10 Best Cheap Christmas Holiday Destinations
It’s been such a long year. You deserve a holiday.
Christmas is the perfect time to go away, take a break, and spend time with family. But first comes the planning. Do you want to explore the mountains? Roam the countryside? Relax at a beach retreat? Whatever scenery you want to see, there are plenty of holiday options in Australia that can make your Christmas memorable—without having to take out a Christmas loan. Swoosh has done the research for you and found 10 of the best cheap Christmas holiday destinations.
Overview:
- The Blue Mountains, New South Wales
- Jervis Bay, New South Wales
- Cairns, Queensland
- Bruny Island, Tasmania
- Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland
- Victor Harbor, South Australia
- Lakes Entrance, Victoria
- Noosa, Queensland
- Albany, Western Australia
- Port Stephens, New South Wales
Good places to go for Christmas in Australia
We have such a beautiful home here in Australia, where the summer holidays and Christmas season come hand-in-hand. We have so much to do in the warm weather—especially with so many landscapes to explore. From the outback to the city, there will always be a cheap Christmas holiday destination that will make your Christmas special. Make sure to book as soon as possible because Christmas spots fill up quickly!
1. The Blue Mountains, New South Wales – Our top cheap Christmas destination!
Just a short drive from Sydney, this family Christmas holiday destination is a cheap yet stunning option. The Blue Mountains offer a peaceful retreat for those who want to escape from the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site is perfect for nature lovers, with plenty of free activities like bushwalking, sightseeing at the Three Sisters, and exploring the many waterfalls in the area.
If you live in Sydney, the Blue Mountains is also a great option for day trips as a cheap school holiday activity.
Budget tip: Take advantage of the free scenic lookouts, trails, and culture centre.
Accommodation: Affordable accommodation can be found in nearby towns like Katoomba and Leura, including budget motels and cosy hostels.
2. Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Jervis Bay is renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a fantastic affordable Aussie holiday. The area’s beaches, like Hyams Beach, are free to access and a gorgeous location for swimming, snorkelling, or just relaxing under the sun.
Budget tip: Travel cheaply around Christmas by bringing your own food for beach picnics to avoid pricey restaurants. The view will probably be much better anyway!
Accommodation: There are plenty of camping options in nearby national parks like Booderee National Park.
3. Cairns, Queensland
Cairns is a good holiday destination for a tropical Christmas. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns offers plenty of natural beauty and adventure. Visit the Esplanade Lagoon for a free public swimming area where you can cool off and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Budget tip: For meals, opt for the local markets like Rusty’s Markets or Kuranda Rainforest Markets to enjoy cheap eats from food stalls. It’s also a great opportunity to take part in the local community.
Accommodation: Hostels in Cairns are plentiful and cheap with many offering holiday packages with some great deals on tours and excursions. Our recommendations include Gilligan Backpackers Hotel & Resort and Mad Monkey Village. Even better, Mad Monkey Village also does a free breakfast!
4. Bruny Island, Tasmania
Bruny Island, just off the coast of Tasmania, is an incredible destination for a cheap Christmas holiday in Australia.The island holiday spot is known for its rugged landscapes, wildlife, and beautiful beaches, offering visitors the experience of the natural beauty of Tasmania without overspending.
Budget tip: Bring reusable water bottles and snacks wherever you go to avoid those extra expenses. Those little things add up!
Accommodation: Affordable accommodation can be found at campgrounds or holiday parks. For example, South Bruny Camping sites start from just $10 a night and are great for both tent and caravan camping. These sites feature stunning areas for swimming, fishing, kayaking and picnicking.
5. Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland
While the Gold Coast beaches are very popular in December, the nearby hinterland offers a more affordable and tranquil alternative for a Christmas holiday. The Gold Coast Hinterland is full of lush rainforests, waterfalls, and scenic mountain views.
Budget tip: Lamington National Park has plenty of budget-friendly hiking trails and picnic spots. Entry is free, so you can enjoy nature without any added costs.
Accommodation: Look for affordable accommodation in smaller hinterland towns like Canungra or Tamborine Mountain. There are also lots of cute cafes and cheap thrift stores around there!
6. Victor Harbor, South Australia
Just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, Victor Harbor is a charming seaside town perfect for an affordable Christmas escape. The town is known for its stunning coastline, wildlife, and relaxed vibe. Visit Granite Island nearby, where you can spot penguins, or enjoy some time at the beach.
Budget tip: Don’t let holiday areas intimidate you into thinking you can’t afford Christmas. Walking around the town and exploring the coastal trails are a great way to enjoy the area without spending much.
Accommodation: There are plenty of affordable caravan parks and holiday rentals in Victor Harbor, including entire homes for as low as $174 a night. Take the family on this budget holiday!
7. Lakes Entrance, Victoria
Lakes Entrance is a stunning coastal town in eastern Victoria, known for its beautiful lakes, waterways, and beaches. It’s a fantastic Christmas holiday destination for water-based activities like boating, fishing, and swimming, with plenty of free outdoor experiences for families.
Budget tip: Grab some food from the supermarket and have a beachside barbecue to cut down on meal costs.
Accommodation: Lakes Entrance has lots of holiday parks to stay in, such as Abel Tasman Waterfront Motel and Silversans Tourist Park.
8. Noosa, Queensland
Noosa is a picturesque coastal town on the Sunshine Coast, with beautiful beaches and stunning national parks. Although Noosa can be a bit more upscale, visiting during Christmas can still be budget-friendly if you plan ahead. The main beach and Noosa National Park are free to explore and offer breathtaking views.
Budget tip: The farmers’ markets are a great spot to find affordable fresh produce and snacks. Opt for less touristy areas for whenever you dine out.
Accommodation: Book accommodation in nearby towns like Tewantin or Cooroy to save on costs, and take advantage of the local public transport to get around.
9. Albany, Western Australia
Albany, located on the southern coast of Western Australia, is a hidden gem for one of the cheapest holiday destinations. This historic town has stunning coastal views, pristine beaches, and fascinating cultural sites. Like a lot of Western Australia, Albany is underrated and underexplored, making it an ideal spot for those looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors without large crowds.
Budget tip: Take advantage of the town’s free historical sites, such as the Old Gaol Museum and the stunning coastal views at Torndirrup National Park.
Accommodation: Albany has many accommodation options with great prices, such as Six Degrees Albany Boutique Hotel.
10. Port Stephens, New South Wales
Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, Port Stephens is a fantastic coastal destination for one of the best Christmas getaways. Known for its stunning beaches, sand dunes, and water activities, you can enjoy the holiday season here without the high costs. You can go hiking in Tomaree National Park, swim with dolphins, or relax on the beach.
Budget tip: Plan and book all your activities in advance so that you know exactly how much you will be spending. Free roaming every day can lead to a lot of unexpected extra spending.
Accommodation: Cabin and caravan camping is a popular and affordable option. Check out places like Island Leisure Village.
And that tops off the list of cheap local Christmas holiday destinations! If you’re looking for some overseas options, there are tonnes of budget-friendly places to go for Christmas from Australia.
Had a tough year and looking to go all out this Christmas?
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