If you’re looking to switch off and get away this holiday season, pack up the car, camper trailer or caravan and get on the road. Whether you’re looking escape the summer heat to somewhere a little cooler or embrace it and soak up the sun, REDARC can help you get there. So where are some good holiday spots for you and the family this holiday season? We’ve put together a list of the best getaway destinations for your Christmas break.
Bright, Victoria
If you’re looking to get away from some of the heat this Christmas, Bright could be the way to go. Approximately 300km north of Melbourne, Bright is nestled in Victoria’s alpine region and while in winter it’s the gateway to the snowfields, it shouldn’t be written off as a summer travel destination. With plenty of things to do for the entire family including scenic drives and lookouts, walking and cycling trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, and cooling off in the Ovens River, or enjoying a drink and meal at one of the many local cafes, restaurants, and breweries. There are several caravan parks in and around the town, making it perfect for families. While summer might not be the season for snow, the mountain views are nothing short of spectacular.
For more information on Bright and the surrounding alpine region check out the Visit Bright website.
Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia
Located 40 minutes south of Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula is only a short drive out of the city but feels like your worlds away. Picturesque beaches, world renowned wine, and delicious food it’s the perfect location to wind down and relax over the Christmas period. With towns spread all over the region there’s sure to be something for every member of the family. There’s snorkelling at the Port Noarlunga reef, surfing at Port Elliot and Victor Harbour, wineries in McLaren Vale, hiking in Deep Creek, swimming in Second Valley, farmers markets in Willunga and so much more – you’ll never run out of things to do.
As the Fleurieu Peninsula is made up of so many different towns there’s sure to be an accommodation option to suit any style or budget, but if you’re looking to camp, we’d recommend choosing something by the beach. Rapid Bay caravan park is a local favourite with grassy campsites right on the water. It is unpowered though, so if you want power, you’ll need a 12V power system.
For more information on all that the Fleurieu Peninsula has to offer visit the South Australia website.
The Great Beach Drive, Queensland
Are you in the mood to get off the bitumen this Christmas? If so, the Great Beach Drive could be just the trip for you. Connecting the Sunshine Coast and the Gympie region with Fraser Island, a wide stretch of beach with bush on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other becomes your road. Starting in Noosa, the Great Beach Drive traverses 380km all the way to Fraser Island where, should you have the right gear, you can continue your trip.
Many consider Fraser Island a must do trip but with the Great Beach Drive the journey can be just as good as the destination. Along the way there are a whole range of accommodation options from camping to luxury, but if you’re planning to camp, we’d suggest a 12V fridge setup to keep all your food out of the Queensland heat.
Before departing on your trip, it’s important to visit the Queensland parks and forests website to check tide times and make sure you have all the appropriate permits. For more information visit the Sunshine Coast website.
Jurien Bay, Western Australia
If you want a unique experience this Christmas, look no further than Jurien Bay and its sea lions. Only two and a half hours out of Perth, Jurien Bay is home to part of the world’s rarest sea lion population. Only found in WA and SA, they are often found sunbathing on the beaches of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. If sea lions aren’t your thing, never fear there’s also plenty of fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and sandboarding to keep you busy over the Christmas break.
If you want to get stuck into some off-roading, WWII remains at North Head are accessible via a 4WD track at Sandy Cape Information Bay. For camping, a free 72-hour bush camp at Tuart Reserve is our recommendation. As this campsite has no power, water, or bathroom facilities you will need to be fully self-sufficient, which often means having an auxiliary battery and in-vehicle battery charger.
To learn more about Jurien Bay check out Australia’s Coral Coast website.
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
In the heart of Tasmania, Cradle Mountain is beautiful year-round, but with wildflowers blooming in the summer it’s hard to beat. A part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, its jam packed with native flora and fauna. Cradle Mountain is also home to a range of world-class walking tracks to explore, from easy, few hour-long return trips to 6-day hikes covering over 80km, it’s the place to go for anyone looking to stretch their legs. At 1.5 hours from Devonport and 2.5 hours from Launceston, it’s a short drive to escape the hustle of the city over Christmas. If you want to get into the rustic spirit of Cradle Mountain, we’d recommend checking out the Waldheim Cabins.
For more information on Cradle Mountain and planning your next trip visit the Discover Tasmania website.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
For a destination rich in Indigenous Australian history and culture, Kakadu National Park is the perfect destination for a Christmas getaway. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is a World Heritage listed national park and it’s easy to see why. Waterfalls, natural swimming holes, rainforest, bushland, wetlands, ancient rock art and so much wildlife, it’s easy to feel like you’ve taken a step back in time over your Christmas break. Only three hours’ drive from Darwin it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination all year round. If you’re looking for a cultural experience be sure to book an Aboriginal rock art tour with one of the Binij/Mungguy people who have called Kakadu home for over 65,000 years.
With campsites in all seven regions of Kakadu, there’s an option for everyone. From managed campgrounds with toilets, showers, and fire pits to bush camping and basic amenities, there’s often no need to book ahead as the National Park campgrounds operate on a first come first served basis. For more information on things to do in Kakadu visit the Northern Territory website.
Dorrigo, New South Wales
If you’re in the mood to feel like you’ve stepped into another world this Christmas season, look no further than Dorrigo. Only an hour from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo’s stunning rainforests are the perfect place to get away from it all. With plenty of walking trails in the area it’s easy to get out and enjoy the rainforest. If you’re looking for a spectacular view, we’d recommend the Skywalk lookout, connected to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre it overlooks the Bellinger Valley to the coast, 21 metres about the rainforest.
Accommodation in the area varies from luxury to free camping so there’s something for every type of traveller. For a campsite right on the river, check out Platypus Flat campground in the Nymboi-Binderay National Park near Dorrigo. It’s perfect for a bit of kayaking, paddling or to cool off over the warmer Christmas season. If it’s free camping you’re into, a 12V setup is necessary, check out our blog post on designing the perfect power system for more information.
Check out the Visit NSW website for more information on Dorrigo and the surrounding areas.
So, there you have it, some of our top location picks for your Christmas break. To learn more about building a dual battery system to not only get you there but get you back home again check out Shaun Whale’s video on choosing a dual battery system below.
