For Aussie families, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is a golden time. School's out, work tends to slow down, and the weather is prime for beach days, barbecues, and outdoor fun.
Making the most of this festive lull can mean everything from relaxing at home to hitting up the best summer spots Australia has to offer. Here’s a guide for maximising fun during that magical week with the whole family.
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Post-Christmas Chill-Out
The day after Christmas, Boxing Day, is practically sacred in Australia. After the big Christmas meal, it's the perfect time to relax, let the food coma settle, and catch up on some Aussie traditions. Start with the Boxing Day Test cricket match if the family loves sports; it’s a classic, and there’s nothing like lounging around with cricket on in the background. If cricket isn’t the family's thing, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is another fun event to follow on TV (or even in person if you’re near Sydney Harbour!).
For a mellow day, head to the backyard, set up a hammock, and dig into those leftovers. Cold turkey and ham sandwiches, fruit salads, and pavlova make for an easy and tasty way to graze all day long. Set out the kiddie pool for the little ones, or even pull out some classic board games for a low-key family game day.
Roasted Marshmallows Anyone? Christmas with Bon Fires by the Beach. Something very Aussie about it.
Beach or Pool Day
Summer in Australia is synonymous with beach trips. Load up the car with sunscreen, boogie boards, towels, and snacks, and hit up your local beach. For city-dwellers, Bondi, St. Kilda, and the Gold Coast offer family-friendly spots with plenty to do. For a more relaxed experience, try lesser-known beaches or a local swimming hole if you’re near one.
Safety is key, especially with kids, so keep to the flagged areas and encourage breaks in the shade. A good beach day setup might include a pop-up tent or umbrella, chilly bin full of snacks, and plenty of water. If you don’t live close to the ocean, a day at the local pool can be just as fun, and many have splash zones, waterslides, or shallow areas for younger kids.
Go on a Family Picnic Adventure
Australia is blessed with stunning national parks and scenic spots, so this is a great week to explore one. Load up on sandwiches, fruit, and maybe some Christmas leftover desserts, then head to a local park. Centennial Park in Sydney, Kings Park in Perth, and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are beautiful and offer great spots for a family picnic. Look out for nearby bushwalks or short trails for the family to explore after lunch.
For families with younger kids, add a scavenger hunt to the mix. You can make a simple list of items to find, like a unique flower, a kookaburra, or even a certain coloured rock. It’s a fun way to keep them engaged while exploring nature.
Have a Backyard Movie Night
If you’re not up for going out, why not bring the fun home with a backyard movie night? Grab a projector (or use a laptop if you don’t have one) and hang up a white sheet as a screen. Let the kids pick a couple of favourite films, or throw on a family-friendly classic like “Finding Nemo” or “The Lion King.”
Set up blankets, lawn chairs, or even an inflatable pool for the kids to sit in while they watch. Stock up on popcorn, ice cream, and icy poles for a proper summer cinema experience. And as the sun sets, enjoy watching the stars come out alongside the movie.
Organise a Games Tournament
Games are a great way to bring out everyone’s competitive spirit. If your family loves board games, bring out the old favourites like Monopoly, Uno, or Pictionary. Or you can take the fun outdoors with games like backyard cricket, frisbee, or a round of mini-golf if you have a course nearby.
For something low-key but highly engaging, try a family trivia game with questions about family memories, famous Aussie icons, and pop culture. Or, for some silly fun, have a water balloon fight or set up a slip 'n slide on the grass—just remember to be water-wise.
Plan a Day Trip to Somewhere New
This in-between week is perfect for a mini family road trip or day trip. Try exploring a nearby town, beach, or nature reserve that you haven’t been to before. Many Aussie towns have unique attractions, like animal sanctuaries, historical sites, or quirky art installations.
Head to a wildlife park to see kangaroos, koalas, or even crocodiles up close. Or, if you’re close to wine country, plan a family-friendly day trip to a vineyard that offers outdoor picnic areas where kids can run around. For an extra adventure, check if any fruit-picking farms are open nearby; picking fresh berries or cherries is fun and delicious!
Get Creative with Arts and Crafts
After all the excitement of Christmas, a relaxing crafts day can be a nice change of pace, especially if the kids are starting to get bored or the weather’s too hot. Gather some art supplies and let everyone’s creativity flow. You could make some New Year’s decorations, like paper hats, streamers, or 2024 banners to hang up around the house.
You could even gather natural materials, like shells from the beach, to create beach-themed crafts. Kids could paint them or make a seashell mobile. For a sweet end to the crafts day, make Christmas cookie leftovers into edible art with different toppings or frostings.
Get Ready for New Year’s Eve
As the week winds down, the anticipation for New Year’s Eve starts to build! Depending on what your family likes, you can throw a party at home, plan to watch the city fireworks, or even host a backyard BBQ with friends and family. Sydney’s fireworks are among the most famous in the world, and if you’re close enough to the harbour, it’s worth braving the crowds for a fantastic view.
For a quieter option, create your own little countdown event. Let the kids dress up, make some noise-makers, and create a mini “ball drop” using balloons filled with confetti. If they can’t stay up till midnight, make it an early countdown at 9 p.m. or so—just as exciting and a bit easier on the parents.
Start a Family Tradition
Finally, consider kicking off a new tradition that the family can do each year. It could be as simple as writing down everyone’s favourite moments from the past year and storing them in a jar or creating a family scrapbook. Alternatively, set some fun resolutions as a group, like trying a new adventure each month or having monthly game nights.
It could be an annual beach day, a backyard cricket game, or making a special New Year’s dessert together. Having a small tradition can make this time of year even more meaningful.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is all about creating family memories, relaxing, and enjoying the Aussie summer. With a little planning, some local exploring, and a lot of fun activities, you’ll have everyone feeling refreshed, happy, and ready to take on the New Year together.
