Tuesday, September 1, 2009

An Australian Christmas

By Jennifer Schellington

Christmas is nearly upon us...well I know it's only September but it won't be long before the decorations and Christmas songs are in every supermarket. Have you thought about what you will do this year?

What about doing something completely different and spending Christmas in Australia? For those of you based in the northern Hemisphere, you are probably used to a very cold Christmas. There is certainly something very homely about wrapping up warm, sitting in front of a log fire drinking mulled wine and watching the twinkle of the fairy lights.

If however you are fed up of doing the same old thing every year then why not consider spending Christmas in Australia. It's a great time of year to be in Australia as it is smack bang in the middle of the summer. It means blue skies and temperatures generally around 28 degrees.

The traditions from the United Kingdom still live on although very few families these days cook the traditional turkey with all the trimmings. It's just way to hot for any of that! Instead they tend to "throw another shrimp on the barbie" and enjoy lovely fresh seafood.Pavlova is also a traditional Christmas desert. The focus is definitely on families getting together, enjoying a few drinks and of course, some great food - usually on the Barbie.

Can you picture yourself on a beach sipping champagne with your Santa hat on?? Maybe camping in one of Australia's stunning National Parks or how about an island getaway to the Whitsundays?

There are a few things you should know before you embark on a trip at Christmas. It is a popular time to visit Australia so prices are at a premium, especially Christmas week. The Australia school holidays also start mid December and last all the way until the end of January. Most Australians therefore travel around this time too.

You shouldn't be put off by this especially if you have always wanted to experience the amazing Sydney Fireworks on New Years Eve. They are truly spectacular and worth the trip alone.

It is true that it is hard to find affordable accommodation during this period but there are ways! Look out for short term holiday lets as most Australians leave their homes vacant over this time. What about a home exchange? Many Australians want to experience a cold Christmas.

If you really want to do it properly though, I'd book at least 9 months in advance. That way you will get the best accommodation and there will be good availability. The really good places go first with some Australians booking before March for the following year.

As an example, the really popular National Parks like Freycinet National Park in Tasmania (home to the famous Wine Glass Bay,) have introduced a ballot system for spaces over Christmas week. Camping in general however is a very affordable and fun way to experience Christmas in Australia. There is something for everyone in this amazing country. From km of pristine beaches, amazing island getaways and if you can stand the heat, the red earth of the outback.

It really would be a Christmas like no other. Come to Australia. What are you waiting for?

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