreens, palm leaves, and summer blooms such as Christmas bush and Christmas bellflower.

  1. Aussie’s Christmas Food

Unlike most countries whose holiday feasts take place at night, Aussies’ highlight of the day is the holiday midday dinner. Families gather during lunch time to share a traditional British Christmas dinner of roast ham or turkey as well as rich plum pudding doused in brandy.

Other families head to their backyards, beaches, and country sides to grill their meals. Aussies call it “barbie”, or the Australian slang for the barbecue, often comprised of meat and fresh seafood. Some families also prefer a cold Christmas dinner of cold turkey or ham, and salad.

  1. Boxing day

Gift giving doesn’t stop after Christmas. Australia celebrates “Boxing Day” every December 26 to honor the country’s hardworking servants and tradesmen. These workers traditionally receive gifts not only from their masters and employers but also from their customers. The gifts (Christmas Boxes), which may include tips, are presented as a way of thanking them for their labor in the past year.

  1. Aussie-inspired Father Christmas

“Father Christmas” is the traditional English name for the personification of Christmas – and the whole world calls this big, bearded bringer of presents in red suit “Santa Claus.”

Since Aussies celebrate Christmas in summer, which is the opposite of the rest of the world’s cold and snowy Christmas season, it’s not unusual for Father Christmas to show up in shorts and flip-flops. During Christmas time, men dressed in Aussie-inspired Santa Claus costumes greet children at the beach, wearing slippers, red trunks, and red signature hat.

 You may like to read Top Australian Christmas Destinations

Carmina Natividad is a writer who has always been passionate about giving in to her wanderlust and collecting mementoes from different places. She also enjoys writing for Holiday Inn, a modern hotel in Western Sydney known for their exceptional accommodation, service, and location, which appeals to travellers in Australia.

Christmas traditions in Australia

Pin it for later!

You may like to read 5 Must-see Christmas destinations in Australia

Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney 2016

The Sydney Vivid festival is a fantastic way to spend a Winters evening (Ideally if it’s not raining). See Sydney’s landmarks transformed into moving images and amazing colours during the festival.

From around 6pm – 11pm each night in Late May / Early June spend a few hours strolling around Circular Quay, the botanical gardens, and Martin Place, with other displays in the Rocks and places in the CBD. The displays are amazing and very entertaining. Not forgetting it’s all absolutely Free, which is a bonus these days.

I would suggest trying to avoid the weekend evenings if possible as it’s very busy, but that’s the downside of a great event.

Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney 2016

Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of light, music and ideas. It has become the premier winter event in the city. It is gaining a reputation for being among the world’s leading creative celebrations. This year the festival is on from 27 May – 18 June 2016.

To experience VIVID in different ways, there are events that take place every day throughout the city. The simplest way is to arrive in the city at nightfall and wander around until the installations light up your eyes. Maps are available to guide visitors through everything.

Another great way to experience it all is to book a specially created tour for the event. You can take a cruise around the Sydney Harbour and see the lights from the water, or go behind-the-scenes at the Sydney Opera House while the outside is lit up!

Vivid Sydney cruises
Vivid Festival banner
Image credit- www.captaincook.com.au

Vivid Lights Sydney Harbour Cruise– This cruise around Sydney Harbour is a 1-hour evening boat excursion. The spectacular light displays of Vivid Sydney festival is an unforgettable experience as you admire the artworks that light up iconic structures including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay among others. Your cruise ends at Darling Harbour where you can explore more.

Darling Harbour– There are many attractions for tourists here. You can meet animals and sea life, climb aboard submarines and destroyers, see science in action, touch a giant 3D movie or a waxwork movie star, ride a carousel, catch a flying fox in the Darling Harbour Playground, roll the casino dice, pull up a deck chair on the Village Green, or escape to a blissfully tranquil garden.

  • 9D Action Cinemas– 9D Action Cinemas brings you the latest technology in a dynamic, multi-dimensional, small theatre movie entertainment, suitable for both children and adults.

