Where to travel in australia december
December is the best month for dreamy travelers and travel lovers. It is a fantastic destination for travelers due to the warm summer weather, festive holiday atmosphere, and diverse landscapes.
However, December offers a completely different experience of celebrating festivals in true Australian style, where customs and traditions are entirely distinct from those of the Northern Hemisphere. If you’re here, spend some time on your vacation at the beaches. Everything will be included in this blog.
Here are some destinations for you, depending on your interest:
- Family-Friendly Destinations
- Nature and Wildlife
- Coastal Escapes and Beaches
- Festive Celebrations
- Outback Adventures
- Vibrant Cities
Family-Friendly Destinations:
- Phillip Island, Victoria
- Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Phillip Island, Victori
Average temperature in December: 28° / 20° and minimum 9 days of rain.
Where to stay in Phillip Island
- BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island
- 24 Old Bridge Dr, Newhaven VIC 3925, Australia
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
16 min (16.1 km) via Back Beach Rd/C478 and Phillip Island Rd/B420
The best things to do in Phillip Island, Australia. Phillip Island offers incredible Australian wildlife experiences set against the backdrop of spectacular landscapes. The famous Penguin Parade is just the beginning, so get ready for a holiday filled with nature, local food and wine, and fresh air. Phillip Island is best accessed by car, close enough for a short drive from Melbourne, but far enough to feel like you’ve had a real escape. Phillip Island is Victoria’s holiday sweet spot, home to the little penguins and idyllic…
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Average temperature in December: 22° / 12° and minimum 5 days of rain.
Where to stay in Sunshine Coast, Queensland,
- Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
- 270 Ocean Drive, TWIN WATERS, 4564 Sunshine Coast, Australia
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Australia’s Sunshine Coast is just over an hour north of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane. Generously blessed by Mother Nature, one side offers 60 miles of spectacular coastline, while the other boasts tranquil hinterland. The Sunshine Coast is where Australia goes to relax. Endless golden beaches, water warm enough to swim in year-round, and an easygoing attitude make this the perfect place to slow down, unwind, and simply enjoy yourself.
In this beautiful region, the casual glamour of Noosa gently merges into the family fun of Caloundra and blends with the artistic flair of the hinterland. The Sunshine Coast’s most famous town is Noosa Heads, an indulgent and stylish getaway that attracts many of the world’s A-list. Noosa’s powder-white beach is one of the few in the world that is almost completely surrounded by a national park of almost 4,000 hectares of classic Australian bushland.
Nature and Wildlife
- Tasmania:
Phillip Island, Victori
Average temperature in December: 20–24°C and minimum 8-10 days of rain.
Where to stay in Phillip Island,
- Tall Timbers Tasmania
- 5/15 Scotchtown Rd, Smithton TAS 7330, Australia
- ⭐⭐⭐
Tasmania is one of the best places for Australian travel. Cooler temperatures make this island state ideal for exploring wilderness areas.
Tasmania is a very popular holiday destination in Australia, especially during summer. With four distinct seasons, each with its own beauty, Tasmania is a year-round destination.
December to February in summer is generally considered the best season to visit Tasmania, as the weather is warm and the beaches are warm enough to swim in. Accommodation and car rentals can be really expensive and difficult to book during these peak seasons, so you should plan your trip well in advance. Tasmania is the coldest state in Australia, and the weather can change quickly here.
It can be really cold and windy even in summer, especially in the mountainous areas like Cradle Mountain or Mt. Wellington in Hobart. Be prepared by packing warm, fast-drying layers for maximum flexibility. There are many possible itineraries to travel around Tasmania, depending on your schedule: a full round trip, one city trip (either Hobart or Launceston only), full East Coast, half East Coast, half West Coast trip, or a Hobart to Launceston trip.
- Full island tour
- Visiting just one city, such as only Hobart or only Launceston
- Full East Coast tour
- Exploring part of the East Coast and part of the West Coast
- Journey from Hobart to Launceston
Your travel plan will depend on your time and interests.
Out of these destinations, Kangaroo Island and The Kimberley in Western Australia are the most beautiful places to visit if you are a nature and wildlife lover.
Coastal Escapes and Beaches
If you are a beach lover, you can visit this blog because, in this blog, I will discuss traveling in December and the best beaches in Australia.
- Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
- Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland:
Average temperature in December: 31.4° – 23.3°C and 10 days of rain.
Where to stay in Tasmania
- Barrier Reef Motel
- 2 River Ave, Innisfail QLD 4860, Australia
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
off the east coast of Australia, up to 200 km offshore, a line of surf rises out of the open ocean beneath the surface, creating these breaking waves. It is the most magical marine environment on Earth. It’s one of the seven recognized wonders of the natural world—the Great Barrier Reef, stretching for over 2,000 km up the tropical coast of Australia. It is quite simply the largest living structure on the planet. Made up of almost 3,000 different reefs, each one with its own personality, the Great Barrier Reef is so much more than just coral.
But the Great Barrier Reef is most famous for its underwater world. Here, there is more life than almost anywhere else on Earth. Many of the creatures are exquisitely beautiful, but some seem straight out of science fiction. While others can kill in an instant. Just when you think you know the reef, it changes every second, every hour, every day, and every year. It’s a world of continual surprises. This is the amazing story of an ever-changing natural miracle—the Great Barrier Reef.
Average temperature in December: 24° / 19°C and 7 days of rain.
