Why have a longer holiday?
Planning a longer holiday can seem like a lot of work at first. But the pros far outweigh the cons. There might be inconveniences like ensuring pet sitters if you’ve got pets at home, but it comes with the benefit of being able to settle into a holiday and fully enjoy it before you’ve got to pack up and head back home—right when you find your holiday groove!
Choose your location
Within NSW, plenty of destinations are perfect for the summer holidays. You could head into the city and have a Christmas vacation in Sydney, you could explore inland for a January holiday adventure far away from the hustle and bustle of life or head to the coast for sparkling ocean and long stretches of sandy beaches.
Consider the NSW holiday destination that most appeals to you and your family. Consider making a list of potential holiday destinations for December. To get you started, here are some of our favourites:
Sydney
The capital of the state, Sydney has plenty to offer the whole family. From shopping, to sightseeing, to arts and culture experiences, it has it all. Sydney is a great destination for a longer stay for the family that loves to hit the city streets to explore and find something new and exciting together every day.
Sydney has plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. Within the city centre and close to some of Sydney’s best attractions, Mantra 2 Bond Street and The Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney are both ideal. Stay in a serviced apartment and enjoy the comforts of home in the heart of Sydney.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is home to some of the best scenery, hikes, boutique shopping, and relaxation in the state. Stay at the Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains - MGallery by Sofitel, where you can enjoy the award-winning Ubika Day Spa and the kids can have endless fun at the KidsZone, splashing about in the swimming pools, playing tennis or basketball. Nearby attractions like Leura, the Three Sisters and the Jenolan Caves, plus activities like stargazing and biking adventures, means there’s plenty to keep the whole household happy for your extended summer holidays.
Newcastle & The Central Coast
North of Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast are perfect summer holiday destinations for anyone who loves swimming, surfing, and relaxing on the beach. The coast with the most, the Central Coast includes suburbs like Magenta, Wyong, and The Entrance, all with stunning coastlines and enviable beaches you won’t be able to resist—the ultimate seaside escape. Animal lovers might get to try swimming with dolphins or have access to a wide variety of creatures at the Australian Reptile Park. Anyone looking for adventure can try quad biking on the sand dunes of Port Stephens or climbing amongst the treetops.
In Newcastle, stay somewhere central like the Novotel Newcastle Beach to make the most of the pristine coastline. And on the Central Coast, Mantra Ettalong Beach is a popular resort for anyone looking to soak up the sun and enjoy a swim at the beach or the hotel pool.
Hunter Valley
Nestled a little inland from the coast and from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is a destination renown for relaxing scenery, sweeping vistas, wide open spaces for kids to run around in, and plenty of high-quality wines for adults who love a good drop. Be sure to visit the Hunter Valley Gardens during the summer school holidays—the Gardens stay open late to celebrate the Christmas holidays with immersive themed displays comprising over 3 million lights!
South Coast NSW
South of Sydney, the South Coast of NSW is a wonderland of gorgeous scenery and exciting activities. Whether it’s the coast itself that calls you South or the lush greenery just moments from the beach. Visit the coastal city of Wollongong (NSW’s third-largest city) for plenty of shopping, dining, and activities. Or head to Bowral and the Southern Highlands for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Or head to Gerringong to visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, including impressive 7-Mile Beach. On the south coast you’ll be able to try activities like surfing, sailing, canoeing, hiking, and plenty more.
Plan ahead
Once you know where you’re going, make sure you’ve got a rough idea of what you want to do there. If you’re planning a road trip, for example, make sure you plan enough stops for lunch and toilet breaks. Or you can follow our handy road trip itinerary from Sydney to Byron Bay to take the hassle out of it.
If you’re planning your summer holidays around visiting a specific attraction, consider buying tickets or booking your spot ahead of time. Attractions like Luna Park in Sydney or the Taronga Western Plains Zoo have online booking options, so you can secure your spot before you hit the road.
Choose your accommodation wisely
Make sure your accommodation meets your needs. If you’re planning a longer getaway, make sure you choose a hotel, resort, apartment or multiple hotels (if you’re travelling to multiple destinations) that help you create a home away from home.
Opting for a serviced apartment can be wise for family travel, as it ensures you have everything you need to feel at home on a longer holiday throughout summer. Or you could prioritise pet-friendly accommodation if you want to bring the furry family member along for the end of year holidays.
Make sure there’s something for everyone
When choosing your summer holiday destination, make sure you keep the whole family in mind so there’s something for everyone. After all, if you’re planning a holiday for a few weeks, the last thing you want is one member of the family to find the experience lacking. Think about what each destination and accommodation option offers and make the most of the services and facilities available.
Plan for downtime
Even with a longer holiday in the December / January break, it can be easy to try to pack in as many activities as possible. But remember to plan in some downtime too. After all, half the benefit of a longer holiday is the time and space to relax in between all the exciting activities and adventures. Give yourself and the kids time to relax on the couch together so that you can all recharge for the next day’s activities and make the most of your time away together.