Your senses will be overwhelmed with the stimulating and exciting 3D movies with surround sound, coupled with ‘active motion’ luxury seats and dramatic effects such as rain, fog, lightning, wind, snow, touch, feel and more. You will enjoy this genuine ‘action cinema’ experience like you have never had in traditional movies. For more details, follow this link.

  • ADVENTURE CRUISING WITH FANTASEA

If you want to see Sydney from the water, Fantasea is the way to do it. Do follow this link for more details.

  • AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

The Maritime Museum promises a great day out for the family with enthralling exhibitions and a must-see collection of vessels. For further details, please follow this link.

  • CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP

Feel the sun on your face in your own secret garden in Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship. The Chinese Garden is a place to escape. It recreates the philosophy of a traditional Chinese garden with waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants and hidden pathways.  Chinese Garden Highlights tour.

  • Cockle Bay Wharf

It is located on the CBD side of Darling Harbour. Enjoy Sydney’s most stunning waterside location by taking advantage of the various dining options. A variety of restaurants and cafes with menus that will make your mouth water, fresh seafood, authentic Italian dishes, and hawker-style Malaysian cuisine, to modern Australian – each venue offers a truly unique experience.

Celebrate @RBGSydney‘s 200th Birthday as it illuminates from 6-11pm until 18 Jun. #VividSydney

📷speakerphone (IG) pic.twitter.com/0HpBvuX734

— Vivid Sydney (@VividSydney) June 2, 2016

Plan ahead for your #VividSydney adventure. Check changes to traffic and transport: https://t.co/vcsVVjaG8T pic.twitter.com/smrnIGMo4D

— Vivid Sydney (@VividSydney) June 3, 2016

References: Darling Harbour

Vivid Sydney

Tulip festivals around the world

Tulip festivals around the world

Tulips are considered the harbinger of Spring. A tulip festival allows locals to see them as well as tourists enjoy the attraction. Following are some of the Tulip festivals from around the world. Which one is your favourite?

ASIA

  1.  Srinagar, India– Tulip festival in India is celebrated usually in the month of April at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. {Refer my previous post…Beautiful landscape of Srinagar}

EUROPE

  1.  Tulip Festival – the Flower of Lake Geneva– 26 Mar- 8 May

The delightful flower of Lake Geneva is yours for the picking! Every year, Morges greets the return of spring with more than 120,000 tulips decorating the flower banks in Parc de l’Indépendance. In the subsequent months, the gardens of Château de Vullierens present a fabulous collection of irises and lilies. In addition, there is unique exhibition and sale of dahlias on the town’s lakeside streets. For more details, follow this link.

      3. Keukenhof in Lisse, Netherlands March 20th – May 17th– -Keukenhof, the best day out among the flowers! Over 7 million bulbs in bloom with around 800 varieties of tulips. You can enjoy spectacular flower shows, surprising inspirational gardens, unique artwork and wonderful events. For more details, follow this link.

       4. Spalding England Flower Festival May– Spalding is a warm Georgian town in Lincolnshire Fens. The town stands on the banks of the River Welland. During spring, hyacinths, daffodils and tulips carpet the area with a glorious blaze of color. For more details, please visit this link

USA & CANADA

  1. Skagit Valley Tulip festival – April 1- 30 April – The Skagit Valley Tulip festival is designed as a driving tour. The fields are located in the valley between La Conner and Mount Vernon with events and activities all around Skagit Valley. For more details, follow this link
  1. Canadian Tulip Festival – May 8th -May 18th – When you visit the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa, remember this… All of those beautiful blooms belong to you. They are a gift to all Canadians from the Netherlands for Canada’s role in helping the Dutch during the second world war. Join us this May!

For more details, check out this link

AUSTRALIA

  1. Tesselaar Tulip Festival Australia September 8th -October 4th – Tesselaar Tulip Festival held in Silvan, Victoria (near Melbourne, Victoria). For more details, please follow this link

There are many more tulip festivals around the world.

What is your favourite? Which one should  I include on my next list?