The Ultimate Australian Christmas Summer Road Trip

Those endlessly long days, beach towels covered in sand, and the smell of sunscreen - there’s more to summer than just the heat. It’s a feeling that you’ll be dreaming of from the moment the spring flowers start to bloom, and long after the sun starts to set before 6 pm.

What better way to revel in the long days, Christmas cheer atmosphere, and glorious sunshine of summer in Australia than with a road trip?

Try this sunshine-inspired road trip itinerary to capture that summertime feeling and create some life-long memories along the way. First stop, Sydney!

Sydney

Pick up your motorhome in Sydney and be sure to check out the best the city has to offer before hitting the road. Summer is awash with events and celebrations, from the Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht race and the Sydney Festival to the annual Laneway music festival. If you can fit one of the many events into the beginning of your trip, you’ll know you’ll be off to the right start. As for Sydney’s attractions that are ready to impress any day of the summer, stretch out with a towel on Bondi Beach, or take a stroll across the Harbour Bridge for views out over the city (pro tip: this spot is especially gorgeous at sunset).

Glenworth Valley

Glenworth Valley is a short drive inland, and while it does take you away from the beaches, it also takes you away from the crowds. The valley is the place to go for a rush of adrenalin and some outdoor adventure, as you can try horseback riding, quad bike tours, abseiling, and laser tag. Plus, if you’re looking for something a little different to do for your New Year’s celebrations, Glenworth Valley is the site of the annual Lost Paradise music festival, which is as much about wellness and yoga as it is about great music and having a boogie.

Hunter Valley

From one valley to another, you can’t head back to the beaches without a quick stop in the Hunter Valley. Soak up that sunshine with a glass of wine in your hand (having parked the motorhome for the day) as you take a bike tour of the valley’s famous wineries. There are more than 120 wineries to choose from in the area, or you can try another activity, such as taking a gourmet cooking course or floating up above the picturesque hills and vineyards in a hot air balloon at sunrise.

Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie takes you back to the ocean and back to lazy afternoons with your toes in the sand. This small city is known for its sunrises at Town Beach, although you can also head to the Breakwall or the Tacking Point Lighthouse for something a little different. The Billabong Wildlife Koala Park is another of the town’s top spots and is especially worthwhile if you’re new to Australia and need an introduction to some of the cutest locals. Speaking of local wildlife, Port Macquarie is one of the few places where you can take a camel ride on the beach on the east coast. Should you find yourself in town in mid-December, check out the aptly named Festival of the Sun to listen to fantastic live music by the waterfront, or get a ticket to Oysters in the Vines in January for a day of gorging on exquisite oysters and vinos to match.

Byron Bay

It’s not a summer road trip without a stop in Byron Bay. Take your pick of luscious sandy beaches, such as Belongil Beach, Tallow Beach, or Main Beach right in the midst of it all, and set up your towel, umbrella, and book for the day. There are plenty of cute little shops, cool cafes and enticing ice cream and gelato shops around, and you won’t need to stray far from the beach to enjoy the good vibes of this town. If you’re around for New Year’s Eve, the annual Falls Festival is a top music and arts celebration that runs for several days.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a place where the big city vibe meets beachside surf culture. While on a campervan hire tour in Gold Coast, you can go from theme park rollercoasters in the morning to the waterfront for the afternoon, followed by a night out in the GC’s famous nightclubs into the wee hours. Dreamworld, Seaworld, and Wet’n’Wild are just a few of the theme parks around the city, and you can easily spend a day at each one putting your limits to the test. You can’t go wrong with the beaches around the Gold Coast. Broadbeach is the major strip of sand in front of the downtown area, but you can head up or down the coast for clear waters and welcoming sands in both directions. Should you find yourself in town in January, the city is host to the Magic Millions Race Day for an opportunity to get dressed up and bet on some horses, and the Burleigh Pro surf competition offers a chance to watch the masters at work out on the water later in the month.

Brisbane

Final stop, Brisbane. This city is the capital of Queensland and a vibrant hub of activities, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Your first summertime activity in Brisbane should be a wander along Southbank, an area of riverside cafes, parks, and even a Ferris wheel and a public beach. Stop for lunch at the outdoor Queen Street pedestrian mall, then take your campervan for one last spin up to Mount Coot-tha to cool off in the shady Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Not to be outdone by its neighbouring cities to the south, Brisbane also hosts its own incredible annual events. Electric Gardens and FOMO are both held in January, both outstanding music festivals to help you celebrate the season.

And don’t forget, wherever you are on January 26, the entire country celebrates Australia Day with BBQs, cold drinks and cricket on the beach or in the backyard!