Where to stay in Bondi Beach:
- QT Bondi
- 6 Beach Rd, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bondi Beach is known for excellent surfing and beautiful golden sandy beaches. The beach itself is 1 km long and is popular with swimmers and sunbathers. You can also do the coastal walk. Many events are held here, so be on the lookout for the Bondi Beach Fest or the City to Surf Fun Run. There’s also plenty of dining and shopping around the area, including cafes and bars. It’s a popular spot with locals, not just tourists. So, if you want a great day in Sydney, come on out!
Right next to Bondi Beach is the Icebergs Pool, which includes two outdoor pools, a sauna, and multiple places for sunbathing. It is part of the Bondi Icebergs Club, although it is also open to the public. It’s one of the only places with a license for winter swimming.
Outback Adventures
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Average temperature in December: 34° / 18°C and 3 days of rain.
Where to stay in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park:
“Hey everyone, welcome to World Heritage Journey. Today, we discuss Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in central Australia. I’m super excited to check this one out, so let’s get moving! This World Heritage Site has two components: Uluru and a nearby rock formation known as Kata Tjuta.
“It is truly one of the most impressive natural formations I have ever seen. It is a massive single sandstone rock that rises 348 meters above the surrounding desert.”
Festive Celebrations.
- Barossa Valley wine tours
- Rottnest Island:
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland:
Average temperature in December: 27° / 13°C and 3 days of rain.
Where to stay in Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is one of the world’s best wine regions, known for its full-bodied Shiraz wines. It is located in South Australia, 60 kilometers northeast of Adelaide. For this trip, we booked the Trailhopper bus tour, which is a hop-on, hop-off type service. They pick up and drop off from Adelaide CBD and visit 12 locations throughout the day. With the way their timetables are set, you can visit up to four wineries of your choice. This is a great way to experience the Barossa, as you don’t have to drive, which means you can drink as much as you want. Of course, drunken and disorderly behavior is always unacceptable.
Our first stop is Grant Burge Wines, one of the most widely recognized brands from the Barossa. Their history goes back to the 1850s, when the first generation of Burge winemakers migrated here. Today, they make a variety of wines ranging from sparkling to rosé, Shiraz, and Grenache. We loved their sparkling Pinot Chardonnay, which is one of the wines we featured in our Wine and Fast Food episode.
Rottnest Island:
Average temperature in December: 24° / 17°C and 0 days of rain.
Where to stay in Rottnest Island:
- Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
- Strue Rd, Rottnest Island WA 6161, Australia
- ⭐⭐⭐
“Searching for a little piece of paradise, an easy day trip from Perth? Rottnest Island is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, boasting some of the world’s finest beaches and bays. A 90-minute ferry ride from Perth city is all it takes to get you to this destination of unspoiled beauty and wonder.
The ferry ride up the Swan River and out to the Indian Ocean is a fascinating journey in itself. It offers wonderful sightseeing and commentary, describing the incredible waterfront homes in different parts of Perth and Fremantle, which you cruise past.
Arriving at Rottnest Island feels like you’ve landed in a different world—a place of deep cultural connection for the Wadjak Noongar people. In their language, it’s called Wadjemup, meaning “place across the water where the spirits are.” Public vehicles are not permitted on the island, so the best way to get around is by bike or to book a bus tour. You can pre-book your bike at the same time you book a ferry or you can hire bikes, scooters, and helmets on the island. Rottnest Island is large and takes a…”
Vibrant Cities
- Sydney Harbour fireworks:
- Melbourne, Victoria
- Yarra Valley
"Sydney Harbour fireworks:
“Sydney Harbour fireworks: this is the most popular and fantastic event for the New Year’s celebration.”
Melbourne, Victoria
- Great Ocean Road
Average temperature in December: 20° / 12°C and 12 days of rain.
Where to stay in Great Ocean Road :
“You go for the first time, and then you love driving down the Great Ocean Road. When it gets a bit busy in Melbourne, you know it’s not too far away. It has the beach, the scenic route, and the forest that you can visit. There are cool spots to hang out and a culture that you can embrace. Everything about it is amazing. The Great Ocean Road is 151 miles long and stretches over the southeastern coast of Australia. It is the ideal way to travel through Victoria. If you like surf culture, come to Torquay—it’s the home of iconic brands like Rip Curl.”
- Yarra Valley
Average temperature in December: 9.2° / 24.2°C and 0 days of rain.
Where to stay in Yarra Valley :
“Yarra Valley is well-known for its food and wine tasting, and we will be visiting the local food producers and winemakers here.
Beechwood Bakery, opened in 2006, is located in the heart of Hills Fields and offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating. This bakery is famous for its traditional baked delights, freshly brewed coffee, and delicious treats.
Indulge yourself with freshly made pies, rolls, cassia, and sandwiches, or try one of their signature bee stings—a mouthwatering bun filled with custard and topped with toffee almonds. Oh my god, that custard is heavenly!”
Some FAQ
Is Australia expensive in December?
Yes — December in Australia is expensive as this is peak holiday season, and prices for flights, accommodation and activities are higher, especially around Christmas and New Year.
How long should you spend in Australia in December?
December allows 2–4 weeks to stop and smell the kangaroo, fully exploring the major cities, beaches and icons of Australia, factoring for travel time between states.
Which part of Australia is the coolest in December?
Tasmania is the coolest part of Australia in December, with temperatures averaging 17°C to 23°C (63°F to 73°F).
